A Weekend In The City
by Bloc Party
  • Record Label: Vice
  • Release Date: Feb 6, 2007
User Score
6.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 320 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 211 out of 320
  2. Mixed: 37 out of 320
  3. Negative: 72 out of 320

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. JackPunk
    Feb 12, 2007
    10
    I think it's superb, the music is exciting and leaps out at you, and the downtrodden atmosphere is subtle and exquisite. My one complaint: not a single cogent rhyme on the entire record. Otherwise, I think it's brilliant.
  2. aliciam
    Feb 12, 2007
    3
    I hated this album.
  3. paulcupboard
    Feb 12, 2007
    10
    Excelent and appealing, it is not Silent |Alarm and thats what fans should want. It contains some old familiar haunts and some new corners to explore, if your not scared. If your hating this album cause it isnt enough like the old one then you'rea lost cause. BlocParty already made Silent Alarm twice do you need it again.
  4. BettyK
    Feb 12, 2007
    0
    the worst record of the year.
  5. JoeK
    Feb 12, 2007
    9
    With such an amazing debut in Silent Alarm it was always going to be difficult to follow it with something which would be as widely received. This album is great. It's an advancement in Bloc Party's sound, still maintaining the energy and power of Silent Alarm, but with more concise lyrics and a wider vocal range. It is less accessable but after a few listens it really acheives With such an amazing debut in Silent Alarm it was always going to be difficult to follow it with something which would be as widely received. This album is great. It's an advancement in Bloc Party's sound, still maintaining the energy and power of Silent Alarm, but with more concise lyrics and a wider vocal range. It is less accessable but after a few listens it really acheives a perfect representation of 'A Weekend In The City.'… Expand
  6. PG
    Feb 12, 2007
    3
    This album is awful, totally overhyped by the NME as usual, its good to see such a low rating on here, its no more than it deserves. The lyrics make me cringe, both guitarist are cheap jonny greenwood rip offs. Argh, english music is so poor at the moment
  7. RayF
    Feb 11, 2007
    8
    Not as immediately engaging as Silent Alarm, but after repeated listenings you come to realize it's still a very, very good album.
  8. gfdgdfgdfgd
    Feb 11, 2007
    10
    Awesome. Love em.
  9. philg
    Feb 11, 2007
    10
    better than silent alarm, a beautiful album that jumps at your after listening a few times 10/10
  10. NancyP
    Feb 11, 2007
    0
    Bloc EMO Party
  11. MarianneW
    Feb 11, 2007
    0
    It's a crash in the band run.
  12. pierreb
    Feb 11, 2007
    7
    It's like sex and like pizza. Even if it's bad, it's still pretty good. I agree with a lot of listeners: the production is rubbish. I think the album is a mix of Bloc Party B-sides, the weakest album of U2 and the least tracks on the Silent Alarm remix album. Further it contains 2 or three tracks that outstand. But hey, that;s still pretty good!
  13. mikeb
    Feb 10, 2007
    10
    One of the better cds out.
  14. LloydB
    Feb 10, 2007
    10
    Upon first listen A Weekend in The City was horrible, in my opinion. But the lyrics are the defintion of our generation. We are all lukewarm and monochrome. We waste out lives with alcohaul and chemicals. Kele has taken the frustration of society and funneled it into 11 beautiful songs. This cd takes a couple of listens but it will take a well deserved spot on everyone's top 20 Upon first listen A Weekend in The City was horrible, in my opinion. But the lyrics are the defintion of our generation. We are all lukewarm and monochrome. We waste out lives with alcohaul and chemicals. Kele has taken the frustration of society and funneled it into 11 beautiful songs. This cd takes a couple of listens but it will take a well deserved spot on everyone's top 20 albums if you give it a chance.… Expand
  15. TimothyH
    Feb 10, 2007
    9
    Most critics seem put-off by Bloc Party's somewhat pretentious appearance. Being someone who listens to music for what it is and not for what people tell me, I can tell you that this is an album that surpasses Silent Alarm in every category. The lyrics are more mature and honest. The music is more ambient and catchy. The beats are more complex and contagious. They don't miss a Most critics seem put-off by Bloc Party's somewhat pretentious appearance. Being someone who listens to music for what it is and not for what people tell me, I can tell you that this is an album that surpasses Silent Alarm in every category. The lyrics are more mature and honest. The music is more ambient and catchy. The beats are more complex and contagious. They don't miss a beat in this one. Don't miss this if you enjoyed Silent Alarm!… Expand
  16. JackK
    Feb 10, 2007
    0
    waste of money and time.
  17. CharlesB
    Feb 10, 2007
    3
    A deception follow-up.
  18. celsos
    Feb 10, 2007
    1
    Where is the Bloc Party from Silent Alarm?? This cd is boring....sorry
  19. CarlJ
    Feb 10, 2007
    0
    The worst album of the year, horrible.
  20. GaryM.
    Feb 9, 2007
    6
    The problem with this album is that I have no idea what direction Bloc Party wants to head towards to. But, by no means is this a Fall Out Boy (yuck!), or any other of those s*****y bands, kind of album. So, I'm not really recommending that you buy it or not. Decisions, decisions... Well, check out "Song For Clay (Disappear Here)" and/or "I Still Remember" and judge for yourself. If The problem with this album is that I have no idea what direction Bloc Party wants to head towards to. But, by no means is this a Fall Out Boy (yuck!), or any other of those s*****y bands, kind of album. So, I'm not really recommending that you buy it or not. Decisions, decisions... Well, check out "Song For Clay (Disappear Here)" and/or "I Still Remember" and judge for yourself. If they don't really appeal, then Bloc Party has got a big problem on their hands.… Expand
  21. MattH
    Feb 9, 2007
    6
    To be honest, I think it's the users here who've gone off-base and the critics who've got it right. The album might be a change in direction, sure, but it's just not interesting. Whilst there are good songs (I particularly enjoy Song For Clay, The Prayer and Uniform), the rest of the bunch are fairly weak by comparison and some - Waiting For The 7:18, Sunday and SXRT - To be honest, I think it's the users here who've gone off-base and the critics who've got it right. The album might be a change in direction, sure, but it's just not interesting. Whilst there are good songs (I particularly enjoy Song For Clay, The Prayer and Uniform), the rest of the bunch are fairly weak by comparison and some - Waiting For The 7:18, Sunday and SXRT - are nothing but dull-as-dishwater album filler materlal. The thing that made Silent Alarm great was that it bristled with energy and anger. The way Helicopter, Banquet, Positive Tension and Luno built up and exploded was fantastic. Only in sparse moments does A Weekend In The City match that kind of energy, and it's no coincidence that those moments are the ones fans seem to be enjoying the most. I would agree with it being a grower, and it grew on me. This time last week I would have given it a 4. Despite the good moments though, I can't help but be seriously disappointed by an album which should have been much better.… Expand
  22. BobA
    Feb 9, 2007
    6
    Definitely a step back for Bloc Party. I thought the first half was quite good - a natural progression of their sound to something a little slinkier, slicker, sexier (albeit at the expense of the immediacy and energy that made Silent Alarm so addictive). But things fell apart towards the end, when they started to settle for some pretty plain and forgettable arrangements. I sort of get the Definitely a step back for Bloc Party. I thought the first half was quite good - a natural progression of their sound to something a little slinkier, slicker, sexier (albeit at the expense of the immediacy and energy that made Silent Alarm so addictive). But things fell apart towards the end, when they started to settle for some pretty plain and forgettable arrangements. I sort of get the impression that they miscalculated their strengths and weaknesses: Kele Okereke is a good vocalist on the more bombastic numbers, but he's NOT a good crooner. His vocals have lost a lot of their bite. And the de-emphasis of the rhythm section on some of the numbers was also disappointing, although drummer Matt Tong gets a chance to shine on several numbers. Expecting another album of Silent Alarm-quality may have been unreasonable, but this isn't even close. Still a worthwhile listen, but pretty forgettable.… Expand
  23. SteveO
    Feb 9, 2007
    7
    Bloc Party's freshman effort, Silent Alarm, set the bar very high. It's not to say that we, the listening public, couldn't hope for more greatness from the promising Brit indie/pop group, but it's certainly unfair to expect it. By comparison, A Weekend in the City is not nearly as good as its predecessor, but when judged on the same scale as other albums, and not Bloc Party's freshman effort, Silent Alarm, set the bar very high. It's not to say that we, the listening public, couldn't hope for more greatness from the promising Brit indie/pop group, but it's certainly unfair to expect it. By comparison, A Weekend in the City is not nearly as good as its predecessor, but when judged on the same scale as other albums, and not merely compared with Silent Alarm, it still stands out as a solid effort. What's even more commendable is that Bloc Party weren't trying to create a continuation of their first effort as so many other bands are guilty of doing. Kele and company instead set out to make a fresh sound while not alienating the following they had earned from Silent Alarm. The new album is at times energetic, anthemic, and contemplative. But to be fair, the second half loses the youthfulness and a lot of the egde for which we love Bloc Party. In the end, Bloc Party should get a pat on the back for trying a different direction and for creating a good, if not great, album.… Expand
  24. BryanW
    Feb 9, 2007
    4
    Serious disappointment, esp. after seeing them absolutely kill it at McCarren Pool in Bklyn this summer.
  25. MichaelW
    Feb 9, 2007
    10
    Feels like the thought in your mind before a Saturday night in town. Full of hope, anxiety, excitement.
  26. FredM
    Feb 9, 2007
    2
    This album really has a serious problem of listen to.
  27. RickA
    Feb 9, 2007
    0
    A disappointed new album.
  28. joris
    Feb 9, 2007
    7
    Good but a disappointment after Silent Alarm. Standouts are the beautiful KREUZBERG, THE PRAYER, UNIFORM and SONG FOR CLAY. While I wasn't expecting a Silent Alarm II, this just lacks the energy, creativity and the excitement of its predeccesor. It's almost Bloc Party goes U2 sometimes and that's definitely not meant as a compliment... HUNTING FOR WITCHES is the only Silent Good but a disappointment after Silent Alarm. Standouts are the beautiful KREUZBERG, THE PRAYER, UNIFORM and SONG FOR CLAY. While I wasn't expecting a Silent Alarm II, this just lacks the energy, creativity and the excitement of its predeccesor. It's almost Bloc Party goes U2 sometimes and that's definitely not meant as a compliment... HUNTING FOR WITCHES is the only Silent Alarm-esque song, but is only half as good as let's say Heliopter, Like Eating Glass or Banquet in my opinion... I find the first 8 tracks varying from very good to great, but quite boring ballad-like songs as Sunday and I Still Remember should have been replaced by something more energetic, again that's what this album misses. SXRT however is a good one, kind of Bloc Party goes Elbow... 7,5/10… Expand
  29. ClaudeM
    Feb 9, 2007
    3
    I didn't like the way the they turns on.
  30. JamieN
    Feb 9, 2007
    0
    Klaxons give us what the Bloc Party did not do this year. Tedious sound, I don't care about her sexual life, I wanna Party!!
  31. FaniO
    Feb 9, 2007
    0
    One word: Deception
  32. RobertN
    Feb 9, 2007
    2
    what ever happened to bloc party? Hard to swallow.
  33. KristinW
    Feb 9, 2007
    0
    bad energy, dull lyrics and a horrible unity.
  34. MattW
    Feb 8, 2007
    1
    All efforts ends in a hole.
  35. ColbyS
    Feb 8, 2007
    4
    Damn you, Jacknife Lee. I am a die-hard Bloc Party fan, won over by their amazing Silent Alarm. Leave it to Jacknife Lee to go screwing around with something that already worked beautifully. He did it to another of my favorites, Snow Patrol, turning them from vibrant, rough-edged indie to sappy, overplayed radio pop. I almost fell asleep listening to this. I'm not saying Bloc Party Damn you, Jacknife Lee. I am a die-hard Bloc Party fan, won over by their amazing Silent Alarm. Leave it to Jacknife Lee to go screwing around with something that already worked beautifully. He did it to another of my favorites, Snow Patrol, turning them from vibrant, rough-edged indie to sappy, overplayed radio pop. I almost fell asleep listening to this. I'm not saying Bloc Party doesn't make good slow songs, but there should be a balance, perfectly evidenced by Silent Alarm. Why would he (and I'm assuming it was Lee, he being the producer and all) try to twist Kele's amazing, character-filled yelp into a soft, crooning whimper for an entire album? The formidable wiry guitar work of Russell Lissack is masked as background when it should be showcased; it's what won myself and many other fans over with the first album. In short, I'm near-incensed-- not at the band, but at the producer. They were herded away from their roots to be more "accessible"? If accessible means weak sauce, I understand completely. I'm expecting later work they're capable of. The only songs I enjoyed were The Prayer and the two bonus tracks, Once and Future King and Secrets.… Expand
  36. MartaH
    Feb 8, 2007
    0
    waste of money, you don't need this.
  37. WillO
    Feb 8, 2007
    10
    Bloc Party is simply the best. Ignore the critics, they know nothing about this one. This is an album you need to listen to a few times and give your full attention to in order to appreciate it. Don't give up on it. This has it all, catchy upbeat dance songs, and then those sad serious songs. I Still Remember is an epic track. Don't trash this album without giving it the time it Bloc Party is simply the best. Ignore the critics, they know nothing about this one. This is an album you need to listen to a few times and give your full attention to in order to appreciate it. Don't give up on it. This has it all, catchy upbeat dance songs, and then those sad serious songs. I Still Remember is an epic track. Don't trash this album without giving it the time it deserves. These guys are amazing. God bless Bloc Party!… Expand
  38. PattiH
    Feb 8, 2007
    0
    a disaster.
  39. MattA
    Feb 8, 2007
    0
    I don't like EMO stuffs, so this album disappointed their indies fans.
  40. MarciaI
    Feb 8, 2007
    0
    I'm very disappointed with this record, silent alarm is much better. Not even one good song in the record.
  41. TimM
    Feb 8, 2007
    10
    I've cried twice in my life after i heard the song for the first time. "Ballad of a So Called Friend" by Okkervil RIver, and "Kreuzberg" on Bloc Party's stunning new cd. I've never heard a song that I connect with sooo much...thank you Kele, for helping me through a confusing time : )
  42. MikeM
    Feb 8, 2007
    10
    Instant Classic.... well not instant, it took me a good 3 or 4 listens to actually "get" this album. But when i finally did I was blown away. This album really is a fine wine, its going to remembered far more fondly in 10 years than right now, kinda like Aeroplane Over the Sea, or Hotel California, or Doolitle. As a fan of music believe me...Do Not Listen to the Critics on this one!!!!!!!!!!
  43. davidm
    Feb 8, 2007
    8
    This record is not as immediately memorable as Silent Alarm. But it's a real grower and the more critical reviews are very superficial. This is serious music and as good as anything this year.
  44. [Anonymous]
    Feb 8, 2007
    9
    Much better than their last record. Although that's not saying much.
  45. mark
    Feb 8, 2007
    10
    On the first few listens I was pretty disappointed, the prayer was the only track that really stood out for me, but by the 4th time i was completely hooked. It doesn't have the same spiky pop of banquet or helicopter that grabbed me on silent alarm, but it's got a depth and ambition that's admirable as well as well executed. I haven't listened to anything else all On the first few listens I was pretty disappointed, the prayer was the only track that really stood out for me, but by the 4th time i was completely hooked. It doesn't have the same spiky pop of banquet or helicopter that grabbed me on silent alarm, but it's got a depth and ambition that's admirable as well as well executed. I haven't listened to anything else all week. I love every track and think Uniform, Hunting for Witches, the Prayer and Kreuzberg are at least as good as anything they've ever done.… Expand
  46. ToddRundgren
    Feb 8, 2007
    1
    "A Weekend in the City"s got nothing on "Bert's Blockbusters."
  47. DP
    Feb 8, 2007
    4
    Gone are the visceral guitar riffs, explosive drums and Keles' uplifting stream of consciousness lyrics. In come a pedestrian pace and overwrought lyrical musings. RIP Helicopter, Banquet, She's hearing voices.
  48. RoryB
    Feb 8, 2007
    10
    This album has got mixed reviews from critics ranging from the great to the very average. I believe that the critics slating it however have not listened to it enough though. Give it a while and you will realise what a great album it is. Exhilarating music and interesting lyrics.
  49. MaxC
    Feb 8, 2007
    2
    Just two songs are good in this record, Hunting for the Witches and On, the rest is rubbish.
  50. Adam
    Feb 8, 2007
    9
    Most of the critics are way off base here. This is a definite progression from their first album, and is a true stunner.
  51. RickX
    Feb 8, 2007
    9
    so much better than Silent Alarm
  52. FaniM
    Feb 8, 2007
    0
    Odiei o album, achei uma porcaria! A trash!
  53. GuyH
    Feb 8, 2007
    8
    Silent Alarm was a strong album - an adrenaline shot delivered with precision. This album is quite different - if I had to describe it in 2 words I'd use 'subtle' and 'heartfelt'. I have a horrible feeling that this album will stiff commercially and the reviews seem to be backing this up. It took me 7 listens to even start enjoying this album. Before then I found Silent Alarm was a strong album - an adrenaline shot delivered with precision. This album is quite different - if I had to describe it in 2 words I'd use 'subtle' and 'heartfelt'. I have a horrible feeling that this album will stiff commercially and the reviews seem to be backing this up. It took me 7 listens to even start enjoying this album. Before then I found it dull, samey and lifeless compared to its predecessor. It is only after the 7th listen that some of the beautiful phrases and heartbreaking vocal delivery started to stand out. This is what eventually defines the album - and athough some songs don't work perfectly - I still feel this album is a big step forward and I will be fascinated watching the future progression of this band. Excellent.… Expand
  54. RobbieW
    Feb 8, 2007
    0
    We don't need this album! For what? Only to put in the garbage.
  55. WallyM
    Feb 8, 2007
    0
    Bloc Party lost one more fan with this horrible album
  56. CarlosV
    Feb 8, 2007
    0
    Their effort went for nothing. Wait their third album, horrible record, I didn't recommend to my worst enemy. This sux a lot.
  57. BernardH
    Feb 8, 2007
    0
    They had the ambitions to be huge and bigger with this album like U2 and Coldplay, though they didn't good enough to reach the rock stars. Dull songs and Tracks. They appear to reach an EMO status.
  58. RachelE
    Feb 8, 2007
    0
    The worst effort of Bloc Party until now.
  59. EmilyH
    Feb 8, 2007
    0
    I liked "Silent Alarm" but the last record is the worst thing I've ever heard in my life. Terrible.
  60. AleonM
    Feb 8, 2007
    0
    Maybe the worst record of 2007 so far.
  61. MandyW
    Feb 7, 2007
    0
    The band turn an Emo band, I couldn't even repeat the second listen. Worst and dull album.
  62. RamiroD
    Feb 7, 2007
    0
    They now wanna be a Coldplay.
  63. MarkS
    Feb 7, 2007
    0
    I Hated this album, just crappy songs and dull lyrics. They're not an indie band anymore, now they are an EMO band.
  64. ZekeM
    Feb 7, 2007
    0
    There isn't a good song in the album, ridiculous.
  65. NormaW
    Feb 7, 2007
    0
    The deception of the year.
  66. MacyW
    Feb 7, 2007
    0
    Waste of money, don't spend your time on this. Horrible songs.
  67. PeteU
    Feb 7, 2007
    0
    Bloc Party is another band, the worst album of the year so far.
  68. AmandaC
    Feb 7, 2007
    0
    Don't wast your money in this album, is a waste of time, I'l sell mine after the deception emo album.
  69. RobertS
    Feb 7, 2007
    0
    They don't dance anymore, slow album, ambitious and dull songs.
  70. JustinW
    Feb 7, 2007
    0
    The most disappointed album of the year, they turns an EMO band, that is horrrible.
  71. KatheeR
    Feb 7, 2007
    2
    A disappointed sophomore Album.
  72. RogerM
    Feb 7, 2007
    0
    I'm very disappoint with this album, the look likes another band, I don't know what happened to them. Boring songs, long lyrics about her sexual life. Who cares? I like Bloc Party like in Silence Alarm, dance and party, listen just once and I forget it. Worst album of 2007.
  73. Jenna
    Feb 7, 2007
    3
    Let me just preface this by saying that Silent Alarm was one of my three favorite records of 2004. It just had a certain, I dunno, flair that elevated every single song to dance-anthem status if that exists. But on A Weekend... they just shoot for anthem status and fall awfully short. I've tried to will myself in to liking it but it's not something I'll likely ever revisit.
  74. matth
    Feb 7, 2007
    6
    Huge step backward for the band. An example of the sophomore slump of nearly "Sam's Town" proportions. Middle-of-the-road music and preachy lyrics. If this sounds like your cup of tea, by all means rush out to buy this one.
  75. LeoP
    Feb 7, 2007
    9
    Fabulous. Congratulations to Kele Okereke,with this bunch of fine songs, you can be proud at your second. Welcome at the festivals this summer
  76. Andy
    Feb 7, 2007
    4
    So disappointing. The lyrics are just downright cheesy at some points and evey song sounds like they're trying to create some sort of epic masterpiece. It comes off pretentious and dull. What happened to their pop sensibilities?
  77. MichaelS
    Feb 7, 2007
    8
    It's hard to imagine how someone would listen to this album and rank it with anything below 6 other then if they just wanted silent alarm repackaged and regurgitated on them and anything less wouldn't do. This album is an extremely powerful evolution of sound that blew me away the first time I heard it. And while it doesn't have the quality of silent alarm (that was one of It's hard to imagine how someone would listen to this album and rank it with anything below 6 other then if they just wanted silent alarm repackaged and regurgitated on them and anything less wouldn't do. This album is an extremely powerful evolution of sound that blew me away the first time I heard it. And while it doesn't have the quality of silent alarm (that was one of the best albums of the decade afterall), it is still an essential addition to anyone's collection today. One critic said it best in that there is no other album out today that better captures what it means to be young and alive in the indie scene today. It has its problems being 1) too much singing and not enough punking by Okereke 2) not enough of the jarring post-punk guitar rifts that made the first album a landmark 3) their best musician (drummer) being moved to the background on most tracks on not given a chance to rock out. However, most of these are creative decisions that fans and critics just have to deal with.… Expand
  78. DamianM
    Feb 7, 2007
    9
    These negative critics have got it all wrong. Musically this album is as tight as your going to hear this year. Vocally its superb too, Kele is Bloc Party's secret weapon, he set's them apart from other British bands with his speaker piercing voice. Lyrically you could pick holes in it. Maybe they are trying too hard to make a big bold statement, and maybe these critics have These negative critics have got it all wrong. Musically this album is as tight as your going to hear this year. Vocally its superb too, Kele is Bloc Party's secret weapon, he set's them apart from other British bands with his speaker piercing voice. Lyrically you could pick holes in it. Maybe they are trying too hard to make a big bold statement, and maybe these critics have heard it all before. But this is going to be a god-send to many teenagers, those who are fed up with racism, terrorism and the drug culture of London (not just East but all parts). Every generation needs a record that actually speaks to them, a London Calling, an OK computer, a calling for change or a revolution. I expect their 3rd to be the revolution itself.… Expand
  79. MarkW
    Feb 7, 2007
    0
    The worst album of the year, Bloc Party turns to a Emo band now, unfortunately.
  80. Stephen
    Feb 7, 2007
    9
    in a way i'm kinda disappointed by the reviews, but it's also satisfying that they've completely missed the point and that way its easier to really enjoy. Like Frank Turners 'Sleep is for the week', Kele has produced a collection of songs which sum up our society; their conclusion; how the hell did we become so apathetic; alcohol is all well and good but in a way i'm kinda disappointed by the reviews, but it's also satisfying that they've completely missed the point and that way its easier to really enjoy. Like Frank Turners 'Sleep is for the week', Kele has produced a collection of songs which sum up our society; their conclusion; how the hell did we become so apathetic; alcohol is all well and good but aren't we forgetting about something?… Expand
  81. MattJ
    Feb 7, 2007
    8
    Simply put, most of the critics have misjudged this, maybe its due to its nature, as i wasn't instantly took with it, but it definately rewarded further listening, and as time grows so does the music. Each song offers something different while still having bloc party's trademark sound, brilliant
  82. HotChip
    Feb 6, 2007
    6
    His 'philosophical' themes. Quite. Bad teenage poetry set to passable music.
  83. chrisL
    Feb 6, 2007
    9
    almost as good as silent alarm, but still really good
  84. JoeyK
    Feb 6, 2007
    9
    Not being a big fan of the first cd (a lot of hype, with a lot of fluff), this cd came out and has completely surprised me. The catchy choruses and driving verses paired with meaningful lyrical stories pushes the album to a new level. Bloc Party have arrived, no longer the party band pardon the pun, but a serious band to be reckoned with. Every listen the songs grow stronger, the cd more Not being a big fan of the first cd (a lot of hype, with a lot of fluff), this cd came out and has completely surprised me. The catchy choruses and driving verses paired with meaningful lyrical stories pushes the album to a new level. Bloc Party have arrived, no longer the party band pardon the pun, but a serious band to be reckoned with. Every listen the songs grow stronger, the cd more cohesive.… Expand
  85. Alex
    Feb 6, 2007
    5
    This is absolute bordedom compared to Silent Alarm. Nothing Impressive.
  86. AndréL
    Feb 6, 2007
    10
    Those awful bad critics are not to be trusted. Silent Alarm was a great album and the expectation was fairly high for this one. And it does get its way. The album might sound not-so-good at the beginning , but when you listen to it you'll see that it's still Bloc Party top-nocht , just in a different music theme. Awesome indeed.
  87. feder
    Feb 6, 2007
    9
    AMAZING!!! At the beginning it doesn't grip you, to be honest, but listening after listening you cannot stay without!
  88. matta
    Feb 6, 2007
    9
    The critics are pretty off base here. I can see some of their complaints (Uniform and Where is Home? are both pretty weak), but overall, this is a solid sophomore album. I would compare the relationship between this album and it's predecessor to Coldplay's Parachutes and A Rush of Blood. Parachutes was an exciting debut from a promising British band, and their sophomore album The critics are pretty off base here. I can see some of their complaints (Uniform and Where is Home? are both pretty weak), but overall, this is a solid sophomore album. I would compare the relationship between this album and it's predecessor to Coldplay's Parachutes and A Rush of Blood. Parachutes was an exciting debut from a promising British band, and their sophomore album was nearly as good, but more accessible. That is how I see A Weekend In The City. It might not be quite as strong as Silent Alarm (a very high standard, indeed), but it is still very good, and shows Bloc Party moving in a different, slightly more accessible but still exciting direction. Frankly, I'm glad they didn't just do Silent Alarm II; it's nice to hear them try something new. As for the negative reviews, again, some are merited, but the cokemachineglow one in particular is just unfair. They guy is reading way too far into what Okereke was trying to say with his lyrics. When it comes down to it, it really doesn't matter that much when the music sounds this good.… Expand
  89. NaveenP
    Feb 6, 2007
    8
    Its always hard to follow up a debut like Silent Alarm, but this album , although its not as raw, does have its moments. "The Prayer" is probably the best song on the album, followed by the radio friendly "I still remember"
  90. Steve
    Feb 6, 2007
    10
    Bloc Party are one of those bands that are always reliable to produce excellent music. This album is no exception. They never dissapoint. There are only a handful of bands that do that for me. I highly recommend this. I think I even like it better than their debut album.
  91. Paolo
    Feb 6, 2007
    9
    Give this album a chance and it'll conquer your heart and mind. One full listening is not enough to capture the beauty that lies over each track. Though partially different from the previous (louder in all terms) record, this one is some kind of an echo of Silent Alarm, more focused on feelings and emotions, and is more complex in the sound, less direct, I'd say. In the end, not Give this album a chance and it'll conquer your heart and mind. One full listening is not enough to capture the beauty that lies over each track. Though partially different from the previous (louder in all terms) record, this one is some kind of an echo of Silent Alarm, more focused on feelings and emotions, and is more complex in the sound, less direct, I'd say. In the end, not the perfect sequel to the debut album, but definitely a great one!… Expand
  92. GunterGrass
    Feb 6, 2007
    8
    Good energy, nice lyrics and a fine unity is realy all you can ask of a album.
  93. yorick
    Feb 5, 2007
    10
    Oh man, this album might be as good as the previous one... it is catchy, the lyrics are deep and heartfelt, it just takes a little while longer to concquer the record.... its less accessable
  94. WiebeB
    Feb 5, 2007
    9
    I needed to hear this album a few times before I started enjoying it. The music is good but it's Okereke's lyrics and philosophical theme that blows you away. My favorite is "hunting for witches".
  95. Pfttt
    Feb 5, 2007
    5
    I can't "fail" Bloccers for this because Silent Alarm was so good...but when I heard that poxy bonus track after SA's intial release "Two More Years " I became very worried about the production values of AWITC. Sure enough, from Kele's contrived vocal intro on Song for Clay...my stomach churned. This is U2-esque overproduced pap; any goodness is completely overshadowed by I can't "fail" Bloccers for this because Silent Alarm was so good...but when I heard that poxy bonus track after SA's intial release "Two More Years " I became very worried about the production values of AWITC. Sure enough, from Kele's contrived vocal intro on Song for Clay...my stomach churned. This is U2-esque overproduced pap; any goodness is completely overshadowed by Kele's inability to sing well and what has to be the most pretentious bag of lyrics I've ever hear. They even voxed some of the lyrics for crying out loud. Whereas I waited until U2's "All That You Can't Leave Behind" (which turned out be everything!) to switch them off, I get the feeling it may start here with Bloc Party - no longer my beloved Bloccers! They'll probably have a best of out next year!!!… Expand
  96. Mr.Hankey
    Feb 5, 2007
    5
    Silent Alarm wasn't on the menu, I didn't want it anyway. A Weekend in the City is a mediocre mess of glitchy trance pop and distorted '80s synth prog. Yes, it sounds different than their impressive debut but that doesn't mean that it's as good or even close.
  97. JohnB
    Feb 5, 2007
    8
    The first half of A Weekend in the City is better in every aspect compared to the second half. Lyrically, I hear honesty coming from Kele and that is something I can really sympathize with. His words will hit a core with the targeted age group even though they may seem overly simplistic and not so interesting at times. Lyrically and musically Bloc Party tries to create a concept of every The first half of A Weekend in the City is better in every aspect compared to the second half. Lyrically, I hear honesty coming from Kele and that is something I can really sympathize with. His words will hit a core with the targeted age group even though they may seem overly simplistic and not so interesting at times. Lyrically and musically Bloc Party tries to create a concept of every day life in the UK and for that they deserve credit as well as exploring different sounds, leaving behind the dance punk so prevalent on Silent Alarm. This album really shows how far Bloc Party has progressed as well as its beauty with multiple listenings. A Weekend in the City may be overproduced and several songs are misfires, but it is not a failure by any means and it deserves its due respect.… Expand
  98. nickp
    Feb 5, 2007
    8
    I really enjoy listening to this album. I have had an advance copy for a little while now, and the songs are only getting better. The beats and vocals are consistent with the debut album, but as a whole the album is a step in another direction I only wish the tempo wouldn't drop off after the 6th track.
  99. JesseH
    Feb 5, 2007
    8
    Don't listen to the critical backlash going on, this album is great. Bloc Party is evolving and growing and this album is a terrific next step. Not the revelation that their debut was but a very solid follow-up full of great new stylistic tricks and sincere emotion.
  100. jeffs
    Feb 5, 2007
    7
    More like a 6.5, but it's way way better than the leaked version. Unfortunately it's too often sappy and sentimental, like most of these reviews will tell you, but when it gets its groove.. it's like we're right back in 2004.
Page:

Awards & Rankings

9
#9 Most Discussed Album of 2007
88
#88 Most Shared Album of 2007

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
65

Generally favorable reviews - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 30
  3. Negative: 0 out of 30
  1. Observer Music Monthly
    60
    Those hoping to be converted are likely still to doubt the 'voice of a generation' tag.
    Read full review
  2. Under The Radar
    80
    It's a given that some people will miss the raucous Bloc Party, but there are enough in-your-face moments and hidden gems to keep A Weekend In The City on regular rotation. [#16, p.90]
  3. Urb
    70
    A post-electronica, post-rave production that jettisons genres and cherishes uncut creativity. [Jan/Feb 2007, p.77]
See all critic reviews »