• Record Label: Domino
  • Release Date: Jan 24, 2006
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 20
  2. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. Clearlake got it right this time out. They have has never sounded as triumphant as they do on Amber.
  2. 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]
  3. Blender
    60
    The band occasionally lapse into easy irony and cheap spite. [Mar 2006, p.110]
  4. "Amber"'s glow increases with each listen, but existing fans have just cause to feel forsaken.
  5. Entertainment Weekly
    91
    One of the most striking Brit-rock step-ups since Radiohead got The Bends. [17 Feb 2006, p.79]
  6. Mojo
    80
    The band's most persuasive album. [Feb 2006, p.92]
  7. New Musical Express (NME)
    50
    Dithers between drone rock and harmonica-driven indie-strut. [14 Jan 2006, p.33]
  8. What’s most apparent on this record is that despite having a fairly eclectic approach to creating a pop song, and cooking up the occasionally psych-y moment to epic-ify the songs, if there’s one emphasis on here, it’s on great melodies.
  9. Paste Magazine
    80
    Easily [Clearlake's] most eclectic and least calculated [album]. [Feb/Mar 2006, p.96]
  10. Frequently gorgeous but over-lubed, the album forges soundscapes so lush they're almost narcotic.
  11. 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.
  12. Even if the music misses the mark on occasion, Pegg’s lyrics remain strong.
  13. Dipping into heavier rock elements can make emotional lyrics seem misplaced at times - it almost seems like the band is intentionally aiming to present a man's record - but even the album's rare moments with jagged guitar are tastefully executed.
  14. Q Magazine
    80
    Clearlake have headed into deeper, darker waters. [Feb 2006, p.101]
  15. Clearlake are clearly talented and still capable of making a groundswelling record. Amber, however, is not only not it, but it’s reason to wonder if they’ve lost their own sense of identity in an effort to sell records to pint-swilling British punters.
  16. Clearlake sound like Chris Martin fronting the Teardrop Explodes - both deadpan and victorious.
  17. 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]
  18. 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]
  19. Urb
    70
    Think early Blur, without the cynicism. [Mar 2006, p.112]
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 7 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. 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! Full Review »
  2. 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! Full Review »
  3. jamesl
    Feb 6, 2006
    9
    Clearlake has released the first great album of 2006.