The Phoenix’s Album Reviewing Rubric

It’s here.

This year, The Phoenix is introducing a rating system for albums that readers and writers alike can consult to guide their music-listening experiences.

Here, you can see the reasoning behind our scores, which writers — trying to be as objective as possible — will assign, alongside their review, to give readers quick information on whether the album is worth a listen or not.

But the scale is for everyone — as readers, feel free to use it to agree or disagree with a review. Here’s the overview, created by the Arts staff, of how we’ll be grading albums.

10

A revolutionary masterpiece, flawless in its composition and a turning point in musical history. Shapes genres and culture, will live on to define the art form. Has never been said or done before, can never be replicated.

9.5

An innovative statement, but perhaps not revolutionary. A cultural, genre-defining landmark, timeless upon release. Worth listening to as a work of art, regardless of personal taste. Best album of the year — potentially the decade — or a high chance of being such.

9

A masterpiece, the culmination or founding of a genre or career, but not radical. 

8.5

One of the best albums of the year. Moments of perfection, demonstrates capability of mastery. 

8

An exceptional album, takes risks that pay off most of the time, no bad songs.

Giving an album an 8 or above requires consensus between multiple writers and/or editors.

7.5

A great album, takes a few risks, an enjoyable listen, maybe only for fans of the genre.

7

A great album with a bad song or two, but an important listen for fans of the genre. Plays it safe for the most part, takes some risks that don’t always work.

6.5

A good album with some problems, either too safe or not skillful enough to make risks work. Overall enjoyable.

6

A decent album, not great but not bad. Potential moments of greatness buried by mediocrity. Perhaps it tries to make a statement, but not a very interesting one.

5.5

Slightly better than mediocre. Some memorable songs, a great moment or two.

5

A completely mediocre album, worth a listen for fans of the artist or genre. Many good moments, maybe some great, but not memorable.

4.5

An ok album for those with vested interest, not worth anyone else’s time. Unoffensively bad.

4

No attempt to make a serious artistic statement, nothing innovative. Fun for fans, maybe.

3.5

A generally thoughtless album, probably made for monetary gain and little else. Perhaps a good song or two.

3

Represents a serious issue in the broader musical world. Hardly worth a listen for fans. Little to no artistry involved.

2.5

A genuinely unenjoyable album, difficult to listen to, hardly a decent song.

2

A bad album that few fans, if anyone, would enjoy. Difficult to finish, no good songs. Nothing to be gained from listening.

1-1.5

Offensively bad, no redeemable qualities. An active waste of time to listen to. Music – maybe the world – is worse for it. 

Albums made with extensive use of generative AI and/or for malicious reasons will not be rated by The Phoenix.

If you have any questions regarding the rating system, contact the Arts Editor Allison Treanor at atreanor1@luc.edu and Deputy Arts Editor Kevin Stovich at kstovich@luc.edu.