Naked (Talking Heads Album) - Critical Reception

Critical Reception

Naked was released to a generally positive response by critics. Anthony DeCurtis, a reviewer at Rolling Stone magazine, rated the album four out of five stars. He stated that "stylistically bold and intellectually provocative, Naked is a dizzying and disturbing piece of work" and that it "marks a return to the more open-ended, groove-oriented style the Heads defined on Remain in Light." He noted that "the vital human harmony suggested by the international band of players is the strongest counterpoint to the album's pervasive themes of alienation and dread." He concluded by interpreting the view of the album's lyrics: "The human race consists of some pretty cool people, but it's got a very destructive monkey on its back. Human survival is not guaranteed. With humor and good-hearted-ness, hope and fear, Talking Heads contemplate a world on the eve of destruction on this important record — and leave wide open the question of what the dawn will bring."

Famed music critic Robert Christgau rated Naked a B+, signifying "a good record, at least one of whose sides can be played with lasting interest and the other of which includes at least one enjoyable cut." He stated that "where Paul Simon appropriated African musicians, David Byrne just hires them, for better and worse – this is T. Heads funk heavy on the horns, which aren't fussy or obtrusive the words don't matter – it signifies sonically." However, he called "(Nothing But) Flowers" "a gibe at ecology fetishism that's very reassuring".

In a retrospective review, Michael Hastings, a reviewer for music database website Allmusic, rated the album three out of five stars. He stated that "alternately serious and playful, it once again allows frontman David Byrne to worry about the government, the environment, and the plight of the working man as it frees up the rest of the band to trade instruments and work with guest musicians. It's closest in spirit to Remain in Light – arguably too close". He further stated that "the album sounds technically perfect, but there's little of the loose, live feel the band achieved with former mentor Brian Eno. It's quite a feat to pull of a late-career album as ambitious as Naked, and the Heads do so with style and vitality." He concluded that "the album's elegiac, airtight tone betrays the sound of four musicians growing tired of the limits they've imposed on one another."