Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 7
  2. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. The Citizens have blended a poignant and fascinating, personal self-image of professional musicianship that elevates the band to unanticipated captivation.
  2. The unpredictable song structures are fresh and innovative, too, twisting off in unexpected directions mere seconds before you can remember what they remind you of.
  3. If The Citizens' intended destination is a place of their own craft that lies beyond the boring boundaries of traditional pop, they can stop driving.
  4. Well-paced and cleverly sequenced, it is, in many ways, a throwback to the great records of the 1970s, and fresh enough not to sound like one.
  5. The Citizens have a clear knack for arranging and a commendable ability to tackle a series of genres and combine them into an enjoyable full-length. The only real problem here being that the actual songs aren't nearly as good as their talent might hint at.
User Score
8.9

Universal acclaim- based on 14 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 14
  3. Negative: 1 out of 14
  1. SocorroL
    Oct 18, 2004
    9
    This really grew on me. The record draws from a very diverse range of influences (new wave, show tunes, brit-pop and even garage rock) in an This really grew on me. The record draws from a very diverse range of influences (new wave, show tunes, brit-pop and even garage rock) in an extremely skillful way. -Rewards the attentive listener Full Review »
  2. DougP
    Oct 17, 2004
    9
    When I first bought this I thought it was a bit too ambitious. After about 3 or 4 spins I realized I was wrong. This record works on every When I first bought this I thought it was a bit too ambitious. After about 3 or 4 spins I realized I was wrong. This record works on every level, and is one of the better CDs released this year. Full Review »
  3. Camille
    Oct 14, 2004
    10
    Great from start to finish. Kong, Are We There Yet?, Blusher & Clementine are my favorites. The vocals, lyrics and musical complexity are Great from start to finish. Kong, Are We There Yet?, Blusher & Clementine are my favorites. The vocals, lyrics and musical complexity are truly amazing. Full Review »