Medicine at Midnight
by Foo Fighters
  • Record Label: RCA
  • Release Date: Feb 5, 2021
User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 101 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 76 out of 101
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 101
  3. Negative: 7 out of 101
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  1. Alanlost73
    Feb 7, 2021
    7
    On the first listen you might be surprised at the direction Foo Fighters took on this record. You night not even like it the first time through but upon the second listen you'll find yourself grooving to this poppy, fun album. Not the best thing lyrically that Dave Grohl has ever put together but it's solid. The thing that you'll immediately notice will be the KILLER drum tracks laid downOn the first listen you might be surprised at the direction Foo Fighters took on this record. You night not even like it the first time through but upon the second listen you'll find yourself grooving to this poppy, fun album. Not the best thing lyrically that Dave Grohl has ever put together but it's solid. The thing that you'll immediately notice will be the KILLER drum tracks laid down by Taylor Hawkins. A solid effort by a band that just flat executes in their space. Is there an "Everlong", "My Hero" or "Times Like These" on this record? Of course not and who could really expect that? 7/10… Expand
  2. dcg-vr
    May 2, 2021
    7
    "Medicine At Midnight" is not a record you would expect from Foo Fighters, but it is still packed with contagious riffs, exciting tunes and powerful drummings that have established the band as a staple of modern rock. The album opener "Making a Fire" has potentials to be a summer radio hit with singalong "na-na-na" and catchy hooks that provide a great vision of what Dave Grohl and co is"Medicine At Midnight" is not a record you would expect from Foo Fighters, but it is still packed with contagious riffs, exciting tunes and powerful drummings that have established the band as a staple of modern rock. The album opener "Making a Fire" has potentials to be a summer radio hit with singalong "na-na-na" and catchy hooks that provide a great vision of what Dave Grohl and co is aiming for. Leading single "Shame Shame" channels Grohl's admiration for David Bowie and Prince, as the band charges into new territories. "Cloudspotters" follow up with even greater surprises with verses that go as poppy as Foo Fighters can ever be, juxtaposed by a banger of a chorus. The album continues to keep listeners not knowing what to expect, from the slow-burn ballad "Waiting On a War" and the 80s dance rock title track to the Motorhead-inspired headbanger-worthy "No Son of Mine" and the party-all-night "Holding Poison". For me, the somber slow rock "Chasing Birds" is the most memorable surprise when Grohl demonstrates his rarely shown tender vocals, accompanied by soothing guitar strumming and drumming. The album closer "Love Dies Young" is the weakest track for me and it fails to end the record on a high note.

    Overall, I don't have much to criticize this record. Most songs are pretty enjoyable to listen. The band continues to expand their illustrious catalog with new sounds and they have done most things right. That said, I don't think this album or any song from it will end up in my 2021 favorite playlist. They are all fun songs that get me party hard but none of them establishes a strong personal bond with me and no song particularly stands out as a classic. There is no problem with that at all, as long as Foo Fighters had some fun creating the record and I had some fun listening to their creative and ever-evolving works. "Medicine At Midnight" is worthy a listen and enjoy jamming along it!

    Highlights: Making A Fire, Medicine At Midnight, Holding Poison, Chasing Birds
    Rating: 7.4/10    … Expand
  3. cnauta
    Feb 5, 2021
    10
    I love this album! Funky, pop filled, and full of energy and fun. Great work Fighters!
  4. kinger412
    Feb 5, 2021
    8
    Those in the "I want my band to always sound like my favorite album of theirs" crowd will likely be disappointed with this Foo and that's too bad, because this is a really enjoyable album. The songs breeze by, and the band feels like they are having a blast. The arrangements, the backup singers, the drumming (Taylor is the star of this record), the "Let's Dance"-era Bowie vibe to some ofThose in the "I want my band to always sound like my favorite album of theirs" crowd will likely be disappointed with this Foo and that's too bad, because this is a really enjoyable album. The songs breeze by, and the band feels like they are having a blast. The arrangements, the backup singers, the drumming (Taylor is the star of this record), the "Let's Dance"-era Bowie vibe to some of the tunes... it all makes for a great listen. It's not as meaty as some other Foo albums, so we'll see if it has staying power. But if you're looking for a "we're gettin' the hell out of this pandemic and having some fun" rock record, this more than fits the bill!… Expand
  5. williamwestrup
    Feb 5, 2021
    9
    Ok, i was waiting for a good album, but this really exceeded expectations. Pure gold.
  6. Panchosalse
    Feb 5, 2021
    9
    Great album. Great songs. The only downside is the pick of the singles, which are the worst songs of the record in my opinion.
  7. newercorey
    Feb 5, 2021
    9
    Many bands like the Foo Fighters, 90s rockers, have come and gone. They have stuck around due to their work ethic and incredible live shows. I'm glad we have a new album that has a fun sound. I think this will go down as their "Emotional Rescue". A fan appreciated album that moves the band's sound in a forward direction.
  8. RageAndGrace
    Feb 5, 2021
    7
    It's definitely not a bad album. There are definitely songs that I really love, and nothing on the album is too unpleasant for me. However, that's been a standard for the Foo Fighters since 2005, and everything that it does in attempts to stand out ends up negatively affecting the album as a whole. The sound quality, while unique and somewhat effective for a party setting, just makes meIt's definitely not a bad album. There are definitely songs that I really love, and nothing on the album is too unpleasant for me. However, that's been a standard for the Foo Fighters since 2005, and everything that it does in attempts to stand out ends up negatively affecting the album as a whole. The sound quality, while unique and somewhat effective for a party setting, just makes me fidget in my seat (maybe recording a rock album in a haunted house wasn't the brightest idea). The verses are always worse than the choruses, as is standard for anthemic rock, but inverse to standard for the Foo Fighters, so it's a little disappointing. The god-forsaken stock backing vocals get old halfway through Making a Fire and persist throughout the entire album. The fact that it only has 9 songs is baffling to me; on Sonic Highways they at least had a reasonable excuse, but they've been sitting on this album for a year and still decided against making the expected amount for a Foo Fighters album. Notice how often I compare it to previous Foo Fighters albums; on its own, it has a new and fairly compelling sound, and deserves at least a cult following. I do certainly enjoy listening to this album, and every song is at least a 6 in my book, but I don't believe it's the direction the Foo Fighters should continue to take in the future.… Expand
  9. Flatface
    Feb 5, 2021
    8
    Very good bruv
    Not my favourite by foos But still very good bruv
    My ranking:
    9. Chasing birds 8. No son of mine 7. Medicine At midnight 6. Shame shame 5. Love dies young 4. Making a fire 3. Waiting on a war 2. Holding poison 1. Cloudspotter
  10. 10grunge88
    Feb 5, 2021
    8
    A consistent and complete album. With a lot of rhythm and catchy tunes. Good for newcomers and something relatively new for the ones that are along with the band for a long time. The lyrics are more confusing in their meaning and not everything is said so directly. Maybe you can interpret one or two things in the same verse, or something said is not so related with the main meaning of theA consistent and complete album. With a lot of rhythm and catchy tunes. Good for newcomers and something relatively new for the ones that are along with the band for a long time. The lyrics are more confusing in their meaning and not everything is said so directly. Maybe you can interpret one or two things in the same verse, or something said is not so related with the main meaning of the song. And for me is something good, as if some songs were sang "on the go", with a meaning but everything is valid. In sound, the add of choruses is a welcome thing, but I know that is not for everyone.. The best songs: Making a fire, Medicine at midnight and Loves dies young.. The songs that wont be in my favorites: Shame shame and Not son of mine (curiously, 2 of their 3 singles)… Expand
  11. Ricko
    Feb 11, 2021
    7
    For all the positive things you can say about Dave Grohl, who genuinely seems like a cool dude, Foo Fighters are ultimately now a derivitive stadium rock band. Check out their greatest hits and its packed with some of the best (albeit safest) radio rock tracks of the 90's and 00's. That came out in 2009 though and while it was followed up by the vital "Wasting Light", that record aside,For all the positive things you can say about Dave Grohl, who genuinely seems like a cool dude, Foo Fighters are ultimately now a derivitive stadium rock band. Check out their greatest hits and its packed with some of the best (albeit safest) radio rock tracks of the 90's and 00's. That came out in 2009 though and while it was followed up by the vital "Wasting Light", that record aside, they have added little to their back catalog to justify a volume 2. It happens the best of them I guess but unlike U2 or even Coldplay, Foo Fighters have retained their ability to sell out stadiums without ever pushing the envelope. That is not to say this, album number 10 is bad. It's not. It's a highly listenable 40 minutes of fun Dad rock. The songs aren't bad (I really like chilled "Chasing Birds") and there is a lot worse music out there for sure but "Medicine at Midnight" lacks bite and ambition but it is succinct and as a result doesn't outstay its welcome. Grohl hasn't needed to prove his rock royalty status in decades and perhaps this kind of music is the result.… Expand
  12. Rockman1976
    Feb 9, 2021
    8
    Very nice pack of fun songs. Catchy as usual, and that's why Foo's are so good. It wouldn't hurt to throw in some angry songs because i love when Dave is screaming his lungs out. He likes punk, doesn't he? Another star knocked off for a small package. 36 minutes of material after 4 long years of wait? (ok, 3.5 years) I was expecting more...
  13. capiam1234
    Feb 22, 2021
    7
    Caught me off guard at first with the funky sound, but after a few listens this is actually pretty fun has a great overall sound to it.
  14. spidey171201
    Feb 9, 2021
    10
    This album is Fire. Rock is not dead after all. Thanks Foo Fighters for this album!
  15. Lydell
    Feb 11, 2021
    10
    Best Foo Fighters album since Wasting Lights and probably one of the best albums of 2021. 9 very different songs to eachother that makes you wanna listen the whole album over and over again! Cloudspotter is one masterpiece.
  16. GuitarPen
    Feb 14, 2021
    7
    Having risen from the ashes of grunge rock, Foo Fighters have gifted their hardcore fan base with a tenth studio release and the first since 2017’s Concrete and Gold. With Medicine at Midnight, the band remains deeply entrenched inside a groove they’ve carved for themselves out of which it is so difficult to climb. Let’s face it, the formula pleases fans, supports the crew, appeases theHaving risen from the ashes of grunge rock, Foo Fighters have gifted their hardcore fan base with a tenth studio release and the first since 2017’s Concrete and Gold. With Medicine at Midnight, the band remains deeply entrenched inside a groove they’ve carved for themselves out of which it is so difficult to climb. Let’s face it, the formula pleases fans, supports the crew, appeases the record company, and further solidifies their standing in the pantheon of rock royalty.

    Make no mistake, their standing is well earned. Dave Grohl has carried the band forward through tragedy and travesty, proving that which does not kill a rock band only serves to make it stronger. Nirvana was but a starting point. Grohl seasoned that sound with flights of fancy taking it to new sonic heights. Remarkably, Foo Fighters come across as an amalgamation of the history of rock music. There are traces of early ‘70’s Mountain and Foghat fused with ‘80s Rick James and ‘90’s Wu-Tang Clan. Alongside Red Hot Chili Peppers, Foo Fighters rescued rock music from the fraudulent grasp of hair metal.

    Medicine at Midnight starts with a bang and then retreats to the safety of the commonplace.
    “Making a Fire” is as fresh and intoxicating as you’ll hear from this band. Riding on a funk groove that would make Nile Rodgers sit up and take notice, “Shame Shame” is the real standout. The groove stays sharp on “Cloudspotter” while “Waiting on a War” turns back to an acoustic backbone supporting so many of their past hits. From this point on, the album takes a turn toward the typical failing to move the listener emotionally in any clear direction.

    All in all, Medicine at Midnight keeps the Foo Fighters legacy of hard-driving rockers with a hybrid sound replete with nods to their forefathers well intact.    … Expand
  17. MusicNerdViking
    Feb 8, 2021
    8
    The mixing is interesting on this album. It's like the middle is lo-fi and the far-left and right is hi-fi, and it's pretty interesting.
    Favorite tracks: Making a Fire, Shame Shame, Title-Track, No Son of Mine, Holding Poison, Chasing Birds
  18. dark1yuuki
    Feb 16, 2021
    8
    Das Album hatte Potenzial, dass leider nicht genug Ausgearbeitet wurde. Ein paar Lieder wirken für mich ein wenig zu nichtssagend. Trotzdem ein gutes Album.
  19. NomadicWasp
    Mar 1, 2021
    9
    Energetic and wasted no time! One of the most consistent records by a band that's hardly changed their style in over 25 years. Absolutely love it!
  20. Mike744
    Feb 8, 2021
    7
    This is a very catchy and breezy album coming off the back of the plodding and super-serious concrete and gold. Unlike most Foo records, there isn't a single track here that I would consider as an outlier in terms of quality. On the contrary, no song sticks out as a Foos classic, either. Still, this is the most consistent record since C&S, and a nice change of pace for the band.
  21. slushiepoggers
    Feb 12, 2021
    9
    Foo Fighters have lost most of the edge that they had in the past but taking their sound in new direction really payed off on this record.
  22. pvgabriel
    Jun 1, 2023
    7
    Não é o melhor álbum que o Foo Fighters lançou mas mantém um bom nível da banda, apresentou alguns hits para serem tocados em shows.

Awards & Rankings

42
#42 Most Discussed Album of 2021

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. PopMatters
    Feb 9, 2021
    70
    If you are cool with the lighter, quirkier, goofier version of Foo Fighters, you'll enjoy Medicine at Midnight for what it is – a fun, pop-rock album -- and it'll find its way to about the middle of your list of favorite Foo Fighters albums.
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  2. Pitchfork
    Feb 8, 2021
    47
    Their 10th album, Medicine at Midnight, adds very little to their extensive catalog of interchangeable power pop and hard-rock sing-alongs. But you can’t hang them on their own music, because Foo Fighters would never dare to give you enough rope to do it.
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  3. Variety
    Feb 5, 2021
    84
    Grohl promised a record you can groove to, and he delivered, while still maintaining a quintessential crunch that’s fitting for a Foo.
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