HOW THE RATING SYSTEM WORKS
Every review for an album is assigned a number between 0 and 5. The overall sum is then averaged out to reveal an overall consensus. For example, if a release received a 3.5, 4.1, 3.4, and 2.3, it's final rating would be 3.3 (3.5 + 4.1 + 3.4 + 2.3 = 13.3 divided by 4 Reviews = 3.3) or Impressive. Below are the meters that symbolize scores and how, in general, critic's scores are converted.
GREAT
Letter Grade: A+, A, A-
Star: 4 - 5 stars/5, 3.5 - 4 stars/4
Number: 8 - 10/10, 3.8 - 5/5
IMPRESSIVE
Letter Grade: B+, B
Star: 3 stars/4, 3.5 stars/5
Number: 6 - 7/10, 3.1 - 3.7/5
AVERAGE
Letter Grade: B-, C+, C
Star: 2 - 2.5/4 stars, 2 - 3 stars/5
Number: 4 - 5.9/10, 2 - 3/5
BELOW AVERAGE
Letter Grade: C- and below
Star: <2 stars/4, <2 stars/5
Number: <4/10, <2/5
The information above illustrates how scores from publications are converted into the Rating System, in general. The reason to point this out is because, for example, a 6/10 from one critic could mean the album was good while it could mean bad or dismal for another. Sometimes a 3 star/4 grade will be rounded up to 3.5 points/5 while other times, it may just remain 3. Basically, when a score is assigned, the content of the review itself is the final deciding factor.
