W:/2016ALBUM/
by Deadmau5
  • Record Label: Kobalt
  • Release Date: Dec 2, 2016
User Score
6.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 37 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 37
  3. Negative: 4 out of 37
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  1. aldawg95
    Dec 6, 2016
    7
    A clear creative and experimental detour from popular edm. You will not find any fast buildups and drops you see everyday, which may lose the interest of some edm fans. Joel's last 3 albums have not been spectacular but are worth a listen since they include 2 or 3 great tracks. Just like those previous albums, he also loses you with the rest of the tracks. Long tracks which tend to beA clear creative and experimental detour from popular edm. You will not find any fast buildups and drops you see everyday, which may lose the interest of some edm fans. Joel's last 3 albums have not been spectacular but are worth a listen since they include 2 or 3 great tracks. Just like those previous albums, he also loses you with the rest of the tracks. Long tracks which tend to be drawn out and do not really change much the whole time. Not to say this is a bad album since I credit him with trying new things and not trying to be formulaic. "Snowcone" is magnificent, "4ware" and "2448" are a brilliant 1-2 punch opening. The rest is hit and miss, but more hits than misses I would argue. He is gonna find that new sound again that will set the industry standard, but just not right now.… Expand
  2. Neuronerd95746
    Dec 20, 2016
    7
    This album is another ho-hum effort from a legendary electronic producer. It's tempting to "fanboy" this review, as I've been following Deadmau5 since Vexillology, and have always loved his art. This collection of tracks highlights his talents, while also illuminating his tendency for repetition in recent material. In other words, he sticks to the tried and true in this product. Songs likeThis album is another ho-hum effort from a legendary electronic producer. It's tempting to "fanboy" this review, as I've been following Deadmau5 since Vexillology, and have always loved his art. This collection of tracks highlights his talents, while also illuminating his tendency for repetition in recent material. In other words, he sticks to the tried and true in this product. Songs like "4ware" reflect the Deadmau5 of Random Album Title, while more hard-hitting bass/kick patterns in "Imaginary Friends" and "Three Pound Chicken Wing" seem to play off of more recent efforts (e.g., 4x4=12, Album Title Goes Here). And yet, despite these well-done tracks, there is a lot of monotony. Many of the luscious soundscapes painted by Deadmau5 in this album seem to be eerily similar to previous productions, which may annoy devoted fans. Additionally, the "experimental" tracks such as "Snowcone" may prove divisive. Overall, a solid set of instrumentals which at times are truly candy to the ears.… Expand
  3. cogdon
    Mar 23, 2017
    10
    This album gets a lot of hate but deadmau5 gave us exactly what we asked for! He went into the studio, worked on new music, and put it out all himself. No features, no pop features, just classic electronic music with a twist. There's so many songs here that go in directions his music never went in before and i'm excited to see how incorporates it into his tour!
  4. HGorillaz
    May 2, 2017
    8
    I've been a huge MAU5 fan and this album just made my brain explodes. I like some of the tracks on the album such as: "Imaginary Friends", "Let Go", but some of the tracks is too cheesy and I could barely went through those tracks. Anyways, great album from MAU5 and expected more from him.

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
63

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 8
  3. Negative: 1 out of 8
  1. AllMusic
    Feb 2, 2017
    70
    Fans will appreciate the new directions and there's enough on W:/2016ALBUM/ to introduce curious new listeners to the mutable world of the mau5.
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  2. Pitchfork
    Dec 16, 2016
    59
    Even on some of the stronger tracks, Zimmerman seems to be going through the motions.
    Read full review
  3. The Observer (UK)
    Dec 12, 2016
    60
    When it’s good, it’s usually something that sounds like the luscious, clinical opener 4ware, or cow-brained stomper Three Pound Chicken Wing. Otherwise there are too many generic pompous 70s-prog synths grafted on to basic beats.
    Read full review
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