You're Not Alone
by Andrew W.K.
  • Record Label: BEE & El
  • Release Date: Mar 2, 2018
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
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  1. Record Collector
    Mar 2, 2018
    100
    Bereft of freestyle ivory plonks, You’re Not Alone captures WK doing what he does best: that utterly distinctive fusion of metal riffs, Springsteen bombast, pristine ABBA hooks and choruses bigger than Hercules’ biceps.
  2. The A.V. Club
    Mar 1, 2018
    100
    In addition to a pack of his best songs since I Get Wet, he brings with him a trio of spoken-word interludes that further expand on his philosophy, and as stupid as that might sound on paper--and even on first listen--it makes sense in the world of Andrew W.K. ... His confidence is unassailable and contagious.
  3. Classic Rock Magazine
    Mar 7, 2018
    90
    Thematically, if previous Andrew WK albums have felt like having entire kegs shotgunned in your face, this one is like being syphon-fed after-dinner brandies.
  5. Punknews.org (Staff)
    Mar 22, 2018
    80
    There are so many bangers here you'll find yourself wasting an hour or so in the best way possible.
  6. New Musical Express (NME)
    Mar 5, 2018
    80
    A relentlessly positive record that acts as an inclusive antidote for our increasingly divisive times.
  7. AllMusic
    Mar 2, 2018
    80
    At 53 minutes, You're Not Alone might have benefited from some trimming, especially given its relentless volume and energy, though it's not without its dynamics.
  8. Q Magazine
    Feb 27, 2018
    80
    Even the most flint-hearted cynic will struggle not to get caught up in his swivel-eyed lust for life. [Apr 2018, p.116]
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  9. Kerrang!
    Feb 27, 2018
    80
    It's absurd, OTT stuff. But who wants anything else from Andrew W.K. [24 Feb 2018, p.51]
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  10. Uncut
    Feb 27, 2018
    70
    Andrew WK's most lucid slab of party politics since his 2001 debut I Get Wet ditches the improv piano to embrace the 39-year-ld's steroid-enhanced take on cutie-pop. [Apr 2018, p.37]
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  11. Pitchfork
    Mar 8, 2018
    66
    Being shouted at for 53 minutes to find some agency in the midst of chaos may not make for highly nuanced music, but it would be hard to argue that you couldn’t use it. This is kitchen-sink maximalism as refuge—just throw everything in there, there’s no time.
  12. Exclaim
    Feb 27, 2018
    60
    While it's a huge pleasure to hear him pick up where he left off, this isn't the overwhelmingly triumphal return one might have hoped for.
  13. PopMatters
    Mar 1, 2018
    50
    You're Not Alone takes the gruff, untamed I Get Wet and smoothes those edges out, and not even an ultra-high energy level and walls of guitar distortion can mask the fact that this party is loud, but not that fun.
  14. Under The Radar
    Mar 5, 2018
    40
    Three of the 16 tracks are spoken word, self-help messages, which match the rest of the album's rather cloying lyrical content. Every motivational buzzword is used repeatedly until you're almost praying for a bit of My Chemical Romance style, teenage nihilism to creep in, just to break up the monotony.
  15. The Line of Best Fit
    Feb 27, 2018
    40
    The berserk, nihilistic energy that made Andrew W.K.’s name is gone. In its place is something more affirming but more ponderous. Song after song goes for big, anthemic goosebump moments, but the melodies aren’t memorable enough and the sentiment, even as sincerely as it is delivered, feels forced.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 25 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 25
  3. Negative: 1 out of 25
  1. ethday
    Mar 7, 2018
    10
    Absolutely joy-filled, buoyant, hopeful, epic - even Queen-like. This is the album equivalent of "with great power comes greatAbsolutely joy-filled, buoyant, hopeful, epic - even Queen-like. This is the album equivalent of "with great power comes great responsibility". Songs that contain giant doses of rock and roll energy, but a spirit and message all about hope and love triumphing over death and despair. I simply love it. Songs that are almost punk-like in their simplicity, but surprisingly clever. As a songwriter my respect for AWK has really grown. His persona may seem at first like a one-dimensional party animal, but he's a clever, focused songwriter with a big voice and bigger sense of melody. And as someone who's struggled for decades with anxiety and depression, I recognize how vital his message is and that brings it all home for me. Party on my friends!… Full Review »
  2. sguy157
    Jul 26, 2019
    8
    A cross between arena rock and a motivational speech, You're Not Alone is filled with catchy songs and sheer positivity. I'll admit, thisA cross between arena rock and a motivational speech, You're Not Alone is filled with catchy songs and sheer positivity. I'll admit, this album didn't initially grab me. But after a few listens, I started to appreciate how well these songs are written. Some parts might seem a bit corny, but I would say that it is corny in a good way. I also really like the spoken interlude tracks, and like how they actually contribute to the album. Often, interlude tracks can feel like filler, but that's not the case here. There are a couple weaker moments here and there, but I am impressed by how consistent the album is. Some albums teeter off by the second half, but here the second half is just as strong as the first.

    By far my favorite part about this album is how uplifting it is. Andrew W.K. is just a beacon of good vibes, and putting this thing on never fails to put me in a better mood. I think that this positivity is important, especially nowadays. I feel that this album went a little underappreciated in 2018. If you're someone who listened to this once and didn't really enjoy it, I urge you to give it a second shot, because I feel that this is one of those albums that takes a little time to fully appreciate. It's fun, it's energetic, and filled to the brim with positivity. Don't be afraid of your demons - party with them!    … Full Review »
  3. WhiskeyStories
    Nov 27, 2018
    8
    One of my favourites of the year. "You're Not Alone" is a self-help album in the best possible way. Whenever I feel like I could use someOne of my favourites of the year. "You're Not Alone" is a self-help album in the best possible way. Whenever I feel like I could use some motivation I put this album on. It'll lift your spirits, it'll get you pumped and it'll make you dance.… Full Review »
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