Anthems for Doomed Youth
by The Libertines
  • Record Label: Harvest
  • Release Date: Sep 11, 2015
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 42 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 37 out of 42
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 42
  3. Negative: 2 out of 42
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  1. JaiSingh0022
    Sep 11, 2015
    10
    Brilliant album. Absolutely loved it. Although it is a little more polished and ballad-centered than their old stuff, its still a great album and very catchy.
  2. Ricko
    Mar 5, 2016
    8
    Their debut, "Up the Bracket" somehow managed to bottle lightning, capturing the bands untamed energy as they exploded onto the scene. Amid complete implosion, The Libertines somehow managed to salvage enough material to produce an excellent self titled follow up but by the time it was released, the band was pretty much already dead. The spark caught on and caused a wildfire but burnedTheir debut, "Up the Bracket" somehow managed to bottle lightning, capturing the bands untamed energy as they exploded onto the scene. Amid complete implosion, The Libertines somehow managed to salvage enough material to produce an excellent self titled follow up but by the time it was released, the band was pretty much already dead. The spark caught on and caused a wildfire but burned itself out as quickly as it came. A number of solo efforts and side projects emanated from the wreckage of the band and even during the successful 2010 reunion shows, a third album never looked likely. Yet here we have it, album number 3 from The Libertines. As a fan from their original era I remembered the band with fondness but had little appetite for a new album in 2015. Still, I got my hands on copy for old times sake. The results, while unspectacular, are definitely pleasing. There are a handful of belters on show, opener "Barbarians", lead single "Gunga Din", "Your My Waterloo", "Belly of the Beast", "Heart of the Matter" are all tracks you can see remaining in the bands live shows going forward. On the other side of things, there are also a few forgettable items. "Fame and Fortune" should never have gotten near the final cut of the album while "Glasgow Coma Scale Blues" and "Fury of Chonburi", two tracks that come along later in the album just sound like the band are trying to force their early day sound into a modern setting. All in all "Anthems for Doomed Youth" is a success and most original Libs fans should enjoy it well enough.… Expand
  3. ArionXenos
    Sep 16, 2015
    9
    If 'Anthems for Doomed Youth' had come out a year or two after their self-titled second album it would not have seemed out of place; the band have continued their accomplished sound and chemistry into this record and it has really blown me away.
    Time seems to have had no effect on the Libertines whatsoever and their songs still boast the self-unaware swagger and carelessness as before,    If 'Anthems for Doomed Youth' had come out a year or two after their self-titled second album it would not have seemed out of place; the band have continued their accomplished sound and chemistry into this record and it has really blown me away.
    Time seems to have had no effect on the Libertines whatsoever and their songs still boast the self-unaware swagger and carelessness as before, but with an added maturity. Songs like 'Anthem for Doomed Youth' and 'Fury of Chonburi' do recall their previous album, but I feel this isn't the point of this new record, as time has been marching on and the band have changed as people and as musicians.
    The album carries a delightful momentum even through the slower songs like 'You're my Waterloo' and 'The Milkman's Horse' which makes for an enjoyable listen from start to finish. It's clear to see the increased involvement of the rhythm section in not only arrangement, but also composition; the bass and drums are more together and crisp than they've ever been, and there is a light-hearted element in the music that makes it feel like a proper Libertines album - which it is.
    At the best of times it recalls familiar pictures of London and various recollections over a backdrop of an inspired band, but at the worst of times it leaves the listener wanting more, as if some songs aren't quite finished yet.
    There is a sense that the album was recorded very quickly, and it's possible that some compromises were made in order to throw some tracks in without meticulous work. However, that's not always necessary as even though some songs can seem recycled or formulaic at times, it is clear that there is more to come whether you're listening for the first time or imagining what the band will sound like in a few years after your tenth listen.
    In all, I'm so happy that this was the album they released at this time, it could have turned out completely different and naff, but the Libertines have definitely pulled off their comeback album in predictable style while still surprising the listener with their seemingly undying energy and pool of ideas that they are so clearly eager to show us all.    … Expand
  4. ToffeeBoy
    Sep 11, 2015
    6
    Seen as its been a while since they recorded its not a bad album by any means. There are a couple of good tracks for example "Iceman" & Blur-Esq "Barbarians" but all in all, despite a more rounded and lyrical-ballad type libertines.. its all a bit too polished, produced and well-rounded for me. Tracks like "Glasgow Coma Scale Blues" is the sort of track i'd hoped not to have heard.. iSeen as its been a while since they recorded its not a bad album by any means. There are a couple of good tracks for example "Iceman" & Blur-Esq "Barbarians" but all in all, despite a more rounded and lyrical-ballad type libertines.. its all a bit too polished, produced and well-rounded for me. Tracks like "Glasgow Coma Scale Blues" is the sort of track i'd hoped not to have heard.. i think the deluxe album is saved by its rehashing from tracks from legs 11, "Bucket shop" "lust of the libertines" & "love on the dole" are all great listens (however i do personally prefer the older versions from legs 11).

    "Gunga Din" & "Anthems for doomed youth" are okay tracks, catchy and meaningful but not top draw by any means.

    I'm glad the Libertines recorded this album because it does show off a more of a slower & melodic side to them which i feel wasn't ever really achieved with "Up The Bracket" & "The Libertines", so this album does show their slight diversity.. it's one to be proud of from the likely lads, but i'd rather just leave the scruffy messy libertines in the moment that made them so popular in the first place.    … Expand
  5. stivbuddy
    Sep 11, 2015
    9
    Despite a sometimes excessive penchant for self-mythology, the Libertines succeed on "AFADG" by virtue of an odd mix of past glories, new ideas, and articulated (not sanitized) production. At times sounding like the Libertines playing at being Dirty Pretty Things or Babyshambles until you remember where those bands came from in the first place - the blending of Barat and Doherty's melodicDespite a sometimes excessive penchant for self-mythology, the Libertines succeed on "AFADG" by virtue of an odd mix of past glories, new ideas, and articulated (not sanitized) production. At times sounding like the Libertines playing at being Dirty Pretty Things or Babyshambles until you remember where those bands came from in the first place - the blending of Barat and Doherty's melodic and literary sensibilities is again what powers and distinguishes the Libertines as a band. Recorded to great effect, Hassall and Powell are supple, inventive, both power and embellishment to B & D's tuneful, constructed to pop tunes. Eleven years on, a bit more mature, the Libertines remained unique; with song craft and powerful performances, they are the inheritors of a great Brit-rock tradition that includes the Kinks and the Clash.… Expand

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 27
  3. Negative: 1 out of 27
  1. Under The Radar
    Nov 2, 2015
    75
    Anthems for Doomed Youth proves conclusively that they are somehow still standing. Drunkenly swaying and swaggering, but still standing proud and tall.
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  2. No Ripcord
    Oct 16, 2015
    30
    The Libertines have tried to recreate the feeling of their halcyon era but have lost their mojo during their extended hiatus, which means that most of the time, this record sounds like someone playing dialogue from outtakes of Steptoe And Son over a recording of an out-of-tune piano being pushed down an old flight of stairs.
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  3. PopMatters
    Sep 30, 2015
    70
    Anthems for Doomed Youth does what it needs to do by re-establishing the band, but longevity may depend on keeping the personal drama to a minimum, and instead confining it to the music. However in the present, Anthems for Doomed Youth is an enjoyable overload of charisma.
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