What Went Down
by Foals
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
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  1. The Observer (UK)
    Aug 31, 2015
    60
    Their fourth effort strives to retain the band’s considerable rhythmic nous while further amplifying the bombast. What results is partially successful.
  2. The Guardian
    Aug 27, 2015
    60
    The results will please dedicated fans, but may lack the melodic ingenuity to pull in others.
  3. The Independent (UK)
    Aug 24, 2015
    60
    Large parts of it still rely too heavily on a dour combination of industry and portent.
  5. Consequence
    Aug 27, 2015
    58
    Taking a large musical step forward was the right move for Foals to make; smoothing the album out repeatedly until it becomes flat wasn’t.
  6. PopMatters
    Sep 11, 2015
    50
    Barring a couple solid songs that fit their catalog fairly nicely, What Went Down offers nothing that their previous albums don’t deliver in a much more satisfying and ample way.

Awards & Rankings

77
#77 Most Discussed Album of 2015
77
#77 Most Shared Album of 2015

User Reviews

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User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 106 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 97 out of 106
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 106
  3. Negative: 5 out of 106
  1. Dang13
    Aug 28, 2015
    10
    Best tracks: Birch tree, Give it all, Lonely Hunter, Knife in the Ocean

    A great album that fixes the small mistakes made in Holy Fire and    Best tracks: Birch tree, Give it all, Lonely Hunter, Knife in the Ocean

    A great album that fixes the small mistakes made in Holy Fire and keeps the brilliant sounds of their still best album "Total Life Forever". What Went Down has a unique sound and stands for itself as probably the best album of the year.    … Full Review »
  2. GeorgePap
    Aug 31, 2015
    9
    A few may argue that the Foals, as any other band, have stayed loyal to the indie sound that made them noticeable to the music community.A few may argue that the Foals, as any other band, have stayed loyal to the indie sound that made them noticeable to the music community. However, their evolution since "Holy Fire" reflected a new image, again energetic and distinguishable. This album produces a scale starting from heavily energetic, ending all the way to a more harmonic feeling.

    Best songs of the album: "London Thunder", "Knife in the Ocean"    … Full Review »
  3. HumanPate86
    Aug 28, 2015
    9
    What went down is surely a trip down the same alley as Holy Fire. Although, it must be said that it has a new sense of sonic ability than it'sWhat went down is surely a trip down the same alley as Holy Fire. Although, it must be said that it has a new sense of sonic ability than it's predecessor. It brings something new to the table while keeping Foals' signature sound. What went down, Mountain at my gates and Birch tree start off the album and are actually it's best tracks. Rest of it veers from very good (Snake oil, Lonely hunter), to good (Albatross, Night Swimmers, London Thunder and Knife in the ocean) to Give it all which is the only track on the album that sounds and feels like a filler. Except for Give it all, album's only flaw is it's predictability towards the end - for example, I was able to foresee some of the chord changes and bass lines. Very good record.… Full Review »
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