All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

100

No Ripcord

There is a monumental feeling of strength and courage in their music that is impossible to deny.

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Splendid

Shine A Light is metallic, screamo-ing, ear-bursting, confused and chopping. And man, it's great.

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PopMatters

This is the kind of indie rock record you wait all year for.

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Billboard

"Light" is considerably harder-edged and less accessible than the poppier tunes of their fellow Canucks, incorporating bits of soul, blues, punk, noise and even avant-jazz, in dizzyingly fresh ways.

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All Music Guide

A tautly crafted, thoughtful album, Shine a Light more than follows through on the promise of their debut, and proves that the Constantines have the ability to be both down to earth and dramatic within their grasp.

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The Onion (A.V. Club)

The group frequently wanders into still valleys before chugging back up, properly balancing bounce and punch--Constantines may be the best band since Archers Of Loaf to marry intelligence and brute force.

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Pitchfork

Though not quite the slap in the face issued by their debut, even this album's very worst song shines a light on what's wrong with our landscape. Find it and follow.

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Delusions of Adequacy

Shine a Light doesn’t defy genres; it defies poseurs. It isn’t fashionable; it’s a staple.

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The Wire

Impressively raucous. [#240, p.68]

Logo

There’s no shortage of pogo anthems, reflective quiet and headspinning ideology, and never a dull moment.

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Alternative Press

Tells the story of musicians creating something brilliant and new with the well-worn pieces of their punk-indie-hardcore legacy. [Oct 2003, p.124]

Outburn

Webb's hoarse vocals are filled with the sort of tortured earnestness that can't be faked. [#23, p.84]

Stylus Magazine

Strongly, boringly decent.

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Mojo

An album ragged with last-ditch lunges of fuzz-noise and burnished vocals. [Feb 2004, p.99]

Playlouder

It’s just a shame that after seven plays, it’s still a bit tricky to remember what any of the tunes go like.

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Q Magazine

Reveal[s] a finely tuned pop ear setting them apart from the noisier kids in the punk playground. [Feb 2004, p.98]

Uncut

A sinewy mix of punk, dub, soul, good tunes and classic guy-rock. [Mar 2004, p.87]

ShakingThrough.net

Though trite lyrics too often undermine strong instrumentation, Shine a Light is a promising sophomore effort from a group that clearly has the chops to blaze even brighter.

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Under The Radar

Shine has a nasty penchant for treading water instead of making any real artistic statement. [#5, p.100]

What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this album is 9.2 (out of 10) based on 11 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Scott gave it a 10:
best indie shit out there.

w o gave it a 10:
This album does nothing but grow on you. As strong as it is the first few times you listen to it, it's far better after more. Also, this is a band that is a must see. I had no idea the show would be as good as it was. The songs were even stronger live, leaving me pretty confident that it was the best show I've ever seen.

Jamie R gave it a 9:
Unreal...Fat bass licks mixed with good guitar riffs. The keyboard melodies although quiet is the key ingredient. Bry's Tom Waits-esque makes you hurt yourself singing along, but singing along to a catchy album like this is something you cant control.

Mitch B gave it a 10:
These songs are perfectly composed to emphasize the poetic lyrics and the intricate, yet intense melodies. The Constantines are prophets.

Seth P gave it a 10:
Wow. This is a breath of fresh air.

Trevor P gave it a 10:
Oh boy. Oh boy. Seriously. Buy this album.

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Shine A Light

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