Supermodel
by Foster the People
  • Record Label: Columbia
  • Release Date: Mar 18, 2014
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 183 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 135 out of 183
  2. Mixed: 35 out of 183
  3. Negative: 13 out of 183
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  1. filmfanatic
    Jul 3, 2014
    10
    It saddens me that modern music criticism has descended to complaining about an album because it doesn't have a "hit" song on it. I'd rather have an album's worth of very good songs than one that has one or two great ones surrounded by mediocrity. This is one of the more consistently engaging, challenging and downright breathtaking albums to come along in some time. Torches was awesome,It saddens me that modern music criticism has descended to complaining about an album because it doesn't have a "hit" song on it. I'd rather have an album's worth of very good songs than one that has one or two great ones surrounded by mediocrity. This is one of the more consistently engaging, challenging and downright breathtaking albums to come along in some time. Torches was awesome, but this is in a different league entirely.

    Foster's rejection of moral relativism, and their search for ultimate truth and meaning in an American culture that devalues the very idea of absolutes, is frankly inspiring. I love it when artists I admire decide that their message is even more important than their popularity. I have no doubt this album will be deeply divisive, even for people who loved Torches, but I really don't think the band cares. It's not for everyone, and that's fine. But those that listen to it and understand it will find themselves challenged to be and do better. In that way, Supermodel makes up for a million frivolous pop songs.    … Expand
  2. jotaeseche
    Jul 28, 2014
    10
    Underestimated by critics, this album (at its own sake) turns out to be a thousand times more cohesive, complex and original than its predecessor Torches - and that is a lot to say.
  3. TheLittleDino
    Apr 3, 2014
    10
    Foster the People comes back two years later after there first debut with this. There overall sound is different, straying away from the darker "Torches." "Supermodel" has great sound with a deeper meaning that some listeners might miss for just some random guy singing in a kick ass falsetto. This album beats "Torches" by a long shot.
  4. SalmanxXxYAAASS
    Oct 6, 2014
    10
    this album has so many deep meanings. the fights inside an artists mind. and this album makes you question so much about yourself and there were really high points musically such as "A Beginner's Guide To Destroying The Moon" "Tabloid Super Junkie" "Best Friend" and "Coming Of Age" so the band did what they needed to do. which is deliver their real music their real message and it wasthis album has so many deep meanings. the fights inside an artists mind. and this album makes you question so much about yourself and there were really high points musically such as "A Beginner's Guide To Destroying The Moon" "Tabloid Super Junkie" "Best Friend" and "Coming Of Age" so the band did what they needed to do. which is deliver their real music their real message and it was unfortunately not accepted by the public.… Expand
  5. IndieCricket
    Apr 5, 2014
    9
    If given time, this album develops into something great. It's not better than Torches, it's definitely not worse than Torches; it's different. I applaud Foster for venturing into new territory while keeping their identity. The more listens, the better it gets.
  6. GamerMeioSangue
    Jan 28, 2018
    10
    The best album of Foster the People, no doubt about it
    The best album of Foster the People, no doubt about it
  7. Beast123
    Jun 25, 2018
    10
    Just because an album doesn't have a standout hit song, doesn't mean it's a fantastic album.
  8. rklem
    Mar 18, 2014
    10
    This album is incredible and so much more mature than "Torches." That's not to say that I don't like the previous album, because I did but this album is just really flawless even in it's flaws, which makes it that much more beautiful. Here's my track by track rating:

    Are You What You Want to Be? 9/10 - This is a pretty cool opener where you can hear the influences of Morocco and    This album is incredible and so much more mature than "Torches." That's not to say that I don't like the previous album, because I did but this album is just really flawless even in it's flaws, which makes it that much more beautiful. Here's my track by track rating:

    Are You What You Want to Be? 9/10
    - This is a pretty cool opener where you can hear the influences of Morocco and Foster's world journey. The only complaint is I feel that it's a tad bit too long to really enjoy.

    Ask Yourself 10/10
    - This song sounds like a mash up between psychedelic rock and 90's alternative, which you would never think could work but this song is really incredible.

    Coming of Age 7/10
    - As much as I enjoy this 80's influenced and super-synthetic driven song, I find that it can get on my nerves sometimes when it comes to chorus. I can't really explain it, but this song has, in my opinion, the lowest replay value.

    Nevermind 9/10
    - This is a really cool song with an amazing structure and the chorus is very catchy. It's very dark sounding and spacey. It's very similar at times, especially the verses, to the sounds off of Portugal. The Man's "Evil Friends."

    Pseudologia Fantastica 10/10
    - This was my favorite song in my entire music library for the past month or so and rightfully so. It feels like Foster the People, MGMT, Portugal. The Man, and a few bands from the 80's came together and this was the product of an incredible mixture. The psychedelic sounds driving the verses and choruses are incredible and that really cool and left-field piano bridge gets me every time.

    The Angelic Welcome of Mr. Jones 7/10
    - It's hard to really give this a rating and by itself this is a 10/10 but its placement is awkward in the album and I really wish they made it one continuous mix between Pseudologia Fantastica, This, and Best Friend.

    Best Friend 10/10
    - If this isn't the summer jam for 2014 then I don't know what is. Best song of 2014 so far hands down.

    A Beginner's Guide to Destroying the Moon 10/10
    - A really deep and different song for FTP, but I feel that it works beautifully on this album, which is very conceptually drive on the ideas of capitalism and affluence in celebrities. This song could really speak to our society and the music itself is really incredible. The piano chorus/bridge parts are pretty awesome.

    Goats in Trees 9/10
    - This song is a very interesting one and you have to hand it to Foster for delving into different vocal ranges. This slow tune really makes you feel introspective.

    The Truth 10/10
    - It's all in the title for this one. It sounds like a really interesting 80's song for the verses and then the chorus blasts in and I feel like I'm on some journey back in time.

    Fire Escape 10/10
    - If I could give this an 11/10 I would, but that wouldn't be too fair for the other songs and my rating system. Very simple yet beautiful acoustic guitar drives this song musically and the vocal mixing and recording choices are very different than the rest of the album, but it really fits to end the regular version of this album with incredibly deep lyrics.

    Tabloid Super Junkie 10/10
    - If you didn't pre-order this album than you are really missing out on a pretty cool track. Very synthy and sounds like the good music from the 80's

    Altogether, this album averages out to a 9.25, but with a weighting system based off of track lengths, my modified score for this album is a 9.6 which rounds to a 10.    … Expand
  9. Whrod
    Mar 18, 2014
    9
    Foster the People's sophomore effort isn't as innocent or catchy as Torches, but it's a lot better than a bunch of other offerings in the industry today. Its a diverse album in which Foster the People try to find their groove.
  10. Wyzgoski
    Mar 19, 2014
    10
    This album is a lot better if you've been a fan of Foster The People ever since Torches.

    Are you what you want to be:9/10
    Ask yourself:10/10
    Coming of Age:7/10
    Nevermind:8/10
    Pseudologia Fantastica :8/10
    The Angelic Welcome of Mr. Jones:5/10
    Best Friend:10/10
    A Beginner's Guide to Destroying the Moon:9/10
    Goats in Trees:10/10
    The Truth:10/10
    Fire Escape:10/10
  11. RedOwlReviews
    Mar 18, 2014
    7
    With their second studio album Supermodel, Foster the People make incredible efforts, but the ultimate result just marginally meets expectations. The lyrics aren't always as clever and pungent as the band thinks they are, and the tracks tend to wander off, sometimes into nothingness, before snapping themselves back into reality. This could be due in great part to the somewhat homogenousWith their second studio album Supermodel, Foster the People make incredible efforts, but the ultimate result just marginally meets expectations. The lyrics aren't always as clever and pungent as the band thinks they are, and the tracks tend to wander off, sometimes into nothingness, before snapping themselves back into reality. This could be due in great part to the somewhat homogenous sound that arises in most of the album. However, tracks like "Pseudologia Fantastica" and "Best Friend" occasionally exhibit clear signs of musical genius and cognitive brilliance. Thus, Foster the People reminds us that their departure from the Torches sound was indeed for the better (and had the potential to be absolutely fantastic). Despite the growing electronic biosphere that is engulfing indie pop/rock music, the band still manages to handle synthetic sounds with a grain of salt - allowing the widely eclectic instrumental arrangements to shine. Slowly but surely, Mark Foster's creative image will become clear as his works progressively mature. Consider this a transition album, and you'll be more than happy.

    FINAL SCORE: 72.5 (pretty good -----o--------------- great)    … Expand
  12. jimmyjimone
    Mar 21, 2014
    4
    I really like the singles from their previous effort, but I think this new release is a failure... Its does sounds like their TRIED to be original but Supermodel ends up displaying only a lack of inspiration and talent.
  13. LetsDoReviews
    Mar 18, 2014
    9
    This album is a perfect follow-up to their 2011 hit album, Torches. It kicks of with a sing along song of What You Want To Be? and follows through this fun and intense line of songs that compliment each other continually, It hits Coming Of Age and just becomes a album basically about growing older and dealing with it. They stick with the classic style and continue to rule the indie rockThis album is a perfect follow-up to their 2011 hit album, Torches. It kicks of with a sing along song of What You Want To Be? and follows through this fun and intense line of songs that compliment each other continually, It hits Coming Of Age and just becomes a album basically about growing older and dealing with it. They stick with the classic style and continue to rule the indie rock world.

    OPINION
    My favorite album of the year so far and my personal favorite is the awesome Best Friend.    … Expand
  14. Zezilia154
    Jul 14, 2017
    10
    Are You What Want Be To Be? 10/10
    Ask Yourself 9/10
    Coming Of Age 10/10
    Nevermind 10/10
    Pseudologia Fantastica 10/10
    Best Friend 10/10
    A Beginner's Guide To Destroying The Moon 10/10
    Goats In Tree 9/10
    The Truth 8/10
    Fire Escape 7/10

    General: 9.3
  15. MrSaturn
    Mar 18, 2014
    10
    11/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/101111/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/10… Expand
  16. abellwillring
    Mar 19, 2014
    6
    Unfortunately I'm going to have to give this a somewhat tepid review. The album starts strong and peters out towards the end. The only stand out track in the 2nd half is Best Friend and I'm not a particularly big fan of Pseudologia Fantastica either. Torches was hit after hit -- extremely listenable throughout. Even the two bonus tracks were absolutely fantastic. This one cannot even comeUnfortunately I'm going to have to give this a somewhat tepid review. The album starts strong and peters out towards the end. The only stand out track in the 2nd half is Best Friend and I'm not a particularly big fan of Pseudologia Fantastica either. Torches was hit after hit -- extremely listenable throughout. Even the two bonus tracks were absolutely fantastic. This one cannot even come close to claiming that. Very unfortunate.… Expand
  17. drecool95
    Jun 1, 2014
    0
    Dull and uninteresting, this album really has nothing to offer. At least Torches was kind of different from most other indie pop. Where they were unobjectionable last time, here they're just unwelcome. I don't really know what happened.
  18. aladinkicks
    Mar 18, 2014
    5
    While not being nearly on par with it predecessor, Supermodel is still a great album. The sound the have now is more glossy and slick than Torches, and the album pays tribute to artists such as David Bowie and The Kinks
    My personal favorite on the album is Pseudologica Fantastica.
  19. rickyman10
    Mar 18, 2014
    10
    best album ever！！！coming of age is flawless！coming of age is flawless！coming of age is flawless！coming of age is flawless！coming of age is flawless！coming of age is flawless！coming of age is flawless！coming of age is flawless！
  20. HighTensions23
    Mar 21, 2014
    0
    None of these songs are catchy. There are no potential hit singles in this bunch. I am afraid this group is going to turn out to be a one-hit wonder.
  21. DownByTheRiver
    Mar 28, 2014
    6
    I was very excited when I heard this was going to be released. Hearing coming of age and puedologia fantastica were excellent. However hearing best friend made me think it was just a misfire. Unfortunately the album has more misfires like best friend than excellent songs like coming of age. Though I do like the great songs on supermodel enough to warrant a positive rating I can't recommendI was very excited when I heard this was going to be released. Hearing coming of age and puedologia fantastica were excellent. However hearing best friend made me think it was just a misfire. Unfortunately the album has more misfires like best friend than excellent songs like coming of age. Though I do like the great songs on supermodel enough to warrant a positive rating I can't recommend it per say to people who aren't fans of the band or who don't like indie very much.… Expand
  22. Mab_987
    May 5, 2014
    8
    On FTP's sophomore album & first since their breakout hit, they effectively build & experiment on their established sound, which makes for a very interesting yet catchy listen. You get influences from alternative rock, psychedelic rock & even a bit of singer-songwriter folk. I'll admit the lyrics fall a bit short of what they try to accomplish, but it never really becomes a huge problemOn FTP's sophomore album & first since their breakout hit, they effectively build & experiment on their established sound, which makes for a very interesting yet catchy listen. You get influences from alternative rock, psychedelic rock & even a bit of singer-songwriter folk. I'll admit the lyrics fall a bit short of what they try to accomplish, but it never really becomes a huge problem in the big picture & overall it's an impressive followup.

    (If you wanna see a much more in-depth review, look up "Spin It Reviews" on YouTube.)    … Expand
  23. dante_finn
    Jul 8, 2014
    5
    While I did enjoy most of the album I had to ask myself ,"What ever happened to them from 'Torches'?". Wb
    hile I can understand that they want to try something new the rythms in some songs are just hard to get. But I will say that their lyrics are trasgressive as they try something new with this album
  24. Scooter4849
    Apr 23, 2014
    5
    After not really getting into their previous album, the same happens here, but worse. By far worse than Torches, which did have some good tracks like Helena Beat, Pumped Up Kicks and Don't Stop. This overall does not. This album features unmemorable bland pop rock and little personality for the most part. Middle of the road.
  25. SimpleMethod
    Mar 18, 2014
    7
    It's a good album. It's not even close to being as smooth or unique as Torches, but it provides a solid follow up. Torches was so different that it didn't surprise me when Supermodel slipped into slightly more familiar territory. Still, it's a pretty good listen.
  26. DJKCD
    Mar 19, 2014
    6
    Here’s a perfect example of a band that has hit the Sophomore Jinx hard! This album feels very rushed and musically it is all over the place when compared to their first. That being said, there are some fantastic tracks on here. Some that sound like they could have been part of “Torches Part 2” and others that could have been made by a completely different band or bands. I get it that theyHere’s a perfect example of a band that has hit the Sophomore Jinx hard! This album feels very rushed and musically it is all over the place when compared to their first. That being said, there are some fantastic tracks on here. Some that sound like they could have been part of “Torches Part 2” and others that could have been made by a completely different band or bands. I get it that they want to branch out and show their diversity… however, some of their experiments just don’t work. I really hope that they bounce back from this and offer up something more sustainable for their 3rd recording.… Expand
  27. Velocijoey
    Mar 19, 2014
    6
    Supermodel hits different notes than Torches. Innovating and building seem to be the aim for this album as a whole. FTP didn't fail at such a thing, just didn't do it to the fullest degree. Torches was a little more fresh at it's time and Supermodel feels like a freshman release. Not bad, just not up with the times.
  28. mike4444
    Apr 25, 2014
    6
    I'm not thrilled at all with their anti-capitalist message but there are some good songs on this album. Fire Escape is by far the best; however, it can be easily found boring if you don't like this kind of music. Goats in Trees and the three singles (Coming of Age, Psuedologica Fantastica, Best Friend) are also very nice. However, the message of the album still leaves me uneasy
  29. Rocose
    Mar 19, 2014
    9
    This album is a proof that Foster the People are experimenting new sounds and ways that show that they are growing up. This is no Torches #2, but this album is still a perfect indie-pop experience! My favorite tracks in the album are Best Friend and Pseudologia Fantastica.

    SCORE: 9/10
  30. jaxmcgraw
    Apr 16, 2014
    4
    If I were to describe Foster the people in one word it would be "fluffy." There are some neat lyrics an catchy moments, but nothing really happens and all I get is all of this is a vapid listen.
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Awards & Rankings

26
#26 Most Discussed Album of 2014

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
58

Mixed or average reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 27
  3. Negative: 4 out of 27
  1. Consequence
    May 1, 2014
    33
    Equally appropriately, with increased attention comes increased expectations and increased scrutiny, neither of which are met by this sophomore release.
    Read full review
  2. Mojo
    Apr 23, 2014
    40
    Much of Supermodel feels alienatingly dense. [May 2014, p.86]
  3. Pretty Much Amazing
    Apr 4, 2014
    33
    A couple of pseudo-anthems will likely nurse them through a handful of unearned headline gigs--but in all honesty, the world has no need for pop music this faceless, listless or sterile.
    Read full review
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