Zeitgeist
by The Smashing Pumpkins
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 306 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 234 out of 306
  2. Mixed: 38 out of 306
  3. Negative: 34 out of 306

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  1. laura
    Jul 16, 2007
    7
    Not their best ever album, but a solid work, and a promising return to music.
  2. johnm
    Jul 17, 2007
    8
    Zeitgeist certainly offers a different kind of sound from older Pumpkins music. Nevertheless, Corgan and Chanberlain are quite successful in this new style of music. The more I hear the songs on this album, the more I like it. It's no Melancholy, but the album still rocks.
  3. NickE
    Jul 18, 2007
    7
    Surprisingly good. I'd say this is better than Adore and Machina, but worse than Mellon Collie or Siamese Dream. It's kind of a return to the style of their earlier albums: a mix of very heavy songs and soft ballad-y songs, and less preoccupied with writing poppy, catchy melodies. For me, the heavy songs really work, and the softer songs are duds. Nonetheless, I have to applaud Surprisingly good. I'd say this is better than Adore and Machina, but worse than Mellon Collie or Siamese Dream. It's kind of a return to the style of their earlier albums: a mix of very heavy songs and soft ballad-y songs, and less preoccupied with writing poppy, catchy melodies. For me, the heavy songs really work, and the softer songs are duds. Nonetheless, I have to applaud them for avoiding the temptation to make a safe, innocuous record. If you're a fan this is worth picking up.… Expand
  4. Elig
    Jul 21, 2007
    10
    excellent cd, great tunes was definetely a good purchase
  5. GlassG
    Jul 2, 2007
    10
    BEst album of the year!
  6. StephenT.
    Jul 2, 2007
    9
    The Smashing Pumpkins will never top Mellon Collie or Siamese Dream (who could?) but this album is a damn good effort. It's a happy medium between classic pumpkins and the more experimental pumpkins post Mellon Collie. Definately worth the wait.
  7. CodyL
    Jul 3, 2007
    8
    Awesome album! Triumphant return of a genre forming band. It's definitely new ground for them. It might be their most accessible album to date, of course having it's ups and downs. No tracks here hold a candlelight to those on Siamese Dream or Mellon Collie, but who needs to compare??
  8. GeorgeI.
    Jul 3, 2007
    9
    This is what the Smashing Pumpkins should have evolved into after Siamese Dream, but instead they became associated with synth-pop. This album, however, truly rocks hard, which might be a little too much to stomach for the little emo brats who determine today's popular music.
  9. georgeb.
    Jul 3, 2007
    10
    excelent new sound
  10. RyanM.
    Jul 4, 2007
    7
    It's an easily digestible album that has successfully brought the Pumpkins back to the mainstream; but the vocal mix is atrocious and there's a few very, very bad songs like Pomp and Circumstance.
  11. RomuloB.
    Jul 4, 2007
    10
    perfect album of smashing pumpkins!!!
  12. NickS
    Jul 5, 2007
    7
    This album is a fun listen, even if it is the weakest album to bear the name Smashing Pumpkins. Though the album flags near the end, at times it nearly reaches greatness in songs like "That's the Way" and "Bleeding the Orchid".
  13. JamesD.
    Jul 5, 2007
    10
    I was so worried. then I heard "tarantual". I was even more worried. Suffice to say, this MONSTER of a record will turn everyone around. this thing is AMAZING. Welcome back, Billy and Co., we've missed you more than we knew!!! (BTW, even Trantula sounds better on this record...)
  14. MichaelM.
    Jul 5, 2007
    9
    Welcome back Billy... actually... I should be welcoming back the SP detractors and die hards. But lets be honest... once you get past your personal feelings for or against the man... you are left with a great artistic effort. One with a sincerity that makes it feel out of place in an era of fallout boys... and others...
  15. PeterB
    Jul 6, 2007
    8
    While it's not as good as either Siamese Dream or Mellon Collie it's certainly a good album. I don't get all this bullshit about it having no soul and that Corgan is only in it for the money - Wow he's gotta be the first musician ever!... Also the people who complain about Iha and D'arcy missing. What is that about? This was always Corgan's band. Anyway most While it's not as good as either Siamese Dream or Mellon Collie it's certainly a good album. I don't get all this bullshit about it having no soul and that Corgan is only in it for the money - Wow he's gotta be the first musician ever!... Also the people who complain about Iha and D'arcy missing. What is that about? This was always Corgan's band. Anyway most of songs are great and they seem new and fresh and are totally Pumpkins at the same time. The only track I didn't really take to was United States but the rest are great, especially "That's The Way", "Starz", "Tarantula" and "Come On". A great comeback!… Expand
  16. JohnS.
    Jul 6, 2007
    7
    A solid album which is receiving some unfair slagging for the ridiculous 'track baiting' with three different bonus tracks showing up on three different retailers tracklisting (Best Buy, Circuit City and i-Tunes). It's nowhere near classic, but it's worth a listen or two.
  17. SpencerM.
    Jul 6, 2007
    10
    People compare give it bad ratings because they expect it to be Siamese Dream or MCIS but it is Zeitgeist and it is good. It was the Smashing Pumpkins without Jimmy, without Darcy, and now without James and Darcy, because BIlly Is the pumpkins. This is the Smashing Pumpkins and this is great!
  18. RobC.
    Jul 7, 2007
    10
    A very nice come back!
  19. SimonP.
    Jul 9, 2007
    9
    I cant figure out which track is the best. Hearing the Pumpkins at Live Earth, its clear once more that their music stands above most other acts out there in terms of having something to say. Zeitgeist is brilliantly crafted, and I look forward to future releases. As a Pumpkin fan, I am not disappointed by the album at all. Only criticism is that there is far less variety than older SP I cant figure out which track is the best. Hearing the Pumpkins at Live Earth, its clear once more that their music stands above most other acts out there in terms of having something to say. Zeitgeist is brilliantly crafted, and I look forward to future releases. As a Pumpkin fan, I am not disappointed by the album at all. Only criticism is that there is far less variety than older SP albums, though the bonus tracks remedy this problem.… Expand
  20. RandallR.
    Jul 9, 2007
    10
    I give it a 10... not that it's any consolation to me considering a "10" is available for use on Avril and Linkin Park's releases, but it's a 10 compared to everything else out there. This is a gorgeous album. It's not fair for critics to calibrate their rating by SP's back catalogue, (which is full of 20's if anything by John Mayer or Dave Matthews is a 7) I give it a 10... not that it's any consolation to me considering a "10" is available for use on Avril and Linkin Park's releases, but it's a 10 compared to everything else out there. This is a gorgeous album. It's not fair for critics to calibrate their rating by SP's back catalogue, (which is full of 20's if anything by John Mayer or Dave Matthews is a 7) so I'm basing this on quality of the music. What a novel idea. This album rocks my socks off. Bleeding the Orchid is not only my fav on the album, but possibly in my top 5 Pumpkins songs ever. Also, I love the production by Roy Thomas Baker, which brings out another dimension of Corgan's vocals previously unheard. If only Machina had this kind of production... This album has the heaviness of Machina with all the quirks and landscape of Adore. Good stuff.… Expand
  21. DanielS.
    Jul 9, 2007
    10
    better thank loosing my virginty all these music press reviews make me SICK - they are so far off the mark - these guys that dig franz ferdinand, josh groban, the kooks etc etc - it's all wank. this album is AMAZING
  22. DavinM.
    Jul 9, 2007
    10
    The guitar and drumming work on the album is phenomenal. Hands down. All the songs contain depth, complex song structure and IMO are a logical evolution of the Pumpkins' past sound. The song-writing shows a maturity and restraint on Billy's part, while at the same time constantly breaking the mold of what we commonly think of as rock music. This album rocks harder than anything The guitar and drumming work on the album is phenomenal. Hands down. All the songs contain depth, complex song structure and IMO are a logical evolution of the Pumpkins' past sound. The song-writing shows a maturity and restraint on Billy's part, while at the same time constantly breaking the mold of what we commonly think of as rock music. This album rocks harder than anything I have heard this year, but still manages to capture the aspects of the band in subtle ways through-out the album (and less subtle ways at the end of the album). Jimmy did the drum-take on United States (9min song, track 7) in 1 single take with no click-track. The guitar work sounds like "a nuclear bomb hitting a guitar center" to quote Blender. Songs like Tarantula and Come On Lets Go are constantly evolving as they progress and capture a complex dyanmic barely present in rock music today. Not to mention guitar solos. Rock on.… Expand
  23. ToddL.
    Jul 9, 2007
    9
    Since many reviewers will choose to critique Billy Corgan as a person rather than the album, it should be said that Zeitgeist is a tremendous album with lots to offer, especially if you miss the heavy Pumpkins of the past. Jimmy's drums sound as good as ever, and the guitars are crisp and powerful. What Billy may have lost in the aggressiveness of his voice, he's made up for Since many reviewers will choose to critique Billy Corgan as a person rather than the album, it should be said that Zeitgeist is a tremendous album with lots to offer, especially if you miss the heavy Pumpkins of the past. Jimmy's drums sound as good as ever, and the guitars are crisp and powerful. What Billy may have lost in the aggressiveness of his voice, he's made up for with beautifully layered harmonies throughout many of the songs. This is most definitely the finest album Billy Corgan has put forth since Adore.… Expand
  24. honesto
    Aug 16, 2007
    9
    A very welcome comeback. Great guitar riffs. Grabs you by the balls from the opening of Doomsday Clock and just doesn't let up.
  25. MikeL
    Aug 23, 2007
    9
    People are so damn obsessed with who the line-up is and other petty crap, that they forget to listen to the actual album. Can we please for five minutes forget about Iha and Darcy, and just listen to some music? This album is great, and it truly rocks out. No one else is doing this kind of music right now, and it's a refreshing change of pace from both the Pumpkin's previous People are so damn obsessed with who the line-up is and other petty crap, that they forget to listen to the actual album. Can we please for five minutes forget about Iha and Darcy, and just listen to some music? This album is great, and it truly rocks out. No one else is doing this kind of music right now, and it's a refreshing change of pace from both the Pumpkin's previous material and from what their contemporaries are doing. Quit crying and learn to rock.… Expand
  26. BobbyM
    Aug 3, 2007
    10
    sure its a little different from the older smashing pumpkins, but wouldnt it be every boring if they kept playing the same stuff? This is one solid rock album.
  27. MarkW.
    Sep 18, 2007
    10
    Album of the year.
  28. JonathanM.
    Dec 3, 2008
    8
    As good as this album is (by the way, the mixing is shocking), it might be good album, but remember this is the Smashing Pumpkins, not a dingle dangle dongle lets see how this goes album. The expectations of this album were naturally high.........I guess thats for some. The problem is, yes there is not James or Darcy. Well that is the problem. Of course Billy Corgan writes all the songs As good as this album is (by the way, the mixing is shocking), it might be good album, but remember this is the Smashing Pumpkins, not a dingle dangle dongle lets see how this goes album. The expectations of this album were naturally high.........I guess thats for some. The problem is, yes there is not James or Darcy. Well that is the problem. Of course Billy Corgan writes all the songs and records all the parts!! But he's not that guy from Nine Inch Nails (Trent Reznor) he still needs a band! James Iha contributed alot to the band and its noticable, no matter what the whinging pretentious Billy Corgan might say (and thats coming from a "fan" who understands him) Anyway.......better luck next time, its alright for a listen but after that.… Expand
  29. SlavaP.
    Jan 31, 2008
    10
    F*ck the "good old days"... Billy and Jimmy are back - angry and vigorous... Come on... Lets go...!!!
  30. CorganR.
    Feb 15, 2008
    8
    This album is GREAT, however it still doesn't match up to some of their older albums such as Melloncollie. It's wonderful to see that the Smashing Pumpkins are back however I do wish the whole band came back instead of just Billy Corgan and Jimmy Chamberlin. Corgan's guitar playing was great in this album. From the creepy sounds of Turantula to the old school metal style in This album is GREAT, however it still doesn't match up to some of their older albums such as Melloncollie. It's wonderful to see that the Smashing Pumpkins are back however I do wish the whole band came back instead of just Billy Corgan and Jimmy Chamberlin. Corgan's guitar playing was great in this album. From the creepy sounds of Turantula to the old school metal style in Doomsday clock, he really astounded me with his playing. Also Jimmy Chamberlin was amazing on drums in songs such as United States. Basically, this was a really, really good comeback for the Pumpkins and hopefully we will see much more of them in the future!… Expand
  31. RoyO
    Apr 23, 2008
    8
    It's good, not mellon collie or siamese dream good but still.
  32. AntonioL.
    Apr 28, 2008
    10
    This album was amazing. It rocked as hard as anything they had ever done and was a great comeback. I love it!
  33. AmâmdioJ.
    Aug 29, 2008
    9
    This is a great album, I love smashing pumpkins and this has really great songs. Its god to see that Billy doesn't lost is talent. I recommend it.
  34. Abe
    Jan 12, 2009
    8
    A Really Good Comeback!
  35. sdjones
    Oct 13, 2007
    8
    I guess critics are tired of grunge, post-grunge and probably Billy Corgan. I have to admit I was pretty tired of his raspy croak myself. However, Zietgiest rocks and it rocks hard. I was pleasantly impressed by how solid this is!
  36. RobertC.
    Dec 15, 2007
    10
    A lot has changed since Billy, James, D'arcy, and Jimmy went their separate ways. But it is great to hear at least two of them back together in the present, playing live shows to bring back the good music of the 90's and early 2000's, but also bringing us something new and fresh to the present. This album was incredible and fresh for the Pumpkins. I can't wait for their next.
  37. DanielK.
    Jul 11, 2007
    9
    Great Album all around. There are so many layers to Billy's philosophy on life here. Bring the Light is in theory his first song telling us that he's finally found happieness. Musically solid all throughout.
  38. Nicholas)
    Jul 11, 2007
    7
    Not the pumpkins best, but far from their worst (Machina is a horrible album). A worthy comeback.
  39. Arthur
    Jul 12, 2007
    8
    Don't believe the critics! Zeitgeist is a great album. Don't get me wrong, I'm not just some biased Billy Corgan/Pumpkins fan; I hated his solo album and thought Zwan was a real disappointment.
  40. spfission
    Jul 13, 2007
    8
    Billy once again proves that he does not need to live off his past hits. He continues to evolve as an artist which is very rare in this day. Zeitgeist will prove to be a classic. Solid Album.
  41. EricR.
    Jul 16, 2007
    8
    Better than any album I've hear in a long time. Compared to their previous recordings I would say not as good as Gish, SD, or Mellon Collie, but better than Adore or Machina.
  42. IL
    Jul 16, 2007
    8
    The Pumpkins are right back where they started with Gish, discovering (or rediscovering, as the case is with Zeitgeist) what sound they are trying to create etc. If this turns out to be true, the next Pumpkin album will be great. But maybe I'm just too optimistic ;-)
  43. JoshM.
    Jul 17, 2007
    9
    Album has more melody then anything ive heard in 7 years... have you heard any music that has been produced recently??? As far as the mixing goes listen to it again you fucks
  44. RazzaA
    Jul 18, 2007
    7
    I think this album gets rather harsh criticism. First off, all the talk about the smashing pumpkins name and whether this album is a smashing pumpkins album or not is irrelevant, It is billy corgan who is making the music so it doesnt matter what you call it still the same guy making the music. And whether he puts out 3,4 or six different versions who cares? Ofcourse he wants to earn a I think this album gets rather harsh criticism. First off, all the talk about the smashing pumpkins name and whether this album is a smashing pumpkins album or not is irrelevant, It is billy corgan who is making the music so it doesnt matter what you call it still the same guy making the music. And whether he puts out 3,4 or six different versions who cares? Ofcourse he wants to earn a lot of money, who wouldn't. The second you put in the cd you recognize it as pumpkins music, the mixing is ok. Billy never could sing and he still can't. If you don't like his voice, why listen to smashing pumpkins? His tunefulness with his voice is still there. All in all, the music is ok, especially for pumpkins fans. I think it would have been wiser to put the 3 bonus tracks on the cd as well cause these are actually 3 of the strongest songs he wrote up recently. That's my only critic: why didnt they put out the 15 songs on all versions? Now there is little variation in the songs: they all rock, but i really miss the nice, more peaceful slower songs.....this gets a 7, the 15 tracks are an eight. It is alot better than other recent stuff. Enjoy and otherwise just chill and live on, its just a CD........... Try it and en… Expand
  45. MarthaReprise
    Jul 19, 2007
    10
    love
  46. jonnyj
    Jul 21, 2007
    10
    billy was always the song writer.
  47. MattD
    Jul 27, 2007
    8
    If you listen to Zeitgeist as a collection of songs, and ignore the lineup changes, expectations, etc that seem to be at the forefront of discussion regarding the album, it's a good cd. There are a few songs that are grating and pretentious but overall the music is rich, aggressive, and unique.
  48. steveb
    Aug 12, 2007
    8
    Zeitgeist is a great rock album, and Billy Corgan has updated the pumpkins sound. Billy doesnt need James Iha, since Billy wrote EVERYTHING anyways, and the songs Iha did write(except for co writing mayonaise)sucked. Badly. I mean come on people! If you do not feel the same way, then you werent a pumpkin fan to begin with. This album is not going to win over people who didnt like the Zeitgeist is a great rock album, and Billy Corgan has updated the pumpkins sound. Billy doesnt need James Iha, since Billy wrote EVERYTHING anyways, and the songs Iha did write(except for co writing mayonaise)sucked. Badly. I mean come on people! If you do not feel the same way, then you werent a pumpkin fan to begin with. This album is not going to win over people who didnt like the pumpkins anyways, but In my opinion, the loud rock is what they did best. And dont forget that Billy wrote EVERYTHING that was good about the pumpkins. Also, even though no one really mentions it, Jimmy's drums are awesome on this record, probably his best performance on a pumpkins record. All you people who say it isnt like it was, stop living in the past! I mean, if the beatles wrote revolver 15 times it would have gotten boring! Their later stuff was way better anyways, but hey, Sgt. Peppers got bad reviews too!… Expand
  49. DerekD
    Aug 13, 2007
    8
    I love a lot of tracks on this album, it stays pretty true to the classic smashing pumpkins and with only a couple of bad tracks you can't really complain with this album.
  50. qwertyuiopm
    Aug 17, 2007
    7
    i would have liked it better if they didnt mix it like a high school musical cd. i appreciate every part of a song and it would be nice i i could hear it all as well. on another note, the lyrics are good, and most of the songs are well structured.
  51. MattC
    Aug 22, 2007
    9
    Very, very good album(CD). A smashing Rock rerturn as most of the songs on the CD are Rock driven. I imagine that future efforts will incorporate more of their slower material. If you want some good guitar work and blasting drums, this is a good one for you!
  52. thisname
    Nov 11, 2010
    8
    Some songs are iffy but with the strength of the two powerful singles "Tarantula" and "That's The Way" followed by some great rock songs like "7 shades" and "Doomsday Clock", this album doesn't disappoint!
  53. Vampire25
    Dec 30, 2010
    7
    Definitely not the best thing The Smashing Pumpkins have done. But Zeitgeist is sort of enjoyable. I've been a Smashing Pumpkins fan since forever. They are one of my favorite bands of all time. And Zeitgeist is a good album, but I do have a couple complaints about it. One, Billy Corgan's lyrics have always been nothing short of amazing. Especially in the album Adore. But this album, hisDefinitely not the best thing The Smashing Pumpkins have done. But Zeitgeist is sort of enjoyable. I've been a Smashing Pumpkins fan since forever. They are one of my favorite bands of all time. And Zeitgeist is a good album, but I do have a couple complaints about it. One, Billy Corgan's lyrics have always been nothing short of amazing. Especially in the album Adore. But this album, his lyrics are kind of stupid, I must admit. It sounds like he ran out of ideas so he just put something that rhymed. And two, some songs are just unnecessary. "Bleeding The Orchid", "Starz" and "For God And Country". Those tracks are just plain retarded. And maybe a couple more. But other than that, This is a rock and roll album that goes back to their early work. It sounds like a metal album. It is The Smashing Pumpkins heaviest album. Some great tracks are "United States" (best on the album), "Doomsday Clock" and "That's The Way (My Love Is)". All In All, Not Smashing Pumpkins greatest work by far, but still a worthy entry in their discography. B… Expand
  54. gruenjr
    May 23, 2011
    9
    A completely underrated album by the press and a lot of fans. "Zeitgeist" was THE perfect title for this album, atleast for this Pumpkins fan because I will remember that time, in part, for feeling plugged in with the band. It was an exciting year to listen to concert bootlegs, especially from their Paris reunion show, and it t all culminated with this album. "Doomsday," "7 Shades,"A completely underrated album by the press and a lot of fans. "Zeitgeist" was THE perfect title for this album, atleast for this Pumpkins fan because I will remember that time, in part, for feeling plugged in with the band. It was an exciting year to listen to concert bootlegs, especially from their Paris reunion show, and it t all culminated with this album. "Doomsday," "7 Shades," "United States," and "Neverlost" are all highlights.… Expand
  55. 7dogguy
    Apr 13, 2012
    7
    this is the worst thing besides tear garden by them the band isnt even all together anymore the band members from back then put the soul of the smashing pumpkins into the smashing pumpkins this album is good however about 60% of the songs are either good or listenable this album is also heavier then most of there stuff its a good album but its lacking feeling that the old albums were about
  56. bardelby
    Sep 7, 2023
    10
    The forgotten Smashing Pumpkins album. Sad it was taken off though. never got to listen to it
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Awards & Rankings

7
#7 Most Discussed Album of 2007

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
59

Mixed or average reviews - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 29
  3. Negative: 4 out of 29
  1. Amazon.com
    80
    Overall, Corgan's captivating effort to mine both the spirit of these turbulent times and the soul of his defining band is a smashing success.
    Read full review
  2. Blender
    60
    Zeitgeist’s orgy of avalanche rhythms, cascading riffs and sky-licking guitar is as grandiose as ever (the solo on "Tarantula" sounds like a nuke hitting a Guitar Center), but the bombast is softened as Corgan reaches out for shame-sharing community.
    Read full review
  3. New Musical Express (NME)
    50
    It's best treated as a curio in the Smashing Pumpkins' legacy; and for those who grew up on 'Today', '1979' and 'Ava Adore', you're better left with your memories.
    Read full review
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