Mature Themes

Ariel Pink - Mature Themes
Critic Score
Based on 34 reviews
2012 Ratings: #610 / 1118
Year End Rank: #48
User Score
Based on 225 ratings
2012 Rank: #221
Liked by 5 people
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CRITIC REVIEWS

91
A.V. Club

With such impressive versatility and broad musical perspective, Mature Themes is Pink’s best album to date, and sets an invigorating, expansive tone for his work to come.

85
Pitchfork

Mature Themes is as vital as anything he's ever recorded

80
Under the Radar

Ariel Pink lays on the humor thick enough that his sheer songwriting ability is at times almost overshadowed. 

80
No Ripcord

In using a giddy spectrum of classic ingredients to carve out his distinctive niche, Ariel Pink has become the acceptable face of retro.

80
Drowned in Sound

Mature Themes is more detailed, more developed, more everything than its predecessor. 

72
Paste

Mature Themes is another satisfying step in Ariel Pink’s evolution—an album as melodically, hypnotically addictive and surprisingly danceable as it is arcane.

71
Beats Per Minute

It’s perhaps not as instantly enjoyable as Before Today, but it’s likely to please fans, even if it doesn’t prove to be as popular as its predecessor.

70
Consequence of Sound

Mature Themes is definitely bonkers, and it’s also the quintessential tapestry of hi-fi genius.

70
Tiny Mix Tapes

Mature Themes lives up to what’s promised on the tin, but only relatively so. 

70
NME

It’s a hardcore record from a top-shelf kind of a guy, but the work of a unique mind. 

70
PopMatters

Despite the fact that Mature Themes pushes into some very abstract pop territory, it is a very compelling listen. 

40
FACT Magazine

The overall feeling of Mature Themes is of a band and songwriter that don’t really care. So why should we?

20
musicOMH

It's hard to know whether Ariel Pink was actively out to mock the listener with this album or whether he actually believes he has recorded a challenging work of art.

lemuriams
88

Ariel Pink ... have you heard about this artist in recent years? Because I have the impression that thanks to pro-trump's support his entire career has gone to hell, but despite my great aversion to trump, every artist has the right to get lost, because to err is a human thing and I don't mention here the murders who painted or sang nicely , only about a man who has different views.

I expect that a huge hate for this may be poured out on me, but I am of the opinion that the artist should be ... read more

xcomebackkid
70

Half Frank Zappa-esque 60's daydream half experimental chasm of sparkling and drone like drifts into outer space.

QDOERTY
84

I've listened to only 3 Ariel pink albums, and I can almost guarantee that nothing will beat the masterpiece that is Nostradamus & Me.
FAVS: Nostradamus & Me, Baby, Only in My Dreams.

QDOERTY
84

I've listened to only 3 Ariel pink albums, and I can almost guarantee that nothing will beat the masterpiece that is Nostradamus & Me.
FAVS: Nostradamus & Me, Baby, Only in My Dreams.

AliceBleu
67

Has some RAGERS but TRUDGES.

steelflora
81

my least favorite of ariel's major label releases, this album still features some great tracks like "schnitzel boogie" and "only in my dreams." the donnie & joe emerson "baby" cover does the original justice, maybe it's even better. this is a very good album, but nowhere near as good as his other major releases.

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Added on: June 7, 2012