Wicked Nature
by The Vines
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 16 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 16
  3. Negative: 2 out of 16
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  1. mrnice
    Sep 4, 2014
    8
    The really enjoyable thing about The Vines is that they're shamelessly about the tunes. Rock music for the melody, the thrill of harmonies and grooves. There are hits and misses on their albums, but especially on Wicked Nature, I found a handful of tunes worth the entry fee alone. A sour critic might say "but they have no new ideas", but I sense that they have a "if it ain't broken"The really enjoyable thing about The Vines is that they're shamelessly about the tunes. Rock music for the melody, the thrill of harmonies and grooves. There are hits and misses on their albums, but especially on Wicked Nature, I found a handful of tunes worth the entry fee alone. A sour critic might say "but they have no new ideas", but I sense that they have a "if it ain't broken" approach to pop music. It should be OK to use what works in order to build some new exciting tunes, and that's what they do. It's not that I follow the lyrics with intense dedication or await the next brilliant chord progression, but it's the whole package of what Craig Nicholls gets excited about that engages and involves me as a listener. The theme of wicked nature is shoddy, I mean, the album doesn't really explore it beyond 'women are seductive and desire can be destructive', but as an abstract yet very catchy meditation on the theme, it's sufficiently meaningful for each tune to feel part of a greater whole.

    While the album overall isn't GREAT, it should be respected for not fixing what ain't broken, at least by some reviewers. If you care more about fun and enjoyment than about innovation, the cons turn into pros. The downsides become great strengths.    … Expand
  2. rogava3
    Sep 22, 2014
    8
    this band have many exits, but in this album I think remain at duty, but is because is a new band with new members only stay Craig Nichols of the original lineup, this album have good songs but until there.
  3. simons_162
    Sep 10, 2014
    8
    I've been following The Vines for a while now, and I definitely think this album is a big step in the right direction. I'm more of a fan of the 'rockier' side of The Vines, and this album has some great rock songs on here, the quality is consistent throughout. I always find that their albums tend to 'dip' in the middle, but I think that's more due to the tracklisting than the quality ofI've been following The Vines for a while now, and I definitely think this album is a big step in the right direction. I'm more of a fan of the 'rockier' side of The Vines, and this album has some great rock songs on here, the quality is consistent throughout. I always find that their albums tend to 'dip' in the middle, but I think that's more due to the tracklisting than the quality of the songs - this album is no exception. Not that I don't appreciate that side of The Vines, I just like hearing dirty,distorted guitar riffs more than the poppier songs they produce, and there always seems to be 3/4 sandwiched in the middle (which kind of knocks the wind out your sails after storming tracks like 'Metal Zone' and 'Ladybug'). If you're a fan or a newbie, I think you will get a lot out of this album, it is definitely an improvement over 'Vision Valley' and 'Melodia', and I would recommend this album to anyone who is an alt.rock fan!!… Expand
  4. GrilledCheese38
    Apr 3, 2019
    9
    The Vines return to their original, grungy Highly Evolved sound along with some new concepts and styles in the mix. As unfortunate as it is that most of the original band members have left, the new members work really well together and I think the Vines are better suited as a trio.
    Another greatly underrated album by the Vines, gotta be one of my favourites. My favourite tracks from the    The Vines return to their original, grungy Highly Evolved sound along with some new concepts and styles in the mix. As unfortunate as it is that most of the original band members have left, the new members work really well together and I think the Vines are better suited as a trio.
    Another greatly underrated album by the Vines, gotta be one of my favourites. My favourite tracks from the album are Slightly Alien, Funny Thing and Killin The Planet.    … Expand
  5. susanelectro
    Sep 7, 2014
    10
    Reading reviews for Vines albums can be frustrating for someone who has consistently enjoyed their music. I am someone who really loved Winning Days and Melodia and has eagerly awaited new from them (I guess them is really just Craig now). I understand that Vines music lacks the kind of depth that critics apparently have come to expect from rock music, but that's never been what the VinesReading reviews for Vines albums can be frustrating for someone who has consistently enjoyed their music. I am someone who really loved Winning Days and Melodia and has eagerly awaited new from them (I guess them is really just Craig now). I understand that Vines music lacks the kind of depth that critics apparently have come to expect from rock music, but that's never been what the Vines were about. I'll admit that Vision Valley and their last one before Wicked Nature seemed to coast on the Vines formula, so I was a little worried that a double album would contain some weaker material, but I was captivated throughout my first few listens. I'd also like to ad, that sound is just gorgeous. Whoever engineered this thing did a very nice job. The sound is surprisingly consistent considering the album was recorded in two separate spurts with different producers. The vinyl sounds just gorgeous, and it was such fun experience to listen to a true double album on vinyl in 2014.… Expand

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
63

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 11
  3. Negative: 1 out of 11
  1. Classic Rock Magazine
    Dec 17, 2014
    70
    Wicked Nature is a fateful folly that might just bear fruit. [Oct 2014, p.89]
  2. Kerrang!
    Oct 3, 2014
    80
    It's consistently excellent, showcasing the band's trademark riffy and psychedelic sides. [13 Sep 2014, p.53]
  3. Drowned In Sound
    Sep 10, 2014
    40
    Even though it’s not overlong at only 55 minutes, it still feels bloated and unnecessary.
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