Boxer
by The National
User Score
8.8

Universal acclaim- based on 348 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 313 out of 348
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 348
  3. Negative: 21 out of 348

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  1. Alinzpark
    Dec 12, 2019
    9
    this is an album that requires repeated listens because, many of the songs don't seem like much at first. but, as the relistens pass, every song begins to seem like a revelation as they prove to be much more intricate and detailed than they initially appeared, with some of the most gratifying progressions in the history of the genre. Basically the first 7 songs are perfect and the rest isthis is an album that requires repeated listens because, many of the songs don't seem like much at first. but, as the relistens pass, every song begins to seem like a revelation as they prove to be much more intricate and detailed than they initially appeared, with some of the most gratifying progressions in the history of the genre. Basically the first 7 songs are perfect and the rest is still immaculate.
    'Boxer' stands head and shoulders above the rest of The National's catalogue and, considering their track record, that says a lot.    … Expand
  2. Ricko
    Dec 6, 2017
    9
    Hard to believe this is now a decade old, "Boxer" is the excellent follow up to The National's fantastic 3rd album "Alligator". This is pretty close to a 10 out of 10 when compared to the work of their peers but probably a bit too similar to "Alligator" to get full marks. "Fake Empire" and "Mistaken for Strangers" are two of the greatest tracks written in the last 20 years, if not ever.Hard to believe this is now a decade old, "Boxer" is the excellent follow up to The National's fantastic 3rd album "Alligator". This is pretty close to a 10 out of 10 when compared to the work of their peers but probably a bit too similar to "Alligator" to get full marks. "Fake Empire" and "Mistaken for Strangers" are two of the greatest tracks written in the last 20 years, if not ever. "Slow Show", "Green Gloves" and "Guest Room" are all fan favourites that are to be found here as well. If possible, it's a mellower album than Alligator and it could do with one or two more up tempo tracks like the aforementioned "Mistaken for Strangers" but this is me being very picky here. "Boxer" is an absolute gem of a record from a band to be treasured. An album that still sounds amazing 10 years on and no doubt will still sound as good in another 10.… Expand
  3. alaNBrait
    Sep 14, 2017
    10
    This is tremendous, amazing, outstanding, lyrically and musically, an instant classic for music and certainly best album of 2007 and best album from the band,
  4. Erdnussknacker
    Mar 9, 2016
    10
    As always and expected from The National, a really amazing and outstanding album. I'd definitely recommend it to all fans of the band or everyone who liked the other albums as well. If you're new to The National, buy it. Now.
  5. DanDanReviews
    Sep 21, 2014
    10
    The slow-burning masterwork of a band at it's creative peak, both totally comfortable with where they are, and yet still pushing their own creative abilities and perfecting their craft. A perfect listen from start to finish.
  6. aleamato
    Jun 20, 2013
    10
    I consider this album as a milestone of post-new-wave sound. Furthermore Matt Berninger's voice is outstanding, absolutely unique. Undoubtedly their best album!
  7. Beverlyrdgeese
    May 1, 2013
    10
    Quite simply, a masterpiece of modern music. Deeply affective, darkly humorous, and as human as music can possibly be. Honestly the best album of the 2000s.
  8. MBond1810
    Apr 12, 2013
    8
    Far better than its predecessor in terms of arrangements: these songs are truly flawless.
  9. Vampire25
    Mar 10, 2013
    8
    Boxer represents The National at the height of their artistic abilities. Matt Beringer's soft, baritone voice is what propels this record to exceeding heights. Every track stands out, and the drumming is beyond fantastic, some of the best drumming I've heard in a long while. From the minute this album starts, to the moment it ends, it epitomizes the perfect blend of alternative/indie rock.Boxer represents The National at the height of their artistic abilities. Matt Beringer's soft, baritone voice is what propels this record to exceeding heights. Every track stands out, and the drumming is beyond fantastic, some of the best drumming I've heard in a long while. From the minute this album starts, to the moment it ends, it epitomizes the perfect blend of alternative/indie rock. All In All, The National make an artistic statement with this record, and they only exceed these standards with their next record "High Violet" B+… Expand
  10. KitsGravity
    Dec 1, 2012
    10
    The album reflects the ideas and philosophies of a grown up man and his emotions are displayed in such great depth with some amazing music you haven't heard before. Yes, the album has a serious tone and it carries its own melody which is unique and depressing somewhat.
    Clearly the best album of 2000s.
  11. j30
    Jan 26, 2012
    10
    Amazing album. The dark, soulful LP from the Brooklyn based band is one of my favorite albums from 2007. Matt Berninger's low, crooning voice and Bryan Devendorf's bruising drums carry this album to great heights.
  12. tipobaha
    Jul 3, 2011
    9
    just amazing. best album of them.
  13. JonnyR.
    Jul 13, 2008
    9
    It seems as though the National intentionally leave off some of their best material from their albums.
  14. JonB.
    Jun 23, 2008
    10
    Yes, I like this album even more than Radiohead's Rainbows. Best album of the year.
  15. CalvinD.
    Jun 4, 2008
    3
    no bad songs on this one, but in a whole, it's just very boring. some people may refer to this as "cohesive"...every song's structure is the same, and since they're alway building up on one single line, it's time to hit the forward button after 2.5 minutes into each song. mistaken for strangers is a good example of how good a song can start and how boring it can no bad songs on this one, but in a whole, it's just very boring. some people may refer to this as "cohesive"...every song's structure is the same, and since they're alway building up on one single line, it's time to hit the forward button after 2.5 minutes into each song. mistaken for strangers is a good example of how good a song can start and how boring it can become. the drumming is to loud the whole record through too.… Expand
  16. Jackpot
    May 16, 2008
    8
    This is a workmanlike performance by The National. There isn't anything here that blows my mind, but the majestic closer, "Gospel," comes close; it's like a darker version of "Boy with the Arab Strap"-era Belle & Sebastian.
  17. BobD.
    Apr 13, 2008
    10
    mad mad good. after being introduced by "mistaken for strangers," i used to think they're were too many slow songs on here. but now i relish this album for its somber mood. a slow grower, but highly recommended.
  18. JohnD.
    Mar 13, 2008
    9
    Its a thing of beauty, a gorgeous sonnet in a storm of denial, a feeling, a mood beyond the crowd.
  19. NiallS
    Dec 17, 2007
    10
    The Real album of the year!
  20. FrancescM.
    Dec 15, 2007
    9
    It's a very special CD. Not original at all, but special.
  21. JoeDoe
    Dec 14, 2007
    10
    It's an absolutely great album! I've heard them for the first time on got radio just a couple of hours before. And yes, I already have the album.
  22. TBone
    Nov 22, 2007
    9
    After having this whole album in my playlists for a few months, I have to say, the only song I could really pull is Slow Show. Theres a lot of hooks in all of these. Pretty good.
  23. LinusG.
    Nov 20, 2007
    10
    "We expected something, something better than before, we expected something more" is not something you can say about this album. Perfect. Best sing-a-long of the year.
  24. BarryP.
    Nov 18, 2007
    10
    On first listening the opening tracks impacted immediately and then I thought it tailed off. When I went back to it I started listening more and more to the second half of the album and it just keeps growing. I will now choose to listen to the last couple of tracks like Ada as much as Fake Empire. Patience rewards and I think this will eventually be regarded as one of the great albums of On first listening the opening tracks impacted immediately and then I thought it tailed off. When I went back to it I started listening more and more to the second half of the album and it just keeps growing. I will now choose to listen to the last couple of tracks like Ada as much as Fake Empire. Patience rewards and I think this will eventually be regarded as one of the great albums of recent years. I think it has more depth than Alligator.… Expand
  25. MC
    Nov 13, 2007
    9
    Excellent. Honest lyrics, great music. I especially love the drumming, as well as the overall mood of the album.
  26. CarlosA.
    Oct 24, 2007
    10
    One of the best in the last five years. Fresh, harmonic, deep. As much you listen it as much you will discover and like it. It can take time but in the end you will love these guys. Don´t forget Alligator, another surprise for me after listening Boxer.
  27. booms.
    Oct 18, 2007
    6
    i was blown away initially by this release - on subsequent listens i find myself getting more uninterested and bored of this album. Some great songs dispersed amongst filler
  28. BrissaR
    Oct 9, 2007
    7
    Alligator was more upbeat and there was a greater variety of songs/tempos. Boxer is more contemplated and the songs drift into each other, i.e., it's more monotonous. If you are a fan of the National than you should buy Boxer but don't get your hopes up too high.
  29. Elli
    Oct 9, 2007
    8
    I had such high expectations for this album. This is a good album but nowhere as magnificent as its predecessor, "Alligator." This album takes a while to appreciate and it has a slower pace than "Alligator." My favorite songs are "Fake Empire" and "Slow Show."
  30. WadeT.
    Sep 27, 2007
    7
    There is a difference between releasing an impressive album and an engaging album. Engaging records create fan bases by becoming a part of the listeners day to day life. Impressive albums are a lot like looking at a painting in an art gallery that you visit one in awhile, you look, are impressed, then move on, not thinking about it much afterwards. The Boxer by The National is impressive, There is a difference between releasing an impressive album and an engaging album. Engaging records create fan bases by becoming a part of the listeners day to day life. Impressive albums are a lot like looking at a painting in an art gallery that you visit one in awhile, you look, are impressed, then move on, not thinking about it much afterwards. The Boxer by The National is impressive, but since purchasing it based on my finding of their myspace page I haven't been able to come back to it. The reason is The National hit a lot of triples on The Boxer, good tunes, impressively constructed, but don't have that moment that plants a melody straight into your brain. The National are talented, competent performers with a great core sound, but Boxer largely veers away from those epic moments needed that pronounce great songs. Start A War is the best example of this, with a simple acoustic guitar starting a tune that seems pushing toward a large climax, The National never take the song where you as a listener want it to go and you're left with a disjointed effort, much like the entire album.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

15
#15 Best Album of 2007
15
#15 Most Discussed Album of 2007
9
#9 Most Shared Album of 2007

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
86

Universal acclaim - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 31
  3. Negative: 0 out of 31
  1. Hartford Courant
    70
    The National hews too closely to established formula on "Boxer," content to revisit previously explored territory without expanding its sound.
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  2. Paste Magazine
    60
    Here, most gestures remain a bit too consciously panoramic—elegant enough for comfort but often not chancy enough to be breathtaking.
    Read full review
  3. Playlouder
    60
    A patchy, flawed effort.
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