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  • Record Label:
  • Release Date:
Amber Image
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 7 Ratings

  • Summary: The third album for the British band (now down to three members) was co-produced by Steve Osborne and Jim Abbiss along with Clearlake frontman Jason Pegg.
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 20
  2. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    91
    One of the most striking Brit-rock step-ups since Radiohead got The Bends. [17 Feb 2006, p.79]
  2. Paste Magazine
    80
    Easily [Clearlake's] most eclectic and least calculated [album]. [Feb/Mar 2006, p.96]
  3. Alternative Press
    80
    While the band's last album, Amber, showed the beginnings of something great, Amber, while not perfect, has actual moments of brilliance. [Mar 2006, p.134]
  4. Under The Radar
    70
    They seem to be focusing so hard on making a more danceable album that they sometimes forget to just let loose to enjoy themselves. [#12, p.90]
  5. Compared to their offerings to date 'Amber' has the hardest edges, but it wouldn't be Clearlake if it wasn't soft in the centre.
  6. Even if the music misses the mark on occasion, Pegg’s lyrics remain strong.
  7. Uncut
    40
    Their third album sees them toughening up some, with much of their whimsical dreaminess tramped underfoot in their seeming desire to become a more conventional, NME-friendly, rock band. [Feb 2006, p.81]

See all 20 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. ThomasC
    Feb 18, 2006
    9
    Music for me is heavily based on the album itself. For me this is one of those albums that stands out on its toes and points its wicked Music for me is heavily based on the album itself. For me this is one of those albums that stands out on its toes and points its wicked little fingers out at you... hearing Clearlake's Amber for me was like discovering Modest Mouse for the first time. A secret treasure....waiting to be stumbled upon. A must have for my collection! Expand
  2. jamesl
    Feb 6, 2006
    9
    Clearlake has released the first great album of 2006.
  3. BenC
    Feb 3, 2006
    8
    Some instant hits, together with some growers make for a 10 out 12 net result for me, which ain't bad at all. You should give this one a go.
  4. Matt
    Feb 24, 2006
    8
    Their best collection of songs. Would've given it 9 out of 10 but the qulaity of the sound engineering is not as good as it Their best collection of songs. Would've given it 9 out of 10 but the qulaity of the sound engineering is not as good as it should've been. If Electric Soft Parade can do it in their bedroom, bloody Jim Abbiss should be able to! Expand