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

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. DanieleA.
    Jul 10, 2007
    10
    Better than Machina I & II. Good point of start, the future is great!Sorry my english!!!
  2. LucasC.
    Jul 2, 2007
    10
    Grande Álbum! Muito Metal praticamente em todas as músicas! Está entre os melhores do ano!
  3. MarcyC
    Aug 10, 2007
    10
    The best band album since siamese dream!
  4. SSE
    Jul 19, 2007
    10
    Because Billy doesn't have james and d'arcy everyones gonna moan that its not the pumpkins which i don't understand cause billy pretty much did everything! This is a solid album and I think it's one of the best albums of the year along with Year Zero and its a hell of a lot better then the "music" thats doing the MTV circuit these days....
  5. SteveK
    Jul 4, 2007
    10
    Definitely their best effort in 10 years. A good return to the rock. and melodies that made them so great in the 90's.
  6. JuanS.
    Jul 6, 2007
    10
    This album have the most beautiful and strong songs like 'United States'. This is not a ordinary band , they are genious.
  7. Ramirez
    Jul 7, 2007
    10
    woow. just woow. Zeitgeist blew me away, Bring The Light/ Starz / That's the Way / Bleeding the orchid are tunes that are destined to deserve classic status..; didn't expect an album this good, very eclectic, very rocking, very good. Every single track stands on its own... album of the year so far hand down. it's hard to believe one who likes their sound, can dislike woow. just woow. Zeitgeist blew me away, Bring The Light/ Starz / That's the Way / Bleeding the orchid are tunes that are destined to deserve classic status..; didn't expect an album this good, very eclectic, very rocking, very good. Every single track stands on its own... album of the year so far hand down. it's hard to believe one who likes their sound, can dislike Zeitgeist, it's everything we could have asked for in one album! these reviews are plain ridiculous, Corgan will always get tons of s*** over him for no reason, he reclaimed his status as one of the best songwriters of all time… Expand
  8. MarciaR.
    Jul 9, 2007
    10
    love this album!
  9. WolfgangO.
    Jul 9, 2007
    10
    A wholly satisfying album-length recall of the "Zero" single - which is a good thing. Gothy, glammy, even dancey at times.
  10. CorganR
    Jun 28, 2007
    10
    This is going to be the best album of the year, and I haven't even heard it yet!!! All you losers who don't like it can get off this site!!!!!!
  11. RT
    Jul 11, 2007
    10
    Easily the best actual rock album in years. From start to finish this album delivers. With hints of older Pumpkins, like Siamese Dream, but with a newer updated sound (if the same thing was done over and over it would become dull). Raw, heavy and dynamic - this album was clearly well thought out with a purpose in mind. So to those critics who rated this album low - maybe stick to the Easily the best actual rock album in years. From start to finish this album delivers. With hints of older Pumpkins, like Siamese Dream, but with a newer updated sound (if the same thing was done over and over it would become dull). Raw, heavy and dynamic - this album was clearly well thought out with a purpose in mind. So to those critics who rated this album low - maybe stick to the generic radio rock that you rated highly and has no impact what so ever. Its nice to know that to some of us, rock isn't completely dead.… Expand
  12. LukeM
    Jul 1, 2007
    10
    It's shit hot! not only just as good but some of it is even better than past efforts. Corgan is one of the most versatile musicians alive today.
  13. RobertoR.
    Jul 10, 2007
    10
    Smashing Pumpkins're back. No zwan, no billy corgan solo album. They rock as the past. chamberlain is fantastic.
  14. FrankA.
    Jul 10, 2007
    10
    While it isn't a masterpiece like Siamese Dream, its artistic, heavy and inspiring all in one. Do yourself a favor, get some good speakers (bose), pop in the CD, crank it and listen to Doomsday Clock........if you don't get goosebumps within the first minute, check your pulse. I've been seeing bad reviews all day about this album and its not shocking, great art is not While it isn't a masterpiece like Siamese Dream, its artistic, heavy and inspiring all in one. Do yourself a favor, get some good speakers (bose), pop in the CD, crank it and listen to Doomsday Clock........if you don't get goosebumps within the first minute, check your pulse. I've been seeing bad reviews all day about this album and its not shocking, great art is not understood by all. I think classic fans and new fans of the pumpkins will be very happy with the album.… Expand
  15. RamiroS.
    Jul 12, 2007
    10
    best album of 2007!
  16. rogerc.
    Jul 14, 2007
    10
    amazing!
  17. TalonP.
    Jul 15, 2007
    10
    An awesome, almost perfect album, receiving the same critical abuse as every other Pumpkins record ever released. Exploring new production techniques is as interesting as their exploration of new musical territory. Production in rock music has become stale and standardized; this is a break from that cement concept, which is good to hear, if a little odd at first listen. This album has An awesome, almost perfect album, receiving the same critical abuse as every other Pumpkins record ever released. Exploring new production techniques is as interesting as their exploration of new musical territory. Production in rock music has become stale and standardized; this is a break from that cement concept, which is good to hear, if a little odd at first listen. This album has captivated me entirely; the fact that NME doesn't like it (or more likely doesn't like Billy) makes not the slightest shade of difference to me. I pity those who take anothers' opinions as their own - especially taking them from the music press; the same press that has dogged pretty much all of the greatest bands and albums of all time. It is all just subjective opinion. Why not make up your own mind and stop reading reviews? Including this one.… Expand
  18. MarcosS.
    Jul 10, 2007
    10
    The Best álbum since Mellon Collie and The Infinite Sadness!
  19. rogergillss
    Jul 19, 2007
    10
    perfect!
  20. jasonl
    Jul 19, 2007
    10
    This is the best Pumpkin's cd yet.
  21. [Anonymous]
    Jul 2, 2007
    10
    I think this is the return to form without repeating the past that Billy and Jimmy needed to pull off in order to brand themselves the Pumpkins. There is a little of everything except acoustic guitar on this album, although Pomp and Circumstance is pretty mellow. If you want loud, crunchy guitar riffing and massive intricate drumming this is a great album.
  22. KelCone
    Jul 2, 2007
    10
    They actually put out a good album!!! Hopefully its quality will put to rest the anti-Corgan press. All hail BmfnC.
  23. btcl
    Jul 2, 2007
    10
    Solid. I feel like I'm back in the 90s.
  24. FernandoR.
    Jul 3, 2007
    10
    That's Rock and Roll!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  25. Rob
    Jul 3, 2007
    10
    This is a great album from start to finish. The pumpkins are the once and future kings of modern rock!
  26. FelipeP.
    Jul 3, 2007
    10
    Fantastic Record! Better than Machina! Love SP!
  27. MonicaK.
    Jul 7, 2007
    10
    All that I have to say is that the average score given by the critics is absolute B.S....If Kelly Clarkson and Avril Lavigne's albums are better reviewed, then it's obvious that no one should take these reviews seriously. ROCK ON SP!
  28. WilliamO.
    Jul 9, 2007
    10
    After the 1st listen or 2 I was wondering how much I actually liked it. After 3 or 4 listenings with headphones (A MUSH FOR THIS ALBUM) it really grew on me. Then I added the 3 "bonus" tracks: Stellar, Death From Above, and Zeitgeist to make the album 15 songs and I must say it is excellent. Very hard to compare to their previous CDs, because it has a little from each in it. Please do After the 1st listen or 2 I was wondering how much I actually liked it. After 3 or 4 listenings with headphones (A MUSH FOR THIS ALBUM) it really grew on me. Then I added the 3 "bonus" tracks: Stellar, Death From Above, and Zeitgeist to make the album 15 songs and I must say it is excellent. Very hard to compare to their previous CDs, because it has a little from each in it. Please do yourself the favor of listening to this at least 3 times with decent headphones and add the 3 bonus tracks before you make a judgement. Trust me, you will love it. These idiot critics I am sure listened to it once and hate Billy Corgan anyway (all most talk about is the band's history, not the album itself). SP IS BACK!!!!… Expand
  29. Frans
    Jul 9, 2007
    10
    Good album
  30. rogergillss
    Jul 9, 2007
    10
    perfect!
  31. JamesC.
    Jul 9, 2007
    10
    Their best album!
  32. DavidH.
    Jul 9, 2007
    10
    Great album.
  33. MarkS.
    Jul 9, 2007
    10
    The same ingenious Corgan songwriting and loud guitars from Machina and MCIS. Although his lyrics seem a bit more Zwan-ish, nothing short of amazing.
  34. SethE
    Aug 14, 2007
    10
    This ablum stands alone as some of the best work TSP has done yet todate, I hope there is more to come :)
  35. CallumR.
    Aug 28, 2007
    10
    They are back and its great to have them! Bleeding The Orchid should change anyones mind who has written them off due to the line up!
  36. GeraldP.
    Sep 19, 2007
    10
    LOL this album came out in June and hasn't left my car since.. Its a great rock and roll CD. Best album from the pumpkins since adore.
  37. GeoffW.
    Sep 29, 2007
    10
    Very solid and competent return from the Pumpkins.
  38. petere
    Jun 28, 2007
    10
    awesome
  39. RobertB
    Jun 29, 2007
    10
    It burnt the lies off of my soul
  40. JonN.
    Jul 10, 2007
    10
    Grrreeeaat!
  41. GuyS
    Jul 1, 2007
    10
    Corgan returns to reclaim the rock crown. To the relief of the majority of Corgans fans theres only one track which sounds a bit zwan (Thats the way (my love is) - god knows why thats the next single, though even thats better than most of the emo boy band 'rock' thats managed to cross the big pond in the last 7 years. All the pumokins trademarks are here, the loud-quiet Corgan returns to reclaim the rock crown. To the relief of the majority of Corgans fans theres only one track which sounds a bit zwan (Thats the way (my love is) - god knows why thats the next single, though even thats better than most of the emo boy band 'rock' thats managed to cross the big pond in the last 7 years. All the pumokins trademarks are here, the loud-quiet dynamics, distorted stratocasters and great hooks. The main difference I've noticed so far is corgans vocals being altered more and the songs are generally heavier and most of their post MCIS output (niice!) Pumpkins fans will not be disappointed with this record (I was one of the worried) and it should attract a whole new generation of fans. If you enjoy tuneful rock please listen to this lp.… Expand
  42. CarlW.
    Jul 11, 2007
    10
    Fantastic!
  43. GeorgeM.
    Jul 11, 2007
    10
    This is truly one of the greatest bands ever. How can these absolute morons say that it lacks orginality. Its mind blowing I waited seven years for this and i am in no way dissapointed, it was definitely worth the wait. And this is a truely hard rocking album (no fairy included). WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  44. MrT
    Jul 12, 2007
    10
    just goes to show how much critics know about whats good...
  45. justwonderful
    Jul 12, 2007
    10
    At first I despised this album. I was convinced Billy Corgan was a greedy, egotistical jerk who lost his touch. However, I kept listening to Zeitgeist. On the second listen, I thought it was simply mediocre... by the third, I was thinking it was average... by the fourth or fifth, I adored it completely. It's one of those "listen-more-love-it-more". Don't listen once and decide At first I despised this album. I was convinced Billy Corgan was a greedy, egotistical jerk who lost his touch. However, I kept listening to Zeitgeist. On the second listen, I thought it was simply mediocre... by the third, I was thinking it was average... by the fourth or fifth, I adored it completely. It's one of those "listen-more-love-it-more". Don't listen once and decide it's a travesty. Because it's not, it's genius. Personally, I think Zeitgeist is one of their best. It's honestly the only Pumpkins disc I can listen to the whole way through, without skipping tracks, because every single track has its own beauty.… Expand
  46. markb.
    Jul 13, 2007
    10
    The Album of the year!
  47. Elig
    Jul 21, 2007
    10
    excellent cd, great tunes was definetely a good purchase
  48. GlassG
    Jul 2, 2007
    10
    BEst album of the year!
  49. georgeb.
    Jul 3, 2007
    10
    excelent new sound
  50. RomuloB.
    Jul 4, 2007
    10
    perfect album of smashing pumpkins!!!
  51. 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...)
  52. 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!
  53. RobC.
    Jul 7, 2007
    10
    A very nice come back!
  54. 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
  55. 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
  56. 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
  57. 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.
  58. MarkW.
    Sep 18, 2007
    10
    Album of the year.
  59. SlavaP.
    Jan 31, 2008
    10
    F*ck the "good old days"... Billy and Jimmy are back - angry and vigorous... Come on... Lets go...!!!
  60. 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!
  61. 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.
  62. MarthaReprise
    Jul 19, 2007
    10
    love
  63. jonnyj
    Jul 21, 2007
    10
    billy was always the song writer.
  64. bardelby
    Sep 7, 2023
    10
    The forgotten Smashing Pumpkins album. Sad it was taken off though. never got to listen to it
  65. TiagoM.
    Jul 5, 2007
    9
    Isn't a Smashing Pumpkins album? Yes it is, new songs, new soul state, new sonority, more light in the dark, yes, all is new but someone could tell rs that there is two smashing pumpkins albums with the same kind of sonority? There are some guys who will appreciate Bill's work as a bad thing just because they want 11 or 13 years after one more Mellon Collie or one mor Siamese Isn't a Smashing Pumpkins album? Yes it is, new songs, new soul state, new sonority, more light in the dark, yes, all is new but someone could tell rs that there is two smashing pumpkins albums with the same kind of sonority? There are some guys who will appreciate Bill's work as a bad thing just because they want 11 or 13 years after one more Mellon Collie or one mor Siamese Dream. Everything changes, time pass by, music and all arround are complitly different, but the Pumpkins have to be the same all the time. Zeigeist is a great great cd, for the old fans and for a new rock fans, great music, great vocals and a second to second studio work music.… Expand
  66. aaronm
    Jul 10, 2007
    9
    Critics have been bashing the pumpkins since siamese dream and its crap. This cd is absolutely stellar. There best? Of course not, but its hard rocking very solid cd and i was expecting something softer, more akin to his solo stuff or zwan. so so SO happy with this..critics are douchebags
  67. jamie
    Jul 10, 2007
    9
    awesome. bleeding the orchid might just be my new favourite sp song. so much more entertaining then the current rip off rock bands bloating the market today
  68. Cristian
    Jul 2, 2007
    9
    ZARPADO! por suerte mejor disco que machina..
  69. FernandoN.
    Jul 4, 2007
    9
    Even though the whole album isn't absolutely fantastic, it is necessary to say that "Doosmday Clock", "Starz", "United States", and "Bleeding the Orchids" are excellent songs. My personal favorite is "Starz", which, in my opinion, is already one of the best Pumpkins tracks ever. I really liked this new line-up! Billy Corgan, Jimmy Chamberlain and the new members have good taste in Even though the whole album isn't absolutely fantastic, it is necessary to say that "Doosmday Clock", "Starz", "United States", and "Bleeding the Orchids" are excellent songs. My personal favorite is "Starz", which, in my opinion, is already one of the best Pumpkins tracks ever. I really liked this new line-up! Billy Corgan, Jimmy Chamberlain and the new members have good taste in music! The other albums will probably be great, since they're touring together for the first time.… Expand
  70. LoveS.
    Jul 6, 2007
    9
    I think it deserves a better than average score and most critics are not even talking about the music!
  71. T.P.
    Jul 9, 2007
    9
    1. its not as good as Siamese or MCIS, but then again, those are two of the better albums produced since 1990, so its tough to beat them 2. this is a fantastic album. the critics love to rip on corgan for being something no one else is - a music pioneer. each album, each song is different. unlike others willing to just mail it in and receive a check for "recording" another album, corgan 1. its not as good as Siamese or MCIS, but then again, those are two of the better albums produced since 1990, so its tough to beat them 2. this is a fantastic album. the critics love to rip on corgan for being something no one else is - a music pioneer. each album, each song is different. unlike others willing to just mail it in and receive a check for "recording" another album, corgan continually looks to expand and develop new music 3. welcome back SP… Expand
  72. Dustin
    Jul 11, 2007
    9
    Upon listening to the live stream promo release of the Smashing Pumpkins new album Zeitgeist, I wasn't very impressed. The definitive Pumpkins sound was in there somewhere, but I thought it was lost in the mix somehow. The vocals were too sharp and high in the mix and the layered vocals bordered on ridiculous in songs like Starz. Moreover, Jimmy Chamberlin's excellent drumming Upon listening to the live stream promo release of the Smashing Pumpkins new album Zeitgeist, I wasn't very impressed. The definitive Pumpkins sound was in there somewhere, but I thought it was lost in the mix somehow. The vocals were too sharp and high in the mix and the layered vocals bordered on ridiculous in songs like Starz. Moreover, Jimmy Chamberlin's excellent drumming was buried in some parts. Perhaps working with Roy Thomas Baker (producer for Queen, The Cars...) was a mistake? Maybe recording the album with Butch Vig (Nevermind, Siamese Dream) would have been a better idea, to help recapture the magic of old? Tonight I received an email telling me I could download my pre-order of Zeitgeist through iTunes (normally I don't buy lossy music but I wanted the code for advance concert ticket orders). After loading it into my iPod I settled in to give the album a proper listen and decide whether my original impression of the album would stand. Firstly, the album version sounds much better than the internet streams and leaks. Anyone who steals this album and thinks is sounds bad needs to take a listen from a CD or official source. It is amazing how much worse a badly compressed file can sound. If the iTunes version sounds this good, then I am getting the CD ASAP to see if it is even better. The production is very clean, and while I would still have liked the vocals to be mixed slightly lower, I feel that I can live with them as the guitars now hold their own and the drums are solid. The album doesn't sound like any other Pumpkins record so comparisons can be thrown out the window but dark and sultry are the closest adjectives I can find to describe the production. Upon pressing play, the album launches into overdrive with tracks, Doomsday Clock and 7 Shades of Black. The buzzing drone of Doomsday Clock channels a more radio friendly version of Bodies from MCIS, and 7 Shades recalls the track Dross from the group's free internet release Machina II, with a little bit of Geek USA and Sabbath thrown in for good measure. Unfortunately, missing is the fast/slow dynamic of earlier Pumpkins songs. Still, very solid tracks. Bleeding the Orchid is a dark, undulating track that continues the dark tone of the album, and sounds like a long lost b-side from Gish. This track is the first to make apparent the trend of vocal layering used throughout the album, for good or bad. In a wash of warm faded guitars, Thats the Way (My Love Is) reminds of a Zwan take on Stand Inside Your Love. "Of course I love you baby/'cause i'm alive" sings Billy, and one can't help but wonder if he is speaking to former lover Courtney Love. Before listening to Tarantula, it is apparent that the lyrics of Zeitgeist are pseudo-political from lines like "in whitewashed halls/their jackals lick their paws...", but after listening to Tarantula it becomes apparent what the title Zeitgeist (The Spirit of the times) means. If the lyrics "don't let me say this/but you're no worse than me/its crazy/we are the real/if real ever was/and just because/we are the real/they feel we have enough" aren't enough to interpret Billy's motives, the not too subtle single cover with Paris Hilton standing in front of a mushroom cloud with a Blackberry in hand completely gives them away. The concept of the album centers around America's apathy and languorous attitude concerning the political and social climate produced by our leaders and felt by people around the world. Indeed, the climate of bloggers and MySpace has led to a public more interested in Britney's Spears' haircut than more serious subjects. Although Billy admits, Paris and his listeners are no worse than him, as we are all "Starz". Someone, (the internet, paparazzi, corporations?) gave us sound. Starz is a repetitive, David Bowie/Ziggy Stardust homage with more vocal layering which reaffirms the earlier thematic elements discussed. After Starz, the album reaches it's climax with the rollicking 9:51 minute track United States. This track is indulgent, but it is nevertheless impressive and obviously meant to be a live jam track with warbled guitars and Billy exclaiming "revolution!/what will they do to you?". The bombastic United States is followed by a 1979 inspired track Neverlost with marimbas in the background. Although many will skip this track while listening to the album, it is important because it sets the tone for the second half of the album which turns from dark and brooding to hopeful. "Lets kill these hours/and fill desire" Billy croons in this love song. Bring the Light, is the newest sounding song on the album, and although repetitive, it sounds like a radio single with its catchy lyrics and Brian May/Ava Adore guitar solo. (Come On), Lets Go! is Pop-Grunge (oxymoron?) at its finest and is somehow eerily similar to Today. Billy sings about escaping "c'mon lets go/beyond the great unknown/beyond their punched-up skulls/to die upon this road". C'mon Billy, any Grunge fan knows it's not a great unknown it's a "Superunknown". The final two songs sound very much out of place. Billy slips back into dark and brooding mode with "God and Country" which sounds like a b-side from Adore or Machina with its synth-pop mechanics. However, it would never fit on those albums with its political message. Pomp and Circumstance is difficult to describe but if you have seen movies like 1492: Conquest of Paradise, or other period exploration movies you will recognize the influence. The Tribal Island sounds remind of perhaps The Thin Red Line? The song is hopeful. So thematically, it fits the arch of sounds Billy has created, but still somehow it still doesn't seem to fit. Zeitgeist judged against other Pumpkins works isn't their best and isn't their worst. As noted in many web forums, Jame Iha and D'arcy Wretsky had very little to do with the recording of the classic Pumpkins records so it is difficult to say if their influence is missed here. The Smashing Pumpkins are an ever changing sound imagined by Billy Corgan and made possible by the remarkable rhythms produced by Jimmy Chamberlin. Each Pumpkins album is different and meant to be appreciated on its own, and on its own Zeitgeist is great. Highlights for me are: 7 Shades, Bring the Light, Tarantula, Starz, Bleeding the Orchid, and (Come On).… Expand
  73. ChrisI
    Jul 1, 2007
    9
    The Smashing Pumpkins are truly back. Recapturing the heavy sound from Gish and Siamese Dream. All tracks will capture your attention and you will love the new direction the Pumpkins are going in! If you are into the heavy, intense sounding Smashing Pumpkins..this is the right album for you!
  74. EdmondL
    Jul 10, 2007
    9
    An excellent album, has some good rockers. Give it time to sink in, you might not like it at first. Definitely worth buying, the bonus tracks are great as well.
  75. AnthonyS.
    Jul 13, 2007
    9
    I really enjoy this album. It isn't a classic album like siamese melon collie, or gish, but it is both better than anything since and such a refreshingly good album in this day and age of dead mainstream rock. It is signature pumpkins music, albeit the harder edge of their leanings, but there is a good poppy song or 2 for you 1979 folks, as well as the seemingly unavoidable I really enjoy this album. It isn't a classic album like siamese melon collie, or gish, but it is both better than anything since and such a refreshingly good album in this day and age of dead mainstream rock. It is signature pumpkins music, albeit the harder edge of their leanings, but there is a good poppy song or 2 for you 1979 folks, as well as the seemingly unavoidable appearance of a bland billy C love song, which occur on most all pumpkins records. Jimmy bangs the hell out of the drums, and Corgan melts faces on the guitar. His voice has thankfully remained strong. The howling "Owwww!!" in the 10 minute "United States" sums up my feelings pretty well about this album. A Refreshing Blast of badly missed Pumpkins energy. Bring on more SP albums!!… Expand
  76. JustinD.
    Jul 14, 2007
    9
    I did not expect to love this album, but as a someone who came up with 90s rock, it provides nostalgia and relevancy if that is possible. It's obvious that if the Pumpkins had made this album as a follow up to Melancollie, there wouldn't be any doubt to the group's greatness, but it came ten years too late for the "experts."
  77. OttoH.
    Jul 10, 2007
    9
    I am a pumpkin fan of the 1st order and i can say I really like this album! It is really diverse! i like especially 'Bleeding the orchid', 'Bring the light' and Come on let's go. But also Tarantula and United States rock!. Maybe some tunes are 'easy', but so?? they do rock deeply :-) What i find intriguing is that the especially the people that criticize I am a pumpkin fan of the 1st order and i can say I really like this album! It is really diverse! i like especially 'Bleeding the orchid', 'Bring the light' and Come on let's go. But also Tarantula and United States rock!. Maybe some tunes are 'easy', but so?? they do rock deeply :-) What i find intriguing is that the especially the people that criticize this album almost all do cherry some songs on the album, but they do not seem to agree which are the good one and which are the bad ones. One thing for sure 'Pomp and Cirumstances' is not the best song of the album. :-)… Expand
  78. YanM
    Jul 31, 2007
    9
    I think that the media are going nut with their review. they got something against corgan its clear. This album is the best Pumpkins material I have heard since Siamease Dream.
  79. preceptorteeth
    Jul 3, 2007
    9
    it´s another great album by the best band of all times. not a masterpiece, like siamese dream and mcis, but so awsome and intense as adore and gish, and better tham machina (who still a great album).
  80. BrandonC.
    Jul 5, 2007
    9
    This album is what adore should of been. its a step forward from mellon collie, its more than just solid. its full of great musicianship. its quite heavy and it seems jimmy took it up a notch with his drumming (united States). this is an essential album for the typical smashing pumpkins fan..
  81. KrisS
    Jul 8, 2007
    9
    Meh... Few reviews of the album actually bother to rate the music, itself. They all piss and moan about motives, the past, why James and D'Arcy apparently made the Smashing Pumpkins who they were (which is kind of false in a lot ways). For once, I couldn't be more opposed to the current Metacritic rating. Billy just can't ever win... I hope the fan response helps.
  82. dimae.
    Jul 9, 2007
    9
    I guess most people just overestimated their ability. We all think Billy doesn't dare to make just an ordinary "brilliant cd". We all expected masterpiece like.
  83. LukeN
    Aug 9, 2007
    9
    Most of you guys and the critics are being way harsh on this album. I personaly think it's amazing and a major kick in the butt to all other bands our right now trying to make good rock music. Billy has come back and showed them how it's done. Serously, in the song Tarantula, when he breaks out with those crazy guitar sounds before it slows up for a bit, that is real rock and Most of you guys and the critics are being way harsh on this album. I personaly think it's amazing and a major kick in the butt to all other bands our right now trying to make good rock music. Billy has come back and showed them how it's done. Serously, in the song Tarantula, when he breaks out with those crazy guitar sounds before it slows up for a bit, that is real rock and roll. Nobody else does that anymore. Billy Corgan has not let me down yet. I'm not sure how I would have gotten through my highschool years without siamese dream and Melancholy and this is just what I needed at this point in my life. The only thing keeping it from being a 10 is the last song doesn't give me goosbumps like everything else. Can't wait to hear the next record.… Expand
  84. JerryR
    Jun 29, 2007
    9
    Fantastic album, some highlights are Thats The Way ( My Love Is ) and Bleeding The Orchid.
  85. MikeL.
    Jul 11, 2007
    9
    Incredible effort for their first album in 7 years. I know it's not the same Pumpkins as before (Iha and D'Arcy are missing), but Corgan has always been the heart of the band, and Jimmy is brilliant in his drumming on Zeitgeist. The sound picks up where Machina left off. Its very heavy, but very accessible. Overall, its the best Pumpkins album since Mellon Collie.
  86. ryanm.
    Jul 12, 2007
    9
    This is an amazing and impressive album. The only downside is it displays only one aspect of the band's huge scope of versatility and songwriting. There are hits of what made them so versatile in the first place (the 10 seconds near the end of tarantula) but this is obviously the way they wanted it. It actually goes along with the theme of the album being frustrated by modern This is an amazing and impressive album. The only downside is it displays only one aspect of the band's huge scope of versatility and songwriting. There are hits of what made them so versatile in the first place (the 10 seconds near the end of tarantula) but this is obviously the way they wanted it. It actually goes along with the theme of the album being frustrated by modern america/gov. The pumpkins were always billy and jimmy, as much I respect james, billy wrote and played 95 of everything the pumpkins ever recorded. Obviously Jimmy is the other unique and irreplaceable part of the band.… Expand
  87. joeh.
    Jul 13, 2007
    9
    This is a very solid album. Having heard the majority of their work, I would tie this with Siamese Dream as their second-best album. Their are a variety of quality singles (tarantula,doomsday clock,thats the way), and the depth of the material is quite solid as well. Their only shortcoming is that some songs seem lacking in terms of ornamentation, i.e. you hear only the guitar and drums This is a very solid album. Having heard the majority of their work, I would tie this with Siamese Dream as their second-best album. Their are a variety of quality singles (tarantula,doomsday clock,thats the way), and the depth of the material is quite solid as well. Their only shortcoming is that some songs seem lacking in terms of ornamentation, i.e. you hear only the guitar and drums and little support from other instruments to fill the gaps. Other than these small issues, it's a triumphant return!… Expand
  88. RobertP.
    Jul 15, 2007
    9
    not the best of sp but still another production of musical genius by one of the greatest.
  89. robg.
    Jul 16, 2007
    9
    As a fan since 1994, i'm thoroughly happy. The band is growing and evolving unlike the majority of their peers. Still able to create albums unique from the others that are prevalent and relevant
  90. 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.
  91. 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.
  92. 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...
  93. 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
  94. 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
  95. 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.
  96. 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
  97. 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.
  98. 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.
  99. 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
  100. 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!
prev
Page:

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
See all critic reviews »