PopMatters' Scores
- TV
- Music
For 10,930 reviews, this publication has graded:
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44% higher than the average critic
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4% same as the average critic
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52% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 3.9 points lower than other critics.
(0-100 point scale)
Average Music review score: 69
Highest review score: | Desire, I Want To Turn into You | |
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Lowest review score: | Travistan |
Score distribution:
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Positive: 7,291 out of 10930
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Mixed: 3,381 out of 10930
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Negative: 258 out of 10930
10930
music
reviews
- By Date
- By Critic Score
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- Critic Score
You’re the One can get a little lost in its own scope, both a strength and weakness, but Giddens’ exploration of the extensive history of American music continues to be compelling and enlightening.- PopMatters
- Posted Aug 28, 2023
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So much of Homo Anxietatem is about using guitar-driven music to excavate deep feelings of hurt, fear, and anxiety and to process those feelings through the music. Those who listened to Shamir’s previous record won’t be surprised and just how fantastic Homo Anxietatem is.- PopMatters
- Posted Aug 22, 2023
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There are outstanding performances throughout Sundial. Rapper billy woods in “Gospel?” spews magma, and Chicago legend Common drops a verse on the song “Oblivion” that could have easily fit into his great album Be from 2005. The singer Ayoni adds her voice on two tracks to make Sundial feel like a momentous occasion.- PopMatters
- Posted Aug 22, 2023
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Gregory Alan Isakov hasn’t reinvented the wheel – his style has been implemented by plenty of artists before and currently – but as Appaloosa Bones proves, few artists can do it as well as him.- PopMatters
- Posted Aug 22, 2023
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Carlile’s voice sometimes overshadows Mitchell’s newfound alto, an intriguing new area in her vocal range that symbolizes the current wise and withdrawn period of her life.- PopMatters
- Posted Aug 15, 2023
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In conclusion, half an album here marks some of Lydon’s best work in decades and a half that should have never left band practice.- PopMatters
- Posted Aug 15, 2023
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One of the issues with Euphoria is that it’s very pretty, almost oppressively so. The beats and the synths are rounded and smooth like baby-proofing edge guards. The vocals are fetching, as Georgia has a delightful voice. However, she has chosen to sing most of these songs in a demure, modest delivery. So, even though the title promises euphoria, it rarely reaches that high of a peak.- PopMatters
- Posted Aug 11, 2023
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The Loveliest Time is a sharp, upbeat, and sonically diverse companion to its predecessor.- PopMatters
- Posted Aug 9, 2023
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As displayed in Loving You, Amanda Shires and Bobbie Nelson shared a profound connection. The result is a tribute to the artists’ talents and essential listening for piano-based country music fans and Americana listeners.- PopMatters
- Posted Aug 3, 2023
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We get some huge heavy hitters who do very good-to-great work. But the record sinks into pink slush during the so-so-filler tracks. Although there are some fantastic high points and some tacky low points, Barbie: The Album still manages to pull through with a cheeky victory, even if it’s qualified.- PopMatters
- Posted Aug 2, 2023
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Supernatural Thing may not be the best album M. Ward has ever created. Still, it’s a highly enjoyable musical journey that, like a novel with unique twists and turns, is greatly aided by its sense of darkness, mystery, and exciting characters.- PopMatters
- Posted Aug 1, 2023
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In Times New Roman… is classic Queens of the Stone Age in all its grit and posture, but with a newly found lyrical resonance, making it a worthy late addition to their consistently upstanding catalog.- PopMatters
- Posted Jul 19, 2023
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The Greater Wings is sublime and difficult to fault. Fans of Byrne will be delighted and moved to hear her grow even further as an artist and songwriter, not least in her coming to terms with grief and pain. New listeners to Byrne will surely find an artist of great pathos and empathy whose talents may now get the wider hearing they deserve.- PopMatters
- Posted Jul 25, 2023
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“Tumbling Dice” and “Easy Falling” also feel a little indistinct. The former has a pleasing descending melody and uptempo drum beat but isn’t particularly memorable. Meanwhile, “Easy Falling” is a floaty, washed-out ending track that, while peaceful, isn’t an especially strong closer. Slugs of Love is nonetheless a great return to form from Little Dragon.- PopMatters
- Posted Jul 20, 2023
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It’s hard to say if this is Lofgren’s finest hour or just another fine hour in a long line of them, and in the end, it doesn’t really matter.- PopMatters
- Posted Jul 18, 2023
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Guajiro is nothing too cutting-edge in terms of sound; its strength is in the band’s understanding of musical roots. Still, it feels fresh, endowed with a collaborative spirit that makes for something wonderfully new.- PopMatters
- Posted Jul 18, 2023
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["The First Time I Fell in Love" is] a confident personal expression to close a record full of travel and grand events and unleashed energy. It's the perfect finish, a close-up after a run of characters and frequent rowdiness that calmly settles one of the year's best albums.- PopMatters
- Posted Jul 17, 2023
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The lyrics seem to be its weakest part. Although the words can be clever, the singer-songwriter seems to have nothing to say. Sometimes, this works to his advantage.- PopMatters
- Posted Jul 14, 2023
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Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) is a nod to one of life’s central truths: you can’t go back in time, and you can never perfectly replicate your youth, but there are always new paths forward.- PopMatters
- Posted Jul 13, 2023
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The Dirty South is an absolute gem, and The Complete Dirty South is an upgrade over the original version. However, it may be that this edition only appeals to Drive-By Truckers’ hardcore fans. The physical two-CD set is wonderful and the best available version of the record.- PopMatters
- Posted Jul 13, 2023
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Oddisee more than holds his own while weaving his nimble lyricism across his diverse soundscape.- PopMatters
- Posted Jul 12, 2023
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Animals pushes jazz and hip-hop further. Kassa Overall, through his own performance, arrangements, production, and enviable talent with bringing together a broad but complementary roster of collaborators, has created a record worthy of your time, and that of anyone interested in free-thinking music.- PopMatters
- Posted Jul 10, 2023
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“How do you say goodbye forever?” she asks on the heartbreaking finale, “Chain of Tears”, before reminding everyone how raw, personal, and painful these songs can be. But then, unlike some of her contemporaries who might overthink the landing after uttering such a powerful phrase, she nails it in the plainest way possible. “Sincerely asking advice.” Here’s some: More of this, please.- PopMatters
- Posted Jun 29, 2023
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Ultimately, simplicity and genuine vulnerability are rarities, especially in today’s shallow and superficial musical landscape. This Is the Kit again holds listeners captive with one of the unique voices in contemporary indie folk-rock.- PopMatters
- Posted Jun 29, 2023
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She clearly announces that she’s not going gently into that good night. She may feel burned out, but she still wants to get higher. She refuses to give up without a fight. She’s the same as she ever was, goddamnit. All hail the queen.- PopMatters
- Posted Jun 29, 2023
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Having all that experience between the three and letting the moment take precedence is a life-affirming listen. There is no coincidence in how well this turns out.- PopMatters
- Posted Jun 29, 2023
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Even by Isbell’s lofty standards, Weathervanes is a big swing, and the band hits a home run.- PopMatters
- Posted Jun 28, 2023
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Eight boasts too many potential singles to be written off as another wishful reunion. The record proves that they’re not only back but also thriving.- PopMatters
- Posted Jun 28, 2023
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While it might not be her most eclectic work, Chemistry grapples with this condition in the most human ways.- PopMatters
- Posted Jun 28, 2023
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The Good Witch isn’t just a breakup album with attitude and vigor. It’s a continuing saga of what it means to be a 20-something female musician in an era where people come of age on social media, which can be toxic and empowering at once.- PopMatters
- Posted Jun 27, 2023
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