Pocket Symphony
by Air
User Score
7.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 50 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 50
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 50
  3. Negative: 3 out of 50

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  1. kelly'1'
    Mar 6, 2007
    10
    This definatly won't be the air album heard on skin care commericals or in your favorite furniture store. This is the album for late night melancholy and one last cigerette. Beautiful, subtle record.
  2. auralf
    May 6, 2008
    9
    I really don't get all the negative reviews of this album. Try and listen to it a few times before you judge. It is stunningly beautiful and the sound is perfect. Possibly better than moon safari.
  3. TimE
    Mar 7, 2007
    5
    I was egarly anticipating the release of this album and was pretty much first in the queue to pick it up on day of release. As much as i am trying to love it, i just can't, it is instantly forgetable. i'm trying to think of a highlight or stand out track, but nothing comes to mind. Not that it is a terrible album, the sounds produced are at times very beautiful and occassionally I was egarly anticipating the release of this album and was pretty much first in the queue to pick it up on day of release. As much as i am trying to love it, i just can't, it is instantly forgetable. i'm trying to think of a highlight or stand out track, but nothing comes to mind. Not that it is a terrible album, the sounds produced are at times very beautiful and occassionally reproduce a moment reministant to 'virgin suicides'. This album is far too chilled out and sadly will be over looked (in my opinion) by the destinctive sounds of their previous work.… Expand
  4. J.
    Mar 7, 2007
    10
    The negative reviews surprise me - I think this Air record is extremely beautiful!
  5. StevenS
    Apr 30, 2007
    2
    I love Air, or at least I used to. This Cd is so blah you can't tell one song from another. This is not progression, this is boring elevator music.
  6. Blair
    Jun 8, 2007
    6
    Though there are a couple fantastic tracks here, there are more bad, pretentious or boring tracks too.
  7. NickM
    Feb 15, 2007
    7
    They've toned down and stayed in a vein similar to the song "Alone in Kyoto" from their last album, Talkie Walkie.
  8. Justin
    Feb 25, 2007
    6
    It's certainly not exceptional, but it's a consistent. pleasant listen that is pretty perfect for nondescript, rainy days.
  9. Quixotic_07
    Mar 12, 2007
    6
    Where is the magic from Moon Safari, the beauty and the groove from 10'000 Hertz, the droning depth from the Virgin Suicides ? All that is left here is Air's squeletton, from the elegant clothing to the skin, almost everything's gone, and Brian Eno already made it 3 decades earlier, and better.
  10. Brian
    Mar 12, 2007
    9
    Having read some of the negative reviews, I was shocked to hear an incredibly beautiful, highly melodic album. I think it is Air's most consistent, and best, album. Yes, it veers towards mid-tempo, but I love that sound.
  11. AlexA
    Mar 20, 2007
    4
    This is not the Air I love.
  12. KidB
    Mar 5, 2007
    10
    By paring down to acoustic guitar, piano, plinky beatbox and whispered vocals Air have risen to a new height. Moon Safari and Talkie Walkie were both excellent albums but often relied on the retro-chic of their oh-so-cool sound: on Pocket Symphony the song-writing is the dominant factor, and in time I reckon the people who didn't 'get' this record on the first couple of By paring down to acoustic guitar, piano, plinky beatbox and whispered vocals Air have risen to a new height. Moon Safari and Talkie Walkie were both excellent albums but often relied on the retro-chic of their oh-so-cool sound: on Pocket Symphony the song-writing is the dominant factor, and in time I reckon the people who didn't 'get' this record on the first couple of listens will realise it is Air's best yet.… Expand
  13. DanS
    Mar 5, 2007
    5
    Air sounding regressively like themselves. One of my favorite bands executes a misstep.
  14. JoeL
    Mar 6, 2007
    4
    Way too sleepy....
  15. FF
    Mar 6, 2007
    9
    Their best album after "Moon Safari"
  16. NeilL
    Mar 7, 2007
    10
    This may not be their best work, but for a group such as Air -- anything is going to be miles beyond all other artists around, and Pocket Symphony still contains some of their best tracks (such as Mer Du Japon, One Hell of a Party, and Night Sight). I think people should give this album a chance... it's not going to produce any pop hits, I feel that's a given, yet it may make This may not be their best work, but for a group such as Air -- anything is going to be miles beyond all other artists around, and Pocket Symphony still contains some of their best tracks (such as Mer Du Japon, One Hell of a Party, and Night Sight). I think people should give this album a chance... it's not going to produce any pop hits, I feel that's a given, yet it may make you weep silently in the night. And actually, you won't mind at all.… Expand
  17. mikes.
    Mar 7, 2007
    5
    alright, this air album is actually a step backwards for air. why? It seems they are recycling old moon safari melodies and the production is nothing fresh. Not a bad album, but a forgettable one. Nothing new or original. Darkel's album was much better, at least it was something different and more pop oriented.
  18. NewsPatCouts
    Mar 7, 2007
    10
    A great record for relaxing, looking at the stars, on a beach with the sound of the waves or simply a walk to anywere... A very good record that reaches you as a soundtrack of your life.
  19. Russell
    Mar 7, 2007
    8
    It is somber and subtle effort, but I like where Air have gone with their sound. They are braving new ground with their sound instead of just mining the past.
  20. esp1
    Mar 8, 2007
    7
    I still like their sound! Hope they go back to 10 000hz lengend modus on their next one.. :)
  21. James
    Mar 9, 2007
    10
    Beautiful, rich, complex music. My advice to you is to not be like the critics and allow time for this album to register. It is worth the effort.
  22. RobertR.
    Sep 18, 2007
    8
    The negative reviews I've read really have little ground to stand on. The actual negative to this record is that a lot of the tracks are rather quite rigid. I'm assuming due to the tracking process (recording over click tracks, then adding trap kit here and there). Alas, the 60's/70's French pop, Phillip Glass, Vangelis, and, even, Ennio Morriconne/Bruno Nicolai that The negative reviews I've read really have little ground to stand on. The actual negative to this record is that a lot of the tracks are rather quite rigid. I'm assuming due to the tracking process (recording over click tracks, then adding trap kit here and there). Alas, the 60's/70's French pop, Phillip Glass, Vangelis, and, even, Ennio Morriconne/Bruno Nicolai that AIr borrow from...well..they were all rather rigid in the rhythm department as well. So I accept it as just the character or mood and feel of the record. The production is great; and the music is rather much the same Air from ten years ago, perhaps with a more serious mood. Songs or instrumentals consist of maybe 2 quaint turnarounds at best. Melodies and Chords are constructed from standard scales with clever usage of flats and such. It's just a matter of "where" the notes are placed that make the difference. And yes; the instrumentation is different from Moon Safari. But why would you want Air to make the same record? It is not their fault that fans of Moon Safari are not familiar with the countless pre-existing records that have the same "sound". And really, that's what everyone is complaining about, no? That they don't make records that sound like every single soundtrack from 1968 anymore? All of their records have something to offer. If you want more of a "song at a time" album, I'd suggest you look toward Walkie Talkie, instead. But if you want something that trades in the hit-factor for cohesiveness, Pocket Symphony is a rather nice record. I understand that the continuous saddened and solemn feel can be pretty overbearing; but who says you have to listen to the whole thing at once? It's not a 40 minute classical piece; it's divided by tracks and all. :)… Expand
  23. Earth74
    Oct 6, 2008
    10
    The thing that I like so much about AIR is that they are creative and quite 'subliminal'. Pocket Symphony is something that will grow on you... it communicates in a sub-conscious level. Quite intense experience for me.
  24. DF
    Oct 17, 2007
    7
    I like this album more with each listen. It is a soundtrack for a the melancholic movie of my day.
  25. KidA
    Feb 27, 2007
    5
    Even with Nigel Godrich's production it can't but suffer from being just flat out uneventful
  26. LeoF
    Mar 5, 2007
    5
    too bland.
  27. JohnnyS
    Mar 5, 2007
    6
    With their latest release, it must finally be conceded that the once mighty Air is descending slowly into mediocrity. Not that this album is horrible, not by any means, in fact I think songs like Mer Du Japon and Left Bank can (almost) stand up to their best work. But they're long past the point of pushing musical boundaries and nowadays are seemingly content to rehash old ideas with With their latest release, it must finally be conceded that the once mighty Air is descending slowly into mediocrity. Not that this album is horrible, not by any means, in fact I think songs like Mer Du Japon and Left Bank can (almost) stand up to their best work. But they're long past the point of pushing musical boundaries and nowadays are seemingly content to rehash old ideas with slightly different new ones. Of course there will be fans like myself who will always hope they will one day return to the inspired genius of their first few efforts but I'm afraid that the hunger may now be gone.… Expand
  28. MarkW
    Mar 6, 2007
    0
    A disappointed record from a super band, very boring album, nobody deserves this.
  29. NickE
    Mar 8, 2007
    8
    Please, just look at this album on its own without comparison to other Air records. This is actually a very solid album taking it for what it is: lethargic, stoned, gorgeous. Yes, it could be understood to be boring at points... but Air is a band that's music can fade into the background yet still affect your mood just as powerfully.
  30. [Anonymous]
    Mar 8, 2007
    8
    Though not as dynamic as previous releases, the sound on "Pocket Symphony" is more refined and mature than ever before, bringing newfound depths to their typical sonic tapestries.
  31. Dave
    Apr 22, 2007
    8
    Takes a while to really sink in but well worth the effort. So it's downbeat, yes- get over it and give it a few listens.
  32. Pendepomo
    Apr 9, 2007
    6
    they're loosing the spark that made theme shine in the first place, so it's like the same the whole time
  33. BrianW
    May 24, 2007
    6
    I've been a fan of Air since the 90s, but this album feels a lot more bland than their last ones, especially "Talkie Walkie." It's not bad, but the songwriting's definitely taken a dive.
  34. StooB
    Sep 11, 2007
    1
    I downloaded the album and keep one song, Mer du Japon, the guys don't seem to want to keep their fans.
  35. RyanC
    Apr 25, 2009
    10
    Atmospheric, ethereal, and dreamy, Pocket Symphony makes up for its lack of pop appeal by perfecting the sound that Air is so famous for.
  36. JenS
    Mar 17, 2007
    8
    It got mixed reviews, but if you are an Air fan you will love it...
  37. EricC
    Apr 17, 2007
    8
    Really isn't as bad as some people are arguing. People can rate Coldplay high, but not these guys? I'm not saying their the same. Just that Air is on the same level, and doesn't get the attention or adoration. This cd doesn't have the energy it's begging for, but as a whole, pretty good easy listening. Could have been better, but far from bad.
  38. Finidi
    May 28, 2007
    10
    Absolutely perfect. Absolutely stunning. One of the most beautiful records that I have ever heard.
  39. Nbktginger
    Oct 31, 2021
    9
    In my opinion this is the Air album which remains the most "current" 15 years after. As a good symphony, there is something completely out of time in this album. Space Maker is a magic opening and prepares us for the record. Once Upon a Time and One Hell of a party are fine, introducing us to new instruments in Air music. For me however, the 4 following titles make the album come into anIn my opinion this is the Air album which remains the most "current" 15 years after. As a good symphony, there is something completely out of time in this album. Space Maker is a magic opening and prepares us for the record. Once Upon a Time and One Hell of a party are fine, introducing us to new instruments in Air music. For me however, the 4 following titles make the album come into an other dimension : Napalm Love, Mayfair Song, Left Bank and Photograph are just incredible for your ears. The remaining 5 titles are fine, with a plus plus for "Lost Message" and the "somewhere between waking and sleeping". It is an absolute 9, as an overall magic wedding between melancholy, clinical arrangements and pure sound quality. Why not 10 : in my mind this album is missing a typical "hit" to be complete, "Mer du Japon" falling a bit short in my view. This is a great album, and our ears would be so thankful if Air could release soon an other album of this quality. Note : this album is to be heard with a very good sound system or good headphones to take the upmost of it.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

75
#75 Most Discussed Album of 2007
66
#66 Most Shared Album of 2007

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
63

Generally favorable reviews - based on 36 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 19 out of 36
  3. Negative: 2 out of 36
  1. Amazon.com
    60
    Pocket Symphony won't yield any pop hits, but it could be the soundtrack to endless rainy afternoons.
    Read full review
  2. Under The Radar
    70
    Sadness and longing aren't new to the Air universe, but never have we had so many downtrodden tracks on one release. [#16, p.89]
  3. Urb
    60
    A big, heaping spoonful of bland. [Mar 2007, p.96]
See all critic reviews »