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Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed albums.

The Remote Part
by Idlewild


9.0

based on 20 reviews
Read critic reviews
How did we calculate this?

based on 13 votes
Read user comments
Rate this album

The third album for the Scottish rockers is already a big hit with UK music fans, helped by the success of lead single "You Held the World in Your Arms."

LABEL:	Capitol / Parlophone
RELEASE DATE:	25 March 2003
DISCS:	1 disc
GENRE(S):	Alternative, Rock

NOTES: Original UK release 15 July 2002.

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...

Magnet

An embarrassment of riches. [#58, p.91]

New Musical Express

It's every ounce of Idlewild's potential fulfilled at once.

Drawer B

This is arguably Idlewild’s finest hour.

Dot Music

They've become accomplished, exciting, restrained and wise.

Mojo

Sounding assured and triumphant, Scotland's finest finally have realised their true potential. [Aug 2002, p.112]

Austin Chronicle

Giddy, confident, and instantly memorable, The Remote Part is great Brit pop and great rock & roll.

E! Online

The four-piece has transformed into a genuine powerhouse, blowing away any so-called new rock revolution contenders with lovely melodies and effortless intensity.

Q Magazine

Idlewild have added a new "dirty bomb" to their armoury: the emotional resonance of prime Morrissey/Marr. [Aug 2002, p.128]

Blender

THe result is like a cross between R.E.M. and Coldplay, but Idlewild show their true smarts by continuing to attack every track with youthful energy and passion. [Apr 2003, p.124]

All Music Guide

The Remote Part captures a divinely aged five-piece.

Neumu.net

Idlewild are rapidly outgrowing their influences as they forge a unique identity that leads me to suspect that they may soon be inspiring a slew of like-minded new bands.

Rolling Stone

They ratchet up the latent R.E.M.-isms, elevating themselves heads above their musical kin.

Playlouder

There is nothing groundbreaking about this LP; it's just classic.

Delusions of Adequacy

While it doesn't have as many flat-out terrific songs as its predecessor, I'd venture to say that The Remote Part is the record that Idlewild has wanted to write all along.

Entertainment Weekly

It's overshadowed by many of the band's recent, U.K.-only B sides. [21 Mar 2003, p.113]

PopMatters

It may be the album Idlewild was born to make, but despite some spectacular moments, its momentum wanes a tiny bit as it gets closer to the end.

Uncut

The Remote Part is Idlewild Mark II--sleeker, bolder, better. [Oct 2002, p.107]

The Onion (A.V. Club)

Merely good-but-not-great.

Spin

Idlewild are compelling when they put Woomble's sad-sack lyrics front and center, but on aggressively average rockers like "You Held The World In Your Arms" and "Century After Century," the band's turgid squall swamps his words. [Jun 2003, p.103]

Pitchfork

The album starts to wear thin by the homestretch.

The average user rating for this album is 9.0 (out of 10) based on 13 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Nightkin gave it a6:
The instrumentals sounds are quite fresh but the band could sound a lot better if only the singer stopped trying to sound like an American punk-pop artist and let his beautiful Scottish accent through.

matt a gave it a9:
What on earth are these comparisons saying that they sound like REM??!! Talk about a slap in the face. Idlewild is way better, and this album is proof. One of the five best albums of 2003.

Miguel G gave it a10:
At first I listen to "You Held The Wold In Your Arms", and it was good. Then I heard "A Modern Way Of Letting Go", and it was even better. The thid song I heard, was great: "American English"!!! Then I get the album and... more than great. It may sound a little R.E.M.ish (in their "Document" times) at some points, but it only make even greater the album. I Highly recomend it

Paul W gave it a 10:
Pure class, it has been my favourite album for a long time now, i never get tired of it!

Chowder H gave it a 10:
Excellent - by turns heart-wrenching melody, heart-pumping rock and heart-warming to find an album worth the money i spent on it!

Charlie V gave it a 10:
It's an awesome album, and they perform it great live! to name some of the songs i like: Modern Way of Letting Go, You Held The World In Your Arms, American English, Scottish Fiction.

C D gave it a 9:
The review from "Delusions of Adequacy" is almost as pompous and pretentious as the name of the magazine. This cd is 10 fold better than their previous one.

The Remote Part by Idlewild

The Remote Part
by Idlewild