A Different Kind of Fix
by Bombay Bicycle Club
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. Absolute Punk (Staff reviews)
    Aug 24, 2011
    91
    It is all-at-once beautiful, infectious, impressive and brilliant.
  2. Beats Per Minute
    Aug 30, 2011
    82
    They deserve every bit of success this album brings them, simply because A Different Kind of Fix is one of the most accomplished albums of the year.
  3. No Ripcord
    Sep 22, 2011
    80
    This album is a great one, and proof that the band are able and willing to develop and grow their music.
  5. PopMatters
    Sep 21, 2011
    80
    This time around, listeners will lap up the stellar production these guys unfold as they extend their reach for taller heights and newer possibilities.
  6. New Musical Express (NME)
    Sep 1, 2011
    80
    Enough talk about reinventions, this is more of an evolution. On A Different Kind Of Fix, Bombay Bicycle Club have, quite simply, found themselves.
  7. BBC Music
    Aug 26, 2011
    80
    Yes, the videos still display awkward, cringe-worthy naivety that could inspire the next The Inbetweeners movie, but this music is a mature mix of jaunty and jaundiced.
  8. The Guardian
    Aug 26, 2011
    80
    There are occasional lapses into epic-indie-lite--Beggars is Keep the Car Running Jr--but this is a strong, forward-looking record that delights in its own ambition.
  9. Q Magazine
    Aug 24, 2011
    80
    It emerges as its own beguiling, brilliant listen. [Sep 2011, p.106]
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  10. Clash Music
    Aug 24, 2011
    80
    Occasionally the momentum wanes, but only the cold-hearted could fail to forgive the odd misstep from a band taking risks, shaping their sound and refusing to stand still.
  11. The Independent (UK)
    Aug 24, 2011
    80
    They now dart in yet another direction, devising a shuffling indie-dance style that recalls variously the infectious syncopations of Talking Heads, the baggy grooves of Happy Mondays and the campfire psychedelia of Animal Collective, but somehow manages to sound homogenously all of a piece.
  12. Filter
    Feb 6, 2012
    76
    "Beggars" and "Leave It," are tunes fit for the space age that spans genres so easily that it leaves you wondering what this talented group could create if they grabbed a map and pinpointed exactly where they aim to be going.
  13. Paste Magazine
    Jan 19, 2012
    71
    Perhaps its only offending quality is that it's utterly inoffensive; it's likable and overwhelmingly pleasant.
  14. AllMusic
    Jan 17, 2012
    70
    Bombay Bicycle Club's 2011 album A Different Kind of Fix is a melodically compelling work that builds upon the band's eclectic guitar-based indie rock sound.
  15. Pitchfork
    Oct 12, 2011
    70
    While the songs are wildly improved, I still can't say there's much of a discernible identity.
  16. musicOMH.com
    Aug 29, 2011
    70
    In order to achieve the greatness within their grasp the bicycle club need to do some free-wheeling instead of all this furious peddling.
  17. Mojo
    Aug 30, 2011
    60
    The results are melodic, gently atmospheric indie rock that often fits the neo-shoegaze paradigm. [Sept. 2011, p. 101]
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  18. The Observer (UK)
    Aug 29, 2011
    60
    The album has a tentative quality which is sometimes beguiling – the gently grooving "Lights Out, Words Gone", effete and insistent all at once, is a delight – but often they sound in need of more conviction.
  19. Uncut
    Aug 26, 2011
    60
    Songs such as "Bad Timing" and "Leave It" sound pleasingly full as a result, although it's at the expense of some of the intimacy that was arguably the band's best quality. [Sep 2011, p.81]
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  20. Drowned In Sound
    Aug 24, 2011
    60
    A Different Kind Of Fix is an evolution of baby steps for Bombay Bicycle Club and one which will leave you wondering if Jack Steadman and co are ever going to burst into full bloom.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 41 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 35 out of 41
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 41
  3. Negative: 1 out of 41
  1. martfn
    Jan 5, 2022
    9
    I love this album, 2010s Indie Rock at its best, besides some well known tracks like "Shuffle" and "How Can You Swallow So Much Sleep" (whichI love this album, 2010s Indie Rock at its best, besides some well known tracks like "Shuffle" and "How Can You Swallow So Much Sleep" (which are great) there are some lesser-known ones like "Beggars" and "Take the Right One" which are also great songs who sadly aren't as popular.… Full Review »
  2. martimnog
    Apr 22, 2020
    10
    This is one of B.B.C's best albums, "Shuffle" and "Lights Out, Words Gone" are the most famous tracks in this album, and still some of theThis is one of B.B.C's best albums, "Shuffle" and "Lights Out, Words Gone" are the most famous tracks in this album, and still some of the band's most famous songs.… Full Review »
  3. Ricko
    Sep 29, 2015
    8
    For me 2011 was a decent year for music. PJ Harvey bought out a cracker in "Let England Shake". Bon Iver released a sparkling debut with "ForFor me 2011 was a decent year for music. PJ Harvey bought out a cracker in "Let England Shake". Bon Iver released a sparkling debut with "For Emma, Forever ago.." while Fleet Foxes pitched in with their excellent second record "Helplessness Blues". "A Different Kind of Fix" is up their with these. The record is laced with melodies and has a nice chilled vibe to it. Musically it's excellently written, the songs are well thought out and perfectly structured. The production on the record is also really strong. "Lights Out, Words Gone", is a microcosm of the album. Although it is a very catchy album, it is a record that you have to pay close attention to rather than have on in the background in order to fully appreciate it. "Take the right one" sounds like Jonsi/Sigur Ros collaborating with The Stone Roses and is a particular highlight. A great album and represents Bombay Bicycle Club at the height of their powers.… Full Review »
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