Worlds
by Porter Robinson
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 119 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 108 out of 119
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 119
  3. Negative: 6 out of 119
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  1. Gaston44
    Dec 6, 2014
    9
    Amazing but misunderstood album. Porter Robinson has gotten tired of producing tracks that are guaranteed to be hits and make money, and has refined his talents into 11 beautiful "unconventional" electronic tracks. The album is somewhat of an homage to Japanese culture and robots and loneliness. It's brilliant and you have to listen to it.
  2. AngusMilne
    Nov 14, 2014
    9
    One of the very best albums of 2014.
    Track Reviews:

    Divinity-10/10
    Sad Machine-10/10
    Years Of War-9/10
    Flicker-8/10
    Fresh Static Snow-9/10
    Polygon Dust-8/10
    Hear The Bells-6.5/10 (Weakest Track)
    Natural Light-8/10
    Lionhearted-10/10
    Sea Of Voices-9/10
    Fellow Feeling-10/10 (Best track on the album)
    Goodbye To A World-10/10 (Second Best)
  3. JustinHorowitz
    Oct 4, 2016
    10
    Seeing how these "critics" would give Worlds an average of only a 63 disgusts me. This is a rare album that has a timeless feel to it where I truly feel like there is no need to skip any tracks. Robinson successfully created a list of songs unlike most other EDM artists which captures raw emotions and feel genuine in an incredibly unique way. As an avid fan of Dance/Electronic music thisSeeing how these "critics" would give Worlds an average of only a 63 disgusts me. This is a rare album that has a timeless feel to it where I truly feel like there is no need to skip any tracks. Robinson successfully created a list of songs unlike most other EDM artists which captures raw emotions and feel genuine in an incredibly unique way. As an avid fan of Dance/Electronic music this offers a refreshing sound that is a departure from the typical fist pumping type of songs many artists strive for. Not to say that that's a bad thing (in fact some tracks don't such moments) but Worlds proves to have an even more fascinating vibe that isn't heard in other albums. If only I discovered this earlier so I would be able to hear these tracks live! I hope Robinson comes out with a new piece like this soon! Honestly one of the greatest albums I've heard that I believe is very underrated and I agree with other user reviews that it is misunderstood as well.… Expand
  4. Blanche
    May 12, 2016
    8
    Perhaps 8.5 would be a more accurate rating for me.

    A fantastic album. The Japanese culture indoctrinated into the album along with the vocal chopping, distorted transitions and typical over-compressed synths add to Porter's distinct sound. The replay value in the album is good, and my favourite song is 'Sea Of Voices'. Other great songs include Years Of War which has an interesting    Perhaps 8.5 would be a more accurate rating for me.

    A fantastic album. The Japanese culture indoctrinated into the album along with the vocal chopping, distorted transitions and typical over-compressed synths add to Porter's distinct sound. The replay value in the album is good, and my favourite song is 'Sea Of Voices'. Other great songs include Years Of War which has an interesting structure, Sad Machine and Flicker.

    My only criticism is that sometimes the tracks blend a bit too much. This is definitely a beautiful album, but I would have liked maybe one or two more songs that were beefier and not as melodically rich. Unfortunately the songs that don't melodically entice me as much as the above possibly become tracks to skip after you listen to them so many times.

    Other than that, an album that definitely delivers as both a producer and listener. Well done Porter!    … Expand
  5. brendancoxley
    May 28, 2016
    8
    quite hilarious how much these so called critics score average differ so much from the user score here. that should give you a clue about how good this album actually and obviously is. As someone else has said, a deeply misunderstood album which is great
  6. Santriox
    Mar 15, 2017
    10
    Worlds is one of the best electronic albums of all times because there melodies are so great ,beautiful and I loved the atmosphere that Porter Robinson brings to you.
    Best tracks:
    Goodbye To A World
    Sad Machine
    Divinity
    Years Of War
    Sea Of Voices
    Fellow Feeling
  7. Natereater
    Mar 15, 2017
    10
    One of the most beautiful and artistic albums I have ever listened to. Definitely makes top 3 at least. Porter Robinson truly mastered a new and unique sound. Master of the Synth.
  8. NidoNido
    Apr 15, 2017
    10
    Best album I've ever heard.
    Absolutely fantastic album, each of his song has a wonderful and beautiful meaning and songs such as "Sad Machine", "Fresh Static Snow", "Fellow Feeling", and "Goodbye to a World" have such an interesting meaning. Fellow Feeling and Goodbye to a World are absolutely beautiful and all of Porter's songs have a place in my heart forever.
  9. NoahRoss
    Sep 1, 2018
    9
    A unique sound and an albums-full of dream-like experiences creates a near masterpiece.
  10. RiskR
    Dec 18, 2018
    9
    Let me get one thing straight: Worlds Isn't for everyone. If you have heard bad things about this album, throw all your expectations out the window. If you have heard Good things about this album, throw all your expectations out the window. Simple. It has a sound that sounds like nothing else before or after it. And its not something i can describe with words. You have to listen and decideLet me get one thing straight: Worlds Isn't for everyone. If you have heard bad things about this album, throw all your expectations out the window. If you have heard Good things about this album, throw all your expectations out the window. Simple. It has a sound that sounds like nothing else before or after it. And its not something i can describe with words. You have to listen and decide for yourself if its good or not. To be Honest, i thought this album was boring at first. But i gave it a second chance a few months later. Then the next day, then the next, and now its one of my favorite albums. Porter uses distortion in the right way and about throughout this album. Critics may say this album sound ugly, repetitive, and Unpolished. But it doesn't sound ugly, just different. and repetitive??????? Yeah it is, but how many boring uninspired albums did you give raving reviews on that sound more repetitive and boring then this? Yeah. This album's element you call "unpolished" is actually itls polish. This album isn't Traditional EDM, its Porter Robinson.… Expand
  11. fuwafoowa
    Jan 9, 2018
    10
    Best album ever made as of January 2018.

    Divinity 10/10
    Sad Machine 10/10
    Years Of War 10/10
    Flicker 10/10
    Fresh Static Snow 10/10
    Polygon Dust 10/10
    Hear The Bells 10/10
    Natural Light 10/10
    Lionhearted 10/10
    Sea Of Voices 10/10
    Fellow Feeling 10/10
    Goodbye To A World 10/10
  12. khany
    Apr 15, 2016
    8
    Porter creates a euphoric, nostalgic, and feel-good album, that is as bright and beautiful as the synths and melodies that accompany it. My only issue with it is the fact that, it isn't really Porter himself. It sounds like M83, Passion Pit etc. but with 128bpm and a flaring bass. While World's has a slight identity crisis, it is incredibly beautiful as an album itself.
  13. recta1anarchy
    Jun 11, 2016
    10
    A quick note that I bought the special edition vinyl (preorder only). Honestly, Worlds is one of if not my favorite album to date (which says a lot after albums like Adventure or Occult Classic). Every songs introduces a new world to explore, from cynical and nostalgic in Divinity to the cheerful and eccentric anime world of Flicker. Each track has its distinct flavor and are enjoyable inA quick note that I bought the special edition vinyl (preorder only). Honestly, Worlds is one of if not my favorite album to date (which says a lot after albums like Adventure or Occult Classic). Every songs introduces a new world to explore, from cynical and nostalgic in Divinity to the cheerful and eccentric anime world of Flicker. Each track has its distinct flavor and are enjoyable in their own right, but the way the album is structured is just as great. From the second track onwards, it tells a story that spans many era which culminates in Goodbye to a World (Which is one of the most emotional tracks ive ever heard, in my opnion). The accompanying visuals are beautiful and match the album perfectly.

    Porter Robinson's extremely high production standard is exemplified in this album, even if he's taken a step out of the club sound ring. A must listen if you like your synthpop or alternative EDM.    … Expand
  14. dislexicpotato
    Nov 2, 2018
    9
    One of the most memorable and iconic electronic albums of all time. At first listen the album didnt seem great but as I listened to it more it became one of my favourite albums ever. Favourites include Divinity, Sad Machine, Fellow Feeling, Hear The Bells, Flicker and Fresh Static Snow. The only song I didn't like was Natural Light.
  15. MacsMusic
    Jan 18, 2018
    7
    Worlds is an ambitious album - the songs are long and often big-sounding. Some of the songs on this album work well, and others don't sound great. "Sea of Voices" is big, but it feels too slow and comes across to me as boring. "Fellow Feeling" is very original and interesting, but drags at the beginning. "Goodbye to a World" is a disappointing conclusion for me, being slow, repetitive, andWorlds is an ambitious album - the songs are long and often big-sounding. Some of the songs on this album work well, and others don't sound great. "Sea of Voices" is big, but it feels too slow and comes across to me as boring. "Fellow Feeling" is very original and interesting, but drags at the beginning. "Goodbye to a World" is a disappointing conclusion for me, being slow, repetitive, and overall just really not that great. "Natural Light" is pretty pointless, having no real lyrics and pretty boring music. The slower songs feel even worse when compared to the faster songs on this album, which are way better. "Divinity" is forgettable, but doesn't sound bad. All of the other songs I haven't mentioned yet are either really good or great. "Sad Machine" is an extremely memorable song with interesting lyrics, original vocals, and, most importantly, great music. The combination of all these things makes "Sad Machine" one of the strongest EDM songs. I have listened to "Lionhearted" and and "Years of War" dozens of times, as they are energy-boosting songs with good lyrics and great music. "Polygon Dust" is less of an energy booster, but the music and vocals are great. In the end, Worlds is inferior to Madeon's Adventure, as the songs are less consistent in quality. Still, Worlds is definitely more original, so it gets some cred for that.… Expand
  16. mofefes
    May 17, 2018
    10
    Definitely this album made me know EDM genre. because I did not know anything about that genre and I did not like it, but this for me is not EDM, is something different, each song on this album is a "world".
    Porter, impregnates his feelings in this album to the point of making you cry, without knowing why, or give you those moments of tranquility, each topic has a message. be sadness,    Definitely this album made me know EDM genre. because I did not know anything about that genre and I did not like it, but this for me is not EDM, is something different, each song on this album is a "world".
    Porter, impregnates his feelings in this album to the point of making you cry, without knowing why, or give you those moments of tranquility, each topic has a message. be sadness, loneliness, love or happiness. And that connects you. the "fellow felling" theme brings together the frustration of porter by seeing how the EDM becomes so commercial and empty. begins with a melancholic melody made from a violin, total tranquility, suddenly sounds wrong one after another, like a joke, which little by little seem to fit, now a girl is heard telling a chaos that is being lived, as if it were the end of something, ending with "and now I cry because everything is beautiful". so that finally porter includes the best "drop" in the history of EDM.    … Expand
  17. meshiks
    Mar 20, 2019
    9
    esse album é muito lindo aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
  18. Squb
    Apr 11, 2019
    10
    This is the best album i've heard in my life. I am an edm fan, but what is going on here is just perfect. Every time i'm listening to it, chills roll up to my spine. I literally can't listen to Divinity if i won't hear the rest of this album next. It's a perfext thing to listen in literally any occasion. No matter if i'm happy, depressed, taking a walk in the winter, taking a walk in theThis is the best album i've heard in my life. I am an edm fan, but what is going on here is just perfect. Every time i'm listening to it, chills roll up to my spine. I literally can't listen to Divinity if i won't hear the rest of this album next. It's a perfext thing to listen in literally any occasion. No matter if i'm happy, depressed, taking a walk in the winter, taking a walk in the summer, sitting in school, texting somebody, or just chilling in my bed, Worlds is the best option. I recommend this to everybody no matter what music they like, at least one track is something you're gonna like.… Expand
  19. Chaos_Flower
    Sep 28, 2019
    10
    It's personally rare for me to find an album where I can listen to each individual song in it's entirety and enjoy every second of it.
    Absolutely love it!
  20. Castafiore
    Aug 12, 2019
    9
    As the 5 year anniversary is today, I find it appropriate to take a retroactive look at the album, both in its effect of the cultural landscape and on myself.
    One does have to admit that the album isn't exactly original from its days of conception, but has certainly become a continuing powerhouse and influencer of the synthpop scene, and the EDM scene as a whole. Many artists of today    As the 5 year anniversary is today, I find it appropriate to take a retroactive look at the album, both in its effect of the cultural landscape and on myself.
    One does have to admit that the album isn't exactly original from its days of conception, but has certainly become a continuing powerhouse and influencer of the synthpop scene, and the EDM scene as a whole. Many artists of today attribute Worlds as a source of inspiration, and a many heartfelt and emotive stories have unfolded to the many themes of Worlds, mainly Goodbye to a World becoming somewhat of a icon and musical meme. The ethereal and immersive synths of Worlds intertwined with Japanese nerd culture reach out to create a connection with many, whether they find that connection through the sounds or emotion conveyed through each song. Many call Worlds one of the greatest albums of all time, and while it certainly feels like it could be, Worlds falls into more of a category along with Madeon's Adventure Deluxe or ODESZA's A Moment Apart-- Worlds is something better experienced for the self than to make ripples in the scene. It is, for a majority of people, a very closely personal interpretation of the music, something that can't be replicated for a mass. While truly mainstream acts may not change from the bass and saw filled bangers, Worlds finds its place in the hearts of the people, not the world.
    For me, this album represents everything from nostalgia, to loss, to elation. Each track creates an atmosphere to guide the listener into a world of their own, to let them imagine and create a rich scenery to the sound. It is hard to call it dance music-- it seems much more fitting to vibe out and feel it inside than dance your heart out. I would not call it the best album and would not recommend it for a certain feeling I get. What you hear from this album is entirely up to you. What experiences are evoked by Porter's sounds are solely your own, and thus I can only rate the album so highly based on its proficiency in evoking such emotions. To understand what I mean, please listen to it yourself and make your own judgement.    … Expand
  21. ridkefisdpjkfop
    Nov 9, 2019
    10
    (full review here) https://www.albumoftheyear.org/user/riskr/album/18184-worlds/

    this album is amazing
  22. perhapsburrito
    Feb 26, 2020
    10
    This ain't some general "money making" hit guaranteed album, it's an unique album reflecting Porter Robinson's own beliefs on music. The fact this got a 63 is rather beyond me.
  23. BryanAndrew
    Apr 6, 2020
    10
    Easily one of the best albums of the year. A creative vision that challenges preset genre conceptions and is filled with raw unbridled emotion and masterfully unique atmospheric presence. Worlds get a 10/10 from me.
  24. c43l4n
    Jun 3, 2020
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Worlds is an album featuring heavily the themes of death, rebirth, loneliness. It has a dreamy and spaced out aesthetic with soaring saw synths layered with head bopping drums, boat loads of side chain and video game/chiptune blips dotted about. Many quirky synth base lines and samples, notably of anime. This album is influential and the ambience invites plenty of self-reflection. What a wonderful work from Porter Robinson.… Expand
  25. MaayoriXZ
    Sep 19, 2020
    10
    Easily the best EDM album ever created, the feelings you get from it is just amazing, you feel a hole new world when you listen the songs, its an amazing sensation.
  26. bravevesperia
    Aug 13, 2014
    10
    Worlds is an ambitious, incredible release from Porter. His craftsmanship in this genre is really marvellous, The melodies found in this album evoke a sense of nostalgia, but it doesn't rely on it entirely. It's a synthesis of crushing four-on-the-floor beats, neo 80s sounds, sharp electro-pop, and JRPG/Sci-Fi video game OSTs. Not only is Porter creative to conceptualizing such a uniqueWorlds is an ambitious, incredible release from Porter. His craftsmanship in this genre is really marvellous, The melodies found in this album evoke a sense of nostalgia, but it doesn't rely on it entirely. It's a synthesis of crushing four-on-the-floor beats, neo 80s sounds, sharp electro-pop, and JRPG/Sci-Fi video game OSTs. Not only is Porter creative to conceptualizing such a unique project, but his technical skills really takes this vision to the next level and makes it shine. I don't think this album will speak to everyone, but for the people it does, it's perfect.… Expand
  27. brunoan01
    Aug 12, 2014
    10
    I don't know why, but I thought I was going to be disappointed with the album, because I've known Porter since Hello, and I really like his EDM songs, such as Language, Say My Name, The Wildcat among almost all the others, including Hello. He was on my top list, so part of me didn't even want to listen to the album. But at the same time, I was feeling disappointed with the path all thoseI don't know why, but I thought I was going to be disappointed with the album, because I've known Porter since Hello, and I really like his EDM songs, such as Language, Say My Name, The Wildcat among almost all the others, including Hello. He was on my top list, so part of me didn't even want to listen to the album. But at the same time, I was feeling disappointed with the path all those top DJs had chosen to go, which was making ONLY Tomorrowland-ish songs, meant for those big arenas and for people to "get crazy". They all had the same form, in a way that really disturbed me. A "brilliant" EDM song would be one that has a creative and/or heavy drop, and the rest of the song would follow the "form". So I was tired, and apparently, so was Porter, as he had stated in a few interviews.
    He said this was his best music, and I agree 100%. Worlds sounds so meaningful and special, and it has the soul all those new EDM songs don't. I was feeling suffocated by EDM and this album allowed me to breath. I'm glad I listened to this, and I will listen to it a lot more in the future.    … Expand
  28. Resonate
    Aug 12, 2014
    7
    "Worlds" is far from the intended work hyped up by Porter to "redefine EDM", but its a genuine and wholehearted piece that lacks awe in its middle ground, but is decent all around and fun to listen to. Tracks such as Sad Machine, Flicker, Fellow Feeling, Years of War, Divinity, and Goodbye to a World send strong (albeit heavy-handed) messages of a resurrected age of sound to save a dying"Worlds" is far from the intended work hyped up by Porter to "redefine EDM", but its a genuine and wholehearted piece that lacks awe in its middle ground, but is decent all around and fun to listen to. Tracks such as Sad Machine, Flicker, Fellow Feeling, Years of War, Divinity, and Goodbye to a World send strong (albeit heavy-handed) messages of a resurrected age of sound to save a dying world of lost memories, through which Porter instills a dedication to all that is nostalgic in an effort to reclaim it. "Worlds" as such comes across as a much more intimate piece of work than Porter's previous "Spitfire EP", and though the themes and sounds of later releases 'Language' and 'Easy can still be found throughout the album, but that's not to say it's not better executed. Still, Porter seems to be struggling to piece together his own sound, the music taking on a M83 lovechild aspect with some further influences that could be compared to other acts such as Shinichi Osawa, The M Machine, Passion Pit, or MGMT. If anything Porter's sound relies on a punchier grit to difference himself, but doesn't create the needed divide to differentiate greatly amongst one another. All in all, its a worthy first LP debut, and though the hype was below the mark for what is delivered, we can expect Porter Robinson to branch out and refine his style.… Expand
  29. asjklasjklas
    Aug 12, 2014
    5
    Porter Robinson ensures us he's not on route of selling out like his fellow EDM mates: Avicii, Calvin Harris, and Zedd, just to name a few, instead pursuing a quieter and calmer Capital Cities-esque alternative sort of sound. And although there is a lot of bubbly background music going on -- lead single "Sea of Voices" winds up with windchimes and "Lionhearted" has an '80s vintage vibe toPorter Robinson ensures us he's not on route of selling out like his fellow EDM mates: Avicii, Calvin Harris, and Zedd, just to name a few, instead pursuing a quieter and calmer Capital Cities-esque alternative sort of sound. And although there is a lot of bubbly background music going on -- lead single "Sea of Voices" winds up with windchimes and "Lionhearted" has an '80s vintage vibe to it that could easily make it a must-have on the charts this fall, and "Fellow Feeling" slides between strings, spoken word verses, and at last, a bass-cannon ready drop, World simply succumbs to the dreariness in its own sound and has no major meaning besides tiding the Ultra music festival floors before a more accomplished DJ comes on stage.… Expand
  30. AcePhoenix007
    Jan 2, 2015
    0
    Absolutely terrible record. It's literally the same synthpop song over and over again, and it's not even good. Terribly done and not even worth a listen at all.
  31. markjamie20
    Apr 16, 2021
    10
    Time has proven this to be something of a classic album of its genre. Porter's identity comes through very clearly and these songs still stand up 6 years later.
  32. badmuchachob
    Aug 13, 2021
    9
    I have nothing to say except for this album is phenomenal. Each track stands out. Such a shame that it's so misunderstood by most critics.
  33. Pablobtt
    May 1, 2021
    10
    Amo este álbum desde que lo escuché,es 2021 me encanta cada minuto de cada canción
  34. D4NIELPWNS
    Nov 9, 2021
    10
    An album that moved an entire genre of music many people found hollow and frivolous into an authentic, endlessly expanding artistic vision.
  35. madonnastan33
    Nov 24, 2021
    10
    it hasn't aged a day!
    you know how the main issue with EDM is aging so poorly after 2 years or so? well, worlds is having none of that. In fact, it's at times better when you realize it came out 5 years ago. Porter Robinson is a true visionary. There's so much magic contained in the gritty sounds layered on ethereal vocals, coupled with strange story concepts that are fully realized in the    it hasn't aged a day!
    you know how the main issue with EDM is aging so poorly after 2 years or so? well, worlds is having none of that. In fact, it's at times better when you realize it came out 5 years ago. Porter Robinson is a true visionary. There's so much magic contained in the gritty sounds layered on ethereal vocals, coupled with strange story concepts that are fully realized in the magistral outro. There's little to lose if you venture in Worlds. At worst, you couldn't vibe with the production or found it at times exacerbating or repetitive. And that's okay. It's okay to say goodbye to worlds without witnessing divinity incarnate. At the end of the day, it's an EDM album with a lot of emotion put into it, and atemporal production that I hope stays crisp for the next decade.    … Expand
  36. MusicianMan
    Jun 21, 2022
    9
    Worlds isn’t Porter’s best album. It’s still pretty incredible though. A damn good collection of EDM paired with some of the best use of vocaloids of all time and beautiful arrangements. Every song is great and quite possibly some of the best electronic dance music songs of all time.

    Divinity: 10/10 Sad Machine: 10/10 Years Of War: 10/10 Flicker: 8/10 Fresh Static Snow: 8/10 Polygon Dust:    Worlds isn’t Porter’s best album. It’s still pretty incredible though. A damn good collection of EDM paired with some of the best use of vocaloids of all time and beautiful arrangements. Every song is great and quite possibly some of the best electronic dance music songs of all time.

    Divinity: 10/10
    Sad Machine: 10/10
    Years Of War: 10/10
    Flicker: 8/10
    Fresh Static Snow: 8/10
    Polygon Dust: 10/10
    Hear The Bells: 8/10
    Natural Light: 8/10 *LEAST GOOD SONG*
    Lionhearted: 10/10
    Sea Of Voices: 10/10 *SECOND BEST SONG*
    Fellow Feeling: 10/10
    Goodbye To A World: 10/10 *BEST SONG*    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

37
#37 Most Discussed Album of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
63

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. Q Magazine
    Aug 28, 2014
    60
    He clearly has difference aspirations to many of his contemporaries, but on this evidence hasn't completely freed himself o f their influence. [Sep 2014, p.112]
  2. Spin
    Aug 15, 2014
    80
    The world that Worlds conjures is fantastical and defiantly cheery.
    Read full review
  3. Uncut
    Aug 11, 2014
    60
    [Robinson] has certainly indulged his preference here, mixing M83-style synth-pop with Daft Punk/Justice bangers and adding assorted nu-rave and EDM tropes, to end up with not much to call his own. [Sep 2014, p.76]
See all critic reviews »