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. DIY Magazine
    Aug 28, 2015
    100
    There’s a constant feeling that instead of edging towards going one bigger, this band have embraced their calling. And if Foals didn’t already have enough songs in their arsenal to top festival bills, they’ve just added ten more.
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    Aug 28, 2015
    91
    With a summer that’s been light on rock thrills, What Went Down is a welcome savior.
  3. musicOMH.com
    Aug 24, 2015
    90
    With only the intriguingly named Snake Oil providing somewhat of an average, doomy, Kasabian type entry in an otherwise exemplary set of songs, Foals have produced yet another outstanding must-have album.
  5. Pretty Much Amazing
    Aug 31, 2015
    83
    Foals daub from a palette of varied hues on What Went Down, occasionally with spectacular results. But as an album it’s revisionary as opposed to revolutionary, refining and weaving its DNA from the albums that preceded it.
  6. The 405
    Sep 2, 2015
    80
    There's always a sense of worry that once a band loses its chaotic edge, its youthful exuberance, it takes a step back, but this isn't quite the case with Foals on What Went Down.
  7. Rolling Stone
    Aug 28, 2015
    80
    Their fourth and best album plays up a dark, bracing urgency, especially on the explosive title track.
  8. Drowned In Sound
    Aug 28, 2015
    80
    It comes across more as a work that’ll maintain their admittedly excellent level of consistency, rather than proving itself to be the defining album of an already blessed year for music.
  9. Exclaim
    Aug 27, 2015
    80
    What Went Down shows Foals coming into their own and excelling at blending the styles they have explored over previous records to create a varied and textured offering that will add depth to their high-energy live shows.
  10. AllMusic
    Aug 27, 2015
    80
    Ultimately, What Went Down should please fans of Holy Fire, and they may not be the only ones drawn to its gloomy and persistent energy.
  11. Uncut
    Aug 26, 2015
    80
    What went Down is their most fully realised yet. [Oct 2015, p.75]
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  12. The Line of Best Fit
    Aug 26, 2015
    80
    While not a step forward, What Went Down is a consolidation and refinement of Foals’ artistic strengths and explorations over their previous trio of albums.
  13. Q Magazine
    Aug 25, 2015
    80
    At 10 tracks, it's a concise and perfectly paced record, veering between subtlety and stampede. [Oct 2015, p.100]
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  14. The Telegraph (UK)
    Aug 25, 2015
    80
    Foals’ fourth album is an exciting, immersive experience that picks up where 2013’s Mercury Prize-nominated Holy Fire left off, adding epic arena rock muscle and lustre to their previously rather winsome and overly-cerebral style.
  15. Mojo
    Aug 24, 2015
    80
    Foals consolidate their position here by continuing to do what they do best, namely expressing big emotions loudly through fizzing rock anger or unbridled, danceable joy.
  16. New Musical Express (NME)
    Aug 25, 2015
    70
    Foals [has the] potential to be the most inspired and inspirational band of their generation. All they need do now is let go of the safety rail and plunge.
  17. Clash Music
    Aug 24, 2015
    70
    Unlike their first three albums, What Went Down arrives without any obvious standout singles and is a far cry from Foals' early energetic indie sound. On the other hand, it's impossible to deny that the overall album is a hugely accomplished effort from one of Britain's best surviving bands.
  18. Pitchfork
    Sep 2, 2015
    67
    There are superficial differences in aggression—slightly more electronic buzzing, harsher vocals, gristly guitars. It’s Foals’ raw record, but it’s still filet mignon tartare.... What Went Down is their most consistent, steady-handed work yet.
  19. Under The Radar
    Aug 26, 2015
    65
    What Went Down sounds like a collection of songs built for the stage, and that's not a bad thing, especially since Foals have become an absolutely formidable live beast. It's just hard not to miss the breathing room and layers that defined the band's past work. [Aug-Sep 2015, p.62]

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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