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100

Alternative Press

There isn't one song on Elevator as undeniable as "Bandages"... No, there are 12 of them. [May 2005, p.172]

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While you may see Hot Hot Heat as you want to see them--a one trick pony who turned their backs on their noise roots--we see them as a band more than capable of evolution and growth and mature songwriting. [#15, p.92]

Spin

Basically the same thing--improved. [May 2005, p.101]

E! Online

High kicks above their breakout debut by being brighter ("Dirty Mouth), wilier ("Goodnight Goodnight") and all around more pogo-inducing.

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Q Magazine

These 13 songs do the simple things, but do them wonderfully well. [May 2005, p.106]

Blender

Elevator has the zing of classic pop--and its sureness too. [May 2005, p.115]

The Guardian

If the whizz-bang pace makes Hot Hot Heat sound a bit too eager to please, then Steve Bays' lyrics give even their fizziest pop songs a pleasingly tart kick.

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Drowned In Sound

Initally, it all rushes by so fast as to rock you onto your heels, but further listens offer a quick grasp of a set of insidiously catchy songs.

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No Ripcord

An absolute beauty of an album.

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New Musical Express (NME)

'Breakdown' was a kicky little exercise in how to make a great pop record. 'Elevator' shows how to make one of substance. [23 Apr 2005, p.50]

Billboard

Mix[es] the band's '80s influences with clever lyrics that lift it above the "garage band" tag it was initially saddled with.

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Entertainment Weekly

Hot Hot Heat have learned at least one valuable lesson from studying up on their pre-grunge history: the power of a tight, efficient song. [8 Apr 2005, p.62]

Under The Radar

Hot Hot Heat haven't bothered to fix the formula that wasn't broken; they've just fleshed it out a bit. [#9]

The Onion (A.V. Club)

Hot Hot Heat has handled the pressure of going from happy discovery to possible-saviors-of-rock reasonably well.

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Urb

Solid... the album definitely hits its marks. [Apr 2005, p.102]

Rolling Stone

Bays' voice can be cloying, but it's hard to imagine a more laid-back singer handling these ostentatious pop songs.

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Playlouder

'Elevator' is not as instant as 'Make Up The Breakdown', though it has adequate catchy tunes in the style of XTC and Joe Jackson to retain most of the interest from those who enjoyed them last time.

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Village Voice

It has all of the stomp and swagger of Franz, if not the impeccable grooming.

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cokemachineglow

Despite the fact that it’s an obvious misstep from a band that seemed bulletproof... it's still a strong album with a lot more charm than, say, the Bravery or the Killers.

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PopMatters

With the absence of dance rhythms, though, the album could use some more grit than it has.

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Uncut

The emphasis tends to be on hooks, not heart. [May 2005, p.100]

All Music Guide

While it's far from being truly bad, Elevator is a disappointment, and a perplexing one: everything seems to be more or less in the right place, but still doesn't quite fit together.

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Tiny Mix Tapes

I guess whether or not Elevator is worth picking up for you depends on just what you want from Hot Hot Heat. If you liked Make Up the Breakdown, still like it, and want more of the Hot Hot Heat you've come to know and love, then knock that rating up another .5 or so and walk briskly to the nearest record store to buy it.

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Mojo

There are so many tricks twirling for your attention that the effect is a little like wearing all your clothes at once. [Jun 2005, p.100]

Splendid

The songs here are resolutely pop, almost bubblegum, and though they're sometimes buoyant, hyperkinetic, even fun, they have almost no depth or resonance to them.

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Pitchfork

Hot Hot Heat sound like they're playing scared and playing it safe, and in doing so fall through the cracks between their established fans and their imagined ones.

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Stylus Magazine

There is absolutely nothing wrong with the kind of music Hot Hot Heat makes. Nevertheless, bands have done it better.

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Lost At Sea

Decidedly unremarkable.

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Dot Music

One battering, no-big impression album.

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Austin Chronicle

Elevator suggests the band isn't willing to take risks now that they've got a big-label home.

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What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this album is 8.0 (out of 10) based on 28 User Votes

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

Ashlie W. gave it a10:
Elevator is the latest album from the band Hot Hot Heat. With many fun beats, unique tracks, and beautiful vocals you're bound to fall in love with the album. The album art is very neat, and it's funny because there is no track 13, and the album is called Elevator. Anyways, it starts with a short intro then follows with a great track called, "Running Out of Time." Next comes their first single from the album called "Goodnight Goodnight." Then is a song with very witty lyrics called "Ladies and Gentleman," and then "You Owe Me an IOU" which seems to be a favorite of many fans. Then is a short instrumental song called "No Jokes, Facts" then "Jingle Jangle" which is a much slower song compared to all the others but very beautiful. The next two tracks are "Pickin it Up," and "Island of the Honest Man." Following that is "Middle of Nowhere" which is the second single and a song that attracted many people to the band Hot Hot Heat. Then another slower song called "Dirty Mouth," then a song who will touch anybody with a heart called "Soldier in a Box." Then comes a very fast, fun song that is one of my personal favorites called "Shame on You." The last song on the album is called "Elevator." The album is general is very unique and beautiful and is a great album to have while you're waiting for the release of the new, and very improved album Happiness Ltd.!

Andy gave it a4:
I love the last album but this one is such a huge disappointment. The dance-synth has all but disappeared and it's been replaced with some really lame attempts at '50's and '60's pop.

Megan S gave it a10:
Hot Hot Heat's album Elevator is incredible. It's packed with catchy songs that'll have you singing right along, including Running Out of Time, Goodnight Goodnight, You Owe Me an IOU, Pickin' It Up, Island of the Honest Man, Middle of Nowhere, Elevator... there is no bad song on this album! It's definently worth your money, and HHH's other music is surely worth checking out.

Kim M gave it a9:
I bought this CD the day it came out and I haven't stopped jamming to it YET. Hot Hot Heat makes music that just makes you feel good, it just makes you HAPPY! I also have Make Up the Breakdown and it too is an awesome CD. But to me, the tracks on Elevator just seem to have more substance, better lyrics. Practically every song is a hit, but some of the especially good ones-- "Island of the Honest Man", "You Owe Me an IOU", "Soldier in a Box", and, of course, the title track "Elevator". Ah.. Hot Hot Heat.. my favorite.

seaghan m gave it a10:
No fillers - this stuff is toe-tappin' finger-lickin' excellence. No pretence - a wave of catchy tunes carries right through to the end :)

Pam C gave it a10:
i loved every single song on this cd and everything about the cd. i 've been listening to it four times a day everyday of the week for about a month now and i still havent grown sick of it. this is undeniably hot hot heat's best album!!

ROSARIO P gave it a10:
This is a great album.I love it! From the intro to elevator.Every single one of the song is great. Hot Hot Heat just keeps on making great music.

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