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...

New Musical Express

There's going to be a hearty scrap between this lot, Muse and the Monkeys when album of the year time comes round.

Read Full Review >

Observer Music Monthly

Unlike the calculated, humourless thump of Razorlight, this is stirring, ecstatic and - just sometimes - brilliantly OTT stuff.

Read Full Review >

Uncut

Empire arrives with the same frazzled mien as Oasis' What's The Story (Morning Glory); alive with paranoia, delivered with an unshakeable self-belief. It's relentless stuff. [Sep 2006, p.80]

Urb

There are... some impressivley fresh ideas lurking between the anthemic bits. [Sep 2006, p.137]

Mojo

For the most part Empire is every bit as powerful as its title suggests. [Oct 2006, p.96]

Q Magazine

Naysayers may write this off as a derivative mash up of early-'90s indie moves, but on Empire Kasabian have become bigger than the sum of their record collections. [Oct 2006, p.116]

Alternative Press

Like a primer in recent rock history. [Dec 2006, p.200]

Entertainment Weekly

Empire's swaggering decadence is tiresome near the end, but in smaller doses it's undeniable fun. [22 Sep 2006, p.95]

Dot Music

"Empire" has an almost childlike energy and determination that makes it feel strangely charming.

Read Full Review >

Under The Radar

While there’s no doubt the songs from Empire will translate into amazing live shows, the repetitiveness of several tracks wears thin after a while in a less dance-friendly environment. [#15]

All Music Guide

Lost in all this is the instantly grabbing songwriting of Kasabian's debut, and to some extent, the bandmembers themselves, who often seem to be riding this swirl instead of guiding it.

Read Full Review >

Spin

Empire constantly changes its focus. [Oct 2006, p.99]

musicOMH.com

It is better than the eponymous debut, although not to the level that their self-satisfaction with it would suggest, and there is still a distinct lack of consistency and a feeling that occasionally while you can see who and what they're aiming at, they miss quite considerably.

Read Full Review >

The Guardian

Yes, Kasabian's sound is now noticeably fuller and more sophisticated, bolstered by their inspired decision to assimilate Gary Glitter's glam stomp into their heady electro-rock. But this is still a band that too often struggles for tunes to match the chutzpah.

Read Full Review >

PopMatters

On the whole, it’s a good second step, but hopefully step three is more in line with the shock and awe the first album contained.

Read Full Review >

The Phoenix

Kasabian can’t do anything besides snarl, a limitation that’s starting to show after only two albums.

Read Full Review >

Los Angeles Times

It may not be fair to rag on the group for picking the wrong decade to rip off, but right now Kasabian's allegiance to the '90s sounds especially uninspired.

Read Full Review >

Hartford Courant

"Empire"... isn't quite as refreshing as its self-titled debut, but it again finds the U.K. quartet strutting off in its own direction, oblivious to the ridiculousness that sometimes characterizes its compulsive bids to be hip.

Read Full Review >

Rolling Stone

The second album... is miles worse than their shallow but tasty first, its big-budget production only making its shortcomings more apparent. [21 Sep 2006, p.88]

Playlouder

What we're offered here is pretty much a second take on the discordant beeps, Mani-ripped basslines and lazy hip hop breaks of their first album, with the addition of some hideously nipped and tucked string samples padding out their attempted lyrical bravado.

Read Full Review >

What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this album is 6.7 (out of 10) based on 40 User Votes

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

Marco B gave it an8:
after only buying it couple of days ago, i believe it is one those album u hav to listen to over and over. It gradually grows on u and next thing u know ur frothing at the mouth with excitement when u hear it on the radio. So far empire, sun rise light flies, and british legion have had that effect on me. Tbh, when i first got black holes and revelations by muse and sam's town by the killers (best band out there!!) i felt the same, and all it took was listening to the album a cupla times before i simply fell weak at the knees with excitement whenever i listened to them. All you Kasabian haters don't be so quik to judge, sit down relax, and fire up Empire (the album) till your ears bleed. You will begin to appreciate.

Michelle K gave it a9:
This is a great album. You can tell Kasabian worked pretty hard on moving from their great debut. can't believe some of the reviews on here to be honest. One of the best British bands out there. Best Tracks: The Doberman, Shoot The Runner, Sun Rise Light Flies, Empire, British Legion

Julian W gave it a2:
Too much bravado, not enough substance.

Review Boy 15 gave it an8:
This album does three things brilliantly for me: 1 : It combines old style, almost 80's style music, with new hard-hitting indie-rock to masterous effects. 2 : I was thrilled when another reviewer (John M) pointed out that it is a "grower". Because that is the perfect way of describing it. Songs become Anthems after several listens. 3 : Their songs contrast eachother perfectly. If you want an original take on modern indie then this is just the ticket.

John P gave it a4:
After seeing the band 2 times and listening to the debut CD a zillon times I felt like an expectant father when I heard of the release date for Empire. Unfortunatley it was more a miscarriage than a birth.

kvan33 gave it a6:
Not horrible, but a disappointment compared to their previous album. None of the songs are really amazing and the whole album insn't very inspired.

Kate B gave it a9:
I don't know what's got into some of the critics, but I reckon this is a great album. It uses a style using classical features which is different to a lot of the stuff around at the moment. Songs like Stuntman and By My Side are quite relaxing, in contrast to Shoot the Runner and Empire.

Music

Upcoming &Recent Releases

Empire

Album Info

Summary

What The Critics Said

What Our Users Said

Upcoming &
Recent Releases