Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
by
Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix Image
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 33 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.8

Universal acclaim- based on 188 Ratings

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  • Summary: The fourth album for the French rock band was produced with Philippe Zdar.

Top Track

Lisztomania
So sentimental Not sentimental no! Romantic not discusing it Darling I'm down and lonely When with the fortunate only I've been looking for something... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 33
  3. Negative: 0 out of 33
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    100
    Though the album trips lightly from slinky roller-skate jams ('Fences') to near Brit-rocky rave-ups ('Lasso'), the underlying vibe is both retro and somehow outside of time--like a memory made sweeter than the real thing it recalls.
  2. Pitchfork
    85
    They're pleasure-pushers, filling tunes with riffs, phrases, and beats a five-year-old could love. But, on Wolfgang, those same songs are unfulfilled--and this band wouldn't have it any other way. There's beauty in a sunset. Phoenix are wringing it out.
  3. Q Magazine
    80
    It may be oversimplifying to invoke the spirit of Radiohead, but this could be Phoenix's "Ok Computer" and "Kid A" rolled into one. [Jun 2009, p.130]
    All this publication's reviews
  4. Dot Music
    80
    Aside from the incredible sonics though, Phoenix's real triumph here is successfully contorting the songs into ever more elaborate and unconventional arrangements without losing any of their classy pop impact.
  5. New Musical Express (NME)
    80
    The real star of the show isn’t the often-bloodless figure of Thomas Mars, it’s the brilliantly detailed production, centred around the dovetailing drum and guitar chops, best heard via headphones for the full stroboscopic effect.
  6. Paste Magazine
    78
    The album's lyrics don’t always make sense, but then again, English isn’t their first language, and words aren’t the point here, the danceable beats and moody ambience are.
  7. Mojo
    60
    There was potential for so much more. [Jun 2009, p.98]
    All this publication's reviews

See all 33 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 34 out of 40
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 40
  3. Negative: 0 out of 40
  1. ZacariasY
    May 28, 2009
    10
    One of the bests albums of the year.
  2. GeorgieP.
    Dec 11, 2009
    10
    Inspiring ! Creative ! In a category of its own ! Phoenix has created a unique sound that's just so pleasing to the ear that words just Inspiring ! Creative ! In a category of its own ! Phoenix has created a unique sound that's just so pleasing to the ear that words just don't do it justice. You need to listen to the quality of this band to truly understand. Wolfgang Amadeus is what I've been waiting for since i got sucked into "United". Don't miss out on this band, they've got some talent.… Expand
  4. MooziikMaster
    Jun 27, 2011
    10
    Beautifully constructed, addictive, and just good, wholesome fun! This album is a blast from start to finish. Despite only having 9 songs,Beautifully constructed, addictive, and just good, wholesome fun! This album is a blast from start to finish. Despite only having 9 songs, this album delivers! With many catchy songs that I guarantee will stay in your head, this is a must-hear. The simplicity of this album is one key factor to why it is such an enjoyable album. The must-hear songs on this album if you don't intend to buy it (which you should!) are "Lisztomania", "1901", "Love Like A Sunset", "Countdown (Sick For The Big Sun)", and "Armistice".… Expand
  5. Reclaimer
    Jul 2, 2009
    9
    Energetic, fun and one that does not wear thin quickly. This is one you can enjoy for quite a while.
  6. BobS.
    Oct 21, 2009
    8
    Excellent, is all you can say about the songs Lisztomania and 1901. But some songs just revert to dullness, like Girlfriend. Bleugh. That Excellent, is all you can say about the songs Lisztomania and 1901. But some songs just revert to dullness, like Girlfriend. Bleugh. That song is awful. But why are they singing in English if they're french?… Expand
  7. matthewa
    May 29, 2009
    8
    This is good but not as good as their best album to date, It's Never Been Like That. That being said, these guys have mastered the art This is good but not as good as their best album to date, It's Never Been Like That. That being said, these guys have mastered the art of hook-writing and all of these are enjoyable listening. I just don' t think this merits an 83 compared to the 72 their last album got. I am assuming that when Phoenix-hating Tiny Mix Tapes and Dusted put out their reviews for this album, the score won't be in the 80s anymore (unfortunately).… Expand
  8. JakeW
    Feb 2, 2010
    5
    Am I the only person who doesn't get this album? I really want to like it, everyone else seems to, but I just find it... dull?

See all 40 User Reviews

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47
#47 Best Album of 2009
33
#33 Most Discussed Album of 2009
3
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