Zeros
by Declan McKenna
Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
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  1. The Line of Best Fit
    Sep 11, 2020
    90
    Zeros is a cross-generational demi masterpiece. It’s also wholly modern though, not simply relying on nostalgia. McKenna displays an incredibly mature understanding and absorption of his inspirations, rather than just referencing or rehashing them.
  2. The Observer (UK)
    Sep 8, 2020
    80
    If he’s capable of writing stuff like this at 21 – and indeed of taking on the influences of the past without just regurgitating them – McKenna’s future looks intriguing. For the time being, though, he’s making the tricky business of shape-shifting and growing up in public seem painless.
  3. New Musical Express (NME)
    Sep 4, 2020
    80
    The 21-year-old might be trying to shake off any unwieldy labels from critics this time around, but he’s doing so in electric, entertaining and thought-provoking form. Climb aboard McKenna’s space shuttle, and let him transport you to a place where dancing and getting deep are equally encouraged.
  5. The Independent (UK)
    Sep 4, 2020
    80
    Zeros is the sound of an artist pushing his creative development, and enjoying himself as he does so. Exciting stuff.
  6. Q Magazine
    Sep 3, 2020
    80
    McKenna's charisma and melodic sense ensure it's a delight nonetheless. [Sep 2020, p.113]
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  7. The Guardian
    Sep 3, 2020
    80
    If he’s capable of writing stuff like this at 21 – and indeed of taking on the influences of the past without just regurgitating them – McKenna’s future looks intriguing. For the time being, though, he’s making the tricky business of shape-shifting and growing up in public seem painless.
  8. Clash Music
    Sep 3, 2020
    80
    In almost every way it is bigger than his debut, there’s urgency to the instrumentals and operatic crescendos, all in the aid of trying to observe the madness.
  9. DIY Magazine
    Sep 3, 2020
    80
    Star-spangled and confident AF he may be second time around, the Declan of yore isn’t quite lost in a sea of sequins. ‘Zeros’ is a lot of fun.
  10. musicOMH.com
    Sep 3, 2020
    80
    Musical diversity has been embraced to better reflect his character, whilst a positive tone remains, even when he’s examining negatives. No longer is McKenna a teenager emerging at Glastonbury, he is someone for the generation he speaks for to listen to.
  11. Pitchfork
    Sep 9, 2020
    73
    Despite the wobbly sequencing and foggy structure, the album is a bright flare from a promising talent. McKenna doesn’t simply pay homage to his musical heroes; he jerry-rigs the history of British rock to ask how we got ourselves into this mess, and how the hell we might get out.
  12. Uncut
    Sep 3, 2020
    70
    McKenna merges glam, pop, indie and a touch of electronica to make a contemporary sonic exploration of a tumultuous world. [Oct 2020, p.34]
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Awards & Rankings

52
#52 Most Discussed Album of 2020

User Reviews

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User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 96 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 85 out of 96
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 96
  3. Negative: 9 out of 96
  1. viniciussawate
    Sep 4, 2020
    8
    His sound has a very cool indie rock aesthetic, along the lines of some British artists and bands, like Blossoms, David Bowie and Catfish andHis sound has a very cool indie rock aesthetic, along the lines of some British artists and bands, like Blossoms, David Bowie and Catfish and the Bottlemen, and rock from the 70s, which is really cool. So this album, the lyrics present some distinct concerns of the glam era, the apocalypse is environmental, the fabulous outsiders are struggling not with the gray of suburban existence, but with the pressures of social media.… Full Review »
  2. viniribol
    Sep 4, 2020
    10
    PERFEITO, SIMPLESMENTE LENDÁRIO ME LEVOU PARA OUTRA DIMENSÃO DE TÃO BOM, PAPAI TE AMO REIZINHO
  3. Too_jerson
    Sep 5, 2020
    10
    O album 'Zeros' de Declan Mckenna trás consigo euforia e reflexão, evocando um sentimento nostálgico e prazeroso ao mesmo tempo. Em Zeros, aO album 'Zeros' de Declan Mckenna trás consigo euforia e reflexão, evocando um sentimento nostálgico e prazeroso ao mesmo tempo. Em Zeros, a criticidade, mescla-se com a criatividade, dispondo de uma produção mais que empolgante. Instrumentos em extrema harmonia com o vocal, mostrando-se um trabalho coeso e bem explorado. Desfruta de faixas plurais, como a entusiástica “Beautiful Faces” e “Be An Astronaut” cujo carrega consigo uma linda mensagem com um convite para sair da zona do conforto e lutar por seus Já em “The key to life earth” despoja de criticidade e relatos de experiências pessoais vividas no subúrbio inglês, por Declan. Sendo assim, 'Zeros' consolida-se como autoral, plural, profundo e mais do que entusiástico; nós trás um estado de êxtase.… Full Review »
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