Tyranny
by Julian Casablancas & the Voidz
Metascore
66

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
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  1. Drowned In Sound
    Oct 14, 2014
    100
    It might just be one of those rare treasures which keep us reluctantly, unstoppably, coming back again and again.
  2. Magnet
    Nov 12, 2014
    90
    His artistic sophistication and derring-do has reached a new (and, frankly, unexpected) level of maturity. [No. 115, p.56]
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  3. Exclaim
    Sep 23, 2014
    80
    While these "in-between areas" are not always sonically pleasant, you can't accuse them of being dull; they make Tyranny the compelling album that it is.
  5. Pretty Much Amazing
    Sep 19, 2014
    75
    An unexpectedly weird, inventive and invigorating album that sounds absolutely nothing like The Strokes, and for that reason alone you should be really excited, and maybe even a little hopeful, to give this record a spin.
  6. Uncut
    Nov 11, 2014
    70
    A triumphant, ridiculous mess. [Dec 2014, p.73]
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  7. Clash Music
    Sep 30, 2014
    70
    Largely though, this is the sound of Casablancas giving a middle-fingered salute to his past.
  8. Rolling Stone
    Sep 23, 2014
    70
    It's the sound of a man shedding his skin. Not pretty, but more compelling for it.
  9. Consequence
    Sep 19, 2014
    67
    While it would be interesting to hear the album with sharper production and a little more focus, that would ultimately be its very end. This one thrives on the fringe.
  10. The Line of Best Fit
    Oct 17, 2014
    65
    Tyranny is a fantastically interesting idea, which doesn’t always work as an album, but could make one hell of an installation

Awards & Rankings

60
#60 Most Discussed Album of 2014

User Reviews

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User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 89 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 74 out of 89
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 89
  3. Negative: 8 out of 89
  1. Brickman
    Sep 28, 2014
    10
    You have to take this record for what it is, an experimental attempt to fill the gaps between genres as Julian Casablancas has defined it.You have to take this record for what it is, an experimental attempt to fill the gaps between genres as Julian Casablancas has defined it. It's true that sometimes it feels like there is too much going on but that's the point. If you analyze the lyrics (though job, I know) and listen to the record carefully you'll find a lot of beauty, grotesque beauty perhaps, in it. For certain this is an album that requires us to listen with care if we want to really get it

    I do find myself wishing for some songs not being so noisy and rough, with more clear sound and specially vocals, punk isn't my thing, but I guarantee you that Tyranny has high-quality songwriting on it. You just need to be open minded enough not to panic the first time you listen to it. I would give it an 8 but given the many exaggerated reviews that give it 0s and 1s I'll give it a 10 to compensate a little.    … Full Review »
  2. oksnakey
    Oct 13, 2014
    10
    Genius that requires at least 5 listens before an opinion is made. It's getting better and better.. Best album of the decade. It's the soundGenius that requires at least 5 listens before an opinion is made. It's getting better and better.. Best album of the decade. It's the sound of the coming revolution.… Full Review »
  3. Xootie
    Sep 23, 2014
    10
    This is a pure experimental album with many layers in each song. Take it for what it is. Its a refreshing change of pace from what isThis is a pure experimental album with many layers in each song. Take it for what it is. Its a refreshing change of pace from what is 'regular' or normal music. Long live Jules.… Full Review »
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