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Shine A Light
by The Constantines

The Constantines reviews
Critic Score
Metascore: 83 Metascore out of 100
User Score  
9.2 out of 10
based on 19 reviews
Read critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
based on 11 votes
Read user comments
Rate this album

The Ontario, Canada band makes its Sub Pop (and U.S.) debut with this, their second LP, which mixes alternative rock with punk and soul.

LABEL: Sub Pop
RELEASE DATE: 19 August 2003
DISCS: 1 disc
GENRE(S): Indie, Rock

What The Critics Said

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.
Read Full Review
90
Splendid
Shine A Light is metallic, screamo-ing, ear-bursting, confused and chopping. And man, it's great.
Read Full Review
90
PopMatters
This is the kind of indie rock record you wait all year for.
Read Full Review
90
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.
Read Full Review
90
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.
Read Full Review
90
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.
Read Full Review
83
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.
Read Full Review
80
Delusions of Adequacy
Shine a Light doesn’t defy genres; it defies poseurs. It isn’t fashionable; it’s a staple.
Read Full Review
80
The Wire
Impressively raucous. [#240, p.68]
80
Logo
There’s no shortage of pogo anthems, reflective quiet and headspinning ideology, and never a dull moment.
Read Full Review
80
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]
80
Outburn
Webb's hoarse vocals are filled with the sort of tortured earnestness that can't be faked. [#23, p.84]
74
Stylus Magazine
Strongly, boringly decent.
Read Full Review
70
Mojo
An album ragged with last-ditch lunges of fuzz-noise and burnished vocals. [Feb 2004, p.99]
70
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.
Read Full Review
70
Q Magazine
Reveal[s] a finely tuned pop ear setting them apart from the noisier kids in the punk playground. [Feb 2004, p.98]
70
Uncut
A sinewy mix of punk, dub, soul, good tunes and classic guy-rock. [Mar 2004, p.87]
70
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.
Read Full Review
50
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

Vote Now! 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.

Read more user comments...

Discuss this album in our forums

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