American Football (LP2)
by American Football
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
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  1. Punknews.org (Staff)
    Oct 21, 2016
    60
    When it tries, it succeeds but when it doesn't, it really crashes into the ground face first.
  2. DIY Magazine
    Oct 21, 2016
    60
    American Football meanders a lot less than its predecessor, and it’s a much more focused record, every move carried out with precision.
  3. No Ripcord
    Oct 20, 2016
    60
    Regardless of its more sophisticated tone, the same cannot be said for the album’s rather callow lyrical content, which doesn’t just border on, but fully embraces, mawkish poetic cliches, which causes one to question if the band is truly willing to insert more of their own growth and experiences into adulthood. Which, in turn, reduces their return as nothing more than just a faithful look into the past.
  5. Pretty Much Amazing
    Oct 21, 2016
    50
    It’s not breaking news that reunion music isn’t a revelation, but this album seems worse than the merely dull crop of new Owen material.
  6. PopMatters
    Oct 21, 2016
    40
    The returns are decidedly mixed. Some listeners may get a satisfying-enough taste of what they loved about the first LP, while others will likely be disappointed and maybe even a little puzzled by a familiar favorite made uncanny.

Awards & Rankings

82
#82 Most Shared Album of 2016

User Reviews

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User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 32 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 32
  3. Negative: 2 out of 32
  1. grkay
    Oct 25, 2016
    5
    As a dedicated fan of American Football and Owen, I was very excited about the long anticipated release of LP2, only to emerge slightlyAs a dedicated fan of American Football and Owen, I was very excited about the long anticipated release of LP2, only to emerge slightly disappointed and confused.

    I cherished LP, the first album created over 17 years ago. The instrumental precision, occasional heartfelt trumpet was all you needed to really feel the emotional depths they had conveyed as a band. There were a few songs on that album with very minimal vocals, but those vocals felt like they had a purpose and were just a side note to the instruments' intricacy.

    Unfortunately with LP2, I find the newly prominent vocals and lyrics distracting from the original tone and precision of the instruments , which made American Football who they were as a band. LP2 feels like an Owen album featuring American Football.

    Don't get me wrong I enjoy a few Owen albums, but being that a new Owen album is released every couple of years and American Football has only made one every 15+; I was really looking forward to reminiscing on those original qualities that made them so great. I appreciate American Football coming back together for this one and am hopeful of future albums which may go back to their unique attributes.    … Full Review »
  2. Marcbackman
    Oct 22, 2016
    8
    The band have grown with their listeners, moving their angst and sorrows from their mid-20s to middle age and adulthood seamlessly. I thinkThe band have grown with their listeners, moving their angst and sorrows from their mid-20s to middle age and adulthood seamlessly. I think the album succeeds in dealing with the themes of regret, loss, time and the changing personal identity over time. Sound-wise it sounds very similar to the first album by American Football and also previous Owen releases.

    Some great lyrics on this album. "The best way to describe the ocean to a blind man is to push him in."    … Full Review »
  3. Tom_Bombadil
    Oct 31, 2016
    6
    Less organic than the debut LP, and less memorable too, but was anyone expecting some kind of masterpiece? Kinsella lost his powers ages ago.Less organic than the debut LP, and less memorable too, but was anyone expecting some kind of masterpiece? Kinsella lost his powers ages ago. Be realistic. The guys still manage to write some musically interesting songs, and the warm and mellow vibe of the debut has remained almost intact, but ultimately this isn't a very fulfilling record. Mike's vocals suck, and his lyrics have become uglier as well. It's hard to remember most of it once finished. Not bad, though. Just unsatisfying.

    Download "Desire Gets in the Way" for an enjoyable tune. The rest isn't essential.    … Full Review »
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