Hüsker Dü - Zen Arcade
Critic Score
Based on 4 reviews
1984 Ratings: #5 / 150
User Score
Based on 597 ratings
1984 Rank: #16
Liked by 102 people
July 1984 / Release Date
LP / Format
SST / Label
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Doofy
90

'Zen Arcade' is an unrestrained explosion of creativity - perhaps an unexpected one, following what was an adequate but somewhat safe debut album.

The straight ahead punk tracks like the blistering opener 'Something I Learned Today' and the rabid 'Indecision Time' are more focused in their attack than anything on 'Everything Falls Apart' - but it's the more experimental moments that really stand out on this double album.

'Pink Turns to Blue' slows the tempo but ups the melody, especially on ... read more

surlace
79

Lame concept considering it was all just a dream, but very impressive tracklist with tons of variety and energy.

amw100
90

i don't exactly have a great history with Hardcore Punk as i never really clicked with a single album from the genre yet, that is until this album unfolded upon my ears. Holy shit is this thing gooodd. The best punk record i've heard, and i don't think it's even a competition for me. From the textures, to the vocals (which i really want to commend because the vocals are usually my problem with punk), to the absolute badassery of the instrumentals, this is a fantastic album, and i'm so glad ... read more

tiagoaon
60

some highlights, for sure. but the whole experience is not so much of my taste

kobeniscar
65

This seems like smth I would absolutely devour and adore, I love minutemen, the feelies, and other post punk acts. Shoegaze, dreampop, and the things that would come to be from this record and other works from the band, but I just can’t get myself to love this as much as everyone else, it drags too long and feels kinda sluggish.

QDOERTY
93

Four 90s in a row, I’m on some good shit.

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Added on: April 12, 2013