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Asphalt Meadows
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Asphalt Meadows Image
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 16 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 29 Ratings

  • Summary: The 10th full-length studio release for indie/alternative rock band Death Cab For Cutie was produced by John Congleton.
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  • Record Label: Atlantic
  • Genre(s): Pop/Rock, Alternative/Indie Rock, Alternative Pop/Rock, Indie Rock, Indie Pop
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. AllMusic
    Sep 16, 2022
    90
    Kicking off their third decade post-Barsuk, Death Cab continue their evolution in fascinating and rewarding ways, somehow managing to surprise with fresh directions and sounds yet unheard from this ever-reliable crew.
  2. Exclaim
    Sep 15, 2022
    80
    They've managed to create an album that feels fresh while also being the closest they've come to recreating the magic of earlier records. This is a band that has finally found a way to evolve without eliminating what it was that made them so special in the first place.
  3. The Skinny
    Sep 12, 2022
    80
    Characteristically textbook Death Cab – dolloping shimmering guitars atop stomping percussion, as decadent choruses burst through nostalgic lyricism like an uncontainable smile. Their knack for spry, melancholic indie-rock remains unrivalled and makes for yet another memorable release.
  4. PopMatters
    Sep 19, 2022
    80
    Asphalt Meadows is neither a nostalgic rehash of earlier heights nor a workmanlike product lacking innovation or novelty. It is instead a statement that this band can both occupy space in the indie rock pantheon while at the same time producing new work deserving of consideration with some of their finest early work.
  5. Beats Per Minute
    Sep 19, 2022
    74
    Overall, Asphalt Meadows is a fine record from a band so deep into their career they really have nothing left to prove — except, it seems, to themselves.
  6. Sputnikmusic
    Sep 21, 2022
    74
    Asphalt Meadows not only lives up to but truly, actually fulfils the promise of Death Cab for Cutie – of music not always new, or unique, or 'experimental', but always, always genuine, and always, always packed with meaning and emotion.
  7. Uncut
    Sep 12, 2022
    70
    Gibbard's freighted eloquence gives Asphalt Meadows its unsettling immediacy. [Oct 2022, p.26]
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See all 16 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 10
  3. Negative: 1 out of 10
  1. lovezero
    Sep 21, 2022
    10
    There is ambition and effort here that I didn't expect from them. Highly recommended My favorite tracks are rand mcnally, I miss strangers,There is ambition and effort here that I didn't expect from them. Highly recommended My favorite tracks are rand mcnally, I miss strangers, Asphalt Meadows… Expand
  2. Duke_Challenger
    Sep 16, 2022
    10
    Amazing return to form. Death Cab hasn't been this edgy for awhile. This is a top 3 album from them.
  4. yeahyeah2
    Sep 17, 2022
    10
    Excellent album. I thought everyone was way too hard on TYFT but this is a step up from that. Their best since Narrow Stairs.
  5. jcrdzin1
    Sep 18, 2022
    9
    Let me start by saying I've only given a 10 to The National's High Violet, so a 9 ranks quite high. This new album by DCFC is outstanding.Let me start by saying I've only given a 10 to The National's High Violet, so a 9 ranks quite high. This new album by DCFC is outstanding. While Roman Candle and Here to Forever have to rank among the band's all -time Top 5, the first tracks: I Don't Know How I Survive is an epic tour de force that feels like a wake-up punch-in-the-face you somehow needed in your life. Musically and lyrically will blow your mind. I gave them 9 despite mostly very solid and great songs because: it lacks a Transatlanticissm-epic level song (and Rand McNally had all the potential, and almost felt it was building towards that at the end, but chance wasted, although a great song), and for including something honestly weak ass Fragments From the Decade, which sounds like an attempt for early 00's Death Cab, but without Chris Walla this type of song will never work. The rest is a collection of good, really good, great and even eepic songs, that for me make this album the best material ever released by DCFC, tied of course with 2003's Transatlanticism.… Expand
  6. kadoka
    Sep 18, 2022
    8
    I have always liked the odd single from this band but never really been able to listen through one of their albums. I have always found them aI have always liked the odd single from this band but never really been able to listen through one of their albums. I have always found them a bit disjointed. But this one just clicks somehow. Each track is well crafted with a clear identity, with lyrics with real depth and meaning and everything fits together perfectly. The hooks are there and there is a nice variety of melodies and different musical styles, but without straying into pop territory which just shows that Indie Rock can be inventive without betraying its roots. The album ends on a really cool guitar ballad with 80s vibes. Best tracks are probably Here to Forever and Asphalt Meadows but there isn't a dud to be found. Excited to see where this band goes from here.… Expand
  7. Billyliar87
    Sep 22, 2022
    8
    Their best work in years. From track 3 and beyond, a nearly flawless record. Death Cab actually surprised me with this one, and it may make myTheir best work in years. From track 3 and beyond, a nearly flawless record. Death Cab actually surprised me with this one, and it may make my top 10 this year.… Expand
  8. Gabrielpb
    Sep 17, 2022
    0
    Não gostei. Achei ruim demais, não supriu com minhas expectativas, minha opinião galera!!!!

See all 10 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

76
#76 Most Discussed Album of 2022

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