Bad Blood
by Bastille
  • Record Label: Virgin
  • Release Date: Mar 4, 2013
User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 151 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 128 out of 151
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 151
  3. Negative: 13 out of 151
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  1. DrewtheDude85
    Apr 19, 2014
    9
    Here's another album my sister got that I actually started to enjoy. I think this band has a great sense of style and emotion in their music and some of the songs have some pretty good lyrics, some forgettable, but good. Overall the music in this CD was overall great, in fact I really don't think there was a single song on this album that I would call bad or probably even mediocre. I likeHere's another album my sister got that I actually started to enjoy. I think this band has a great sense of style and emotion in their music and some of the songs have some pretty good lyrics, some forgettable, but good. Overall the music in this CD was overall great, in fact I really don't think there was a single song on this album that I would call bad or probably even mediocre. I like that their music mostly sounds like real instruments and doesn't abuse electronic sounds unlike many other bands out there. Overall, Bastille's first album was enjoyable and I look forward to see what they have in store for the future. My favorite tracks were "Pompeii", "Things We Lost in the Fire" and "Icarus" but most tracks are excellent.… Expand
  2. Noiseblock
    Sep 23, 2014
    5
    It´s a nicely produced, predictable and somewhat tame collection of standard indie-pop-songs. The songs all work well in their own place, but in the end it feels like all of these songs could be radio smash hits, written and performed in the exact same way by any other indie-band. In other words; the songs work well on their own but are ultimately too weak to form an entire album. TheyIt´s a nicely produced, predictable and somewhat tame collection of standard indie-pop-songs. The songs all work well in their own place, but in the end it feels like all of these songs could be radio smash hits, written and performed in the exact same way by any other indie-band. In other words; the songs work well on their own but are ultimately too weak to form an entire album. They wear out after a few listenings...… Expand
  3. MDeltaC
    Mar 5, 2013
    7
    A fine debut.

    This album is all in all pretty good. From emotional soaring melodies such as 'Overjoyed' to quirky ballads such as 'Flaws' it brings an interesting sound to the table. I can't help but Bastille rather overplayed their hand in the lead-up to this album, on first listen I had already heard 6 of the 13 songs. It left it feeling more like a collection of singles than a    A fine debut.

    This album is all in all pretty good. From emotional soaring melodies such as 'Overjoyed' to quirky ballads such as 'Flaws' it brings an interesting sound to the table.

    I can't help but Bastille rather overplayed their hand in the lead-up to this album, on first listen I had already heard 6 of the 13 songs. It left it feeling more like a collection of singles than a complete album. Perhaps some tracks should have been left as singles too as it feels like the album has tried to get to many different sounds into one space.

    There are, however some excellent moments. 'Weight of living, Pt I' and 'These Streets' harp back to the original quirkiness and excellent melodies that first caught audience's attention in 'Flaws'. Some of the lyrics are a little bit bland or un-inventive which brings me to my final summary.

    All in all this a a good, solid debut with soaring melodies and well crafted music to back it up. It is slightly let down by the fact it seems some-what unrefined for an album that was a fair while in the making. Very enjoyable.    … Expand
  4. SmithLewis
    Feb 8, 2014
    10
    This album is the best album that I listened in all my f---ing life. The music genres are very well used throughout the album. I do not know why the people hate this masterpiece.
  5. comeandgetit
    Aug 8, 2013
    3
    It's not exactly groundbreaking is it. Most of the songs start with a promising introduction but, very quickly become your standard 'indie' tracks. It's not rock. it's not pop, it's not elecronica, it's not really anything at all. Nothing really grabs you, his voice is one toned and highly strained and as a whole the album has no surprises and brings nothing new to the table. The genericIt's not exactly groundbreaking is it. Most of the songs start with a promising introduction but, very quickly become your standard 'indie' tracks. It's not rock. it's not pop, it's not elecronica, it's not really anything at all. Nothing really grabs you, his voice is one toned and highly strained and as a whole the album has no surprises and brings nothing new to the table. The generic 'oh oh oh's' (noises made by most bands who struggle with actual lyrics) really seal it's fate. All you have here is an album that could have been released by any new indie band. Utterly forgettable.… Expand
  6. StrawberryBlond
    Apr 13, 2013
    2
    Mediocre indie synthpop. For the most part, it all seems rather bland with lyrics whose significance I can't seem to get my head around. Apart from the really pretty, ethereal ballad, Overjoyed and tear-jerking love song, Oblivion, almost all the songs merge into one big, mediocre lump that's very unmemorable.
  7. moviematthew
    Nov 8, 2013
    10
    Why do people hate this album!? I love it. I especially love "Pompeii". I can't stop listening to that song. There must be something wrong with you people! You are all stupid!
  8. VictoriaGrace
    Apr 26, 2014
    10
    Love, love, LOVE! If I could have given a 100000/10 I would have. Dan is a master at story telling, the lyrics in this album are incredible and together with the amazing music.. it truly makes for world class stuff! Looking forward to their future albums, I'm sure there is bound to be plenty more.. and seeing Bastille live in concert is a must on my bucket list for sure! A brilliant albumLove, love, LOVE! If I could have given a 100000/10 I would have. Dan is a master at story telling, the lyrics in this album are incredible and together with the amazing music.. it truly makes for world class stuff! Looking forward to their future albums, I'm sure there is bound to be plenty more.. and seeing Bastille live in concert is a must on my bucket list for sure! A brilliant album all round.… Expand
  9. cnrcnr
    Mar 4, 2013
    7
    I think this is a pretty good album, kind of RnB-indie-pop, the melodies are great and songs have a rather epic sound. the one negative... the lyrics aren't that great but these are redeemed by the really well produced music.
  10. placebomad
    Mar 4, 2013
    5
    thought this was just ok.Sounds quite poppy really,not thAT is a bad thing. Just wasn't too impressed with the lyrics. I must admit i am a stickler for lyrics. overall i give it 5
  11. SimpleMethod
    Sep 9, 2013
    9
    It's such a great and unique sounding album. Some of the lyrics are a bit bland but all of the sounds and beats and the other bandmates make up for it with such unique songwriting. Plus it's $6.99 for 15 tracks, why not pick it up. I love it.
  12. Silent-name
    Sep 17, 2014
    3
    I´m sorry guys, but this album seems just so forgetable and boring... I was really hyped for it... as "Pompeii" is a brilliant song, but I can´t really even remember how I felt after listening to it. The songs are mostly forgetable, the album as a whole is forgetable, the atmosphere is nothing special. I was expecting much more.
  13. marcmyworks
    May 28, 2019
    8
    I was fortunate to see Bastille at a showcase held by their record label before the album was launched and this group is amazing live. Bad Blood is a well produced album, which though at times can be feel a bit lost, overall is wonderful. Download: Bad Blood, Pompeii, Overjoyed.
  14. jotaeseche
    Jan 13, 2015
    4
    It's a shame that talented musicians (as we can clearly see throughout songs) are wasted and trapped into flat and monotonous structures, boring and annoying melodies and, wholly, a mediocre repertoire. I didn't decide yet whether the worst part of Bad Blood is Dan Smith's voice and tone or the cheesy and ridiculous lyrics; what I do know is that this album feels unconvincing, artificial,It's a shame that talented musicians (as we can clearly see throughout songs) are wasted and trapped into flat and monotonous structures, boring and annoying melodies and, wholly, a mediocre repertoire. I didn't decide yet whether the worst part of Bad Blood is Dan Smith's voice and tone or the cheesy and ridiculous lyrics; what I do know is that this album feels unconvincing, artificial, common and, most of all, dishonest.… Collapse
  15. Thatmoviesdude
    Sep 25, 2016
    9
    Pompeii:
    A fresh, kicking start into the album, going over the events of Pompeii and hiding a serious message into an upbeat song. Which is a good thing, mind.
    Things We Lost in the Fire: A solemn and graceful second track, talking about things fading away over time, like love, which is definitely one of the best tracks on the album. Bad Blood: A creepy and slow tempoed entry,    Pompeii:
    A fresh, kicking start into the album, going over the events of Pompeii and hiding a serious message into an upbeat song. Which is a good thing, mind.

    Things We Lost in the Fire:
    A solemn and graceful second track, talking about things fading away over time, like love, which is definitely one of the best tracks on the album.

    Bad Blood:
    A creepy and slow tempoed entry, this is yet another song about the past and about starting anew, which takes brilliant effect.

    Overjoyed:
    One of the songs showing lead singer Dan Smith's skilled piano-playing, this song is beautiful and talks about the power of the voice and words.

    These Streets:
    This one talks about revisiting the past, and how strange it can be, while sporting a well done yet sometimes, yes SOMETIMES slightly forgettable melody.

    Weight of Living, Pt. II
    This upbeat little song is about life, and how it can be hard, but aspiration can take off the weight of living.

    Icarus:
    Bastille have taken the ancient Greek myth for inspiration, about how death can come so suddenly without expecting it.

    Oblivion:
    Watchers of Vampire Diaries will know this one. Another one about death, this one questions, "Are you going to age with grace?" It asks whether you want to live life to the fullest, or live quietly.

    Flaws:
    This song tells us that no matter how hard we try to hide it, nobody's perfect. You may seem like it on the outside, but your flaws could be buried deep beneath the ground.

    Daniel in the Den:
    Another song based on mythology, this one warns us who to trust and that anyone could be anyone. Another one showing Dan Smith's piano-playing.

    Laura Palmer:
    The title is based of Twin Peaks' Laura Palmer, and has kept the same tone as the TV show, telling about love.

    Get Home:
    This is another song reminiscing over the past, using repetition to very good effect.

    Bastille's first album certainly has a theme, and develops on that, bringing the best it can, which is better than a lot of people can. Genius in a plastic case.    … Expand
  16. Colin_
    Feb 26, 2017
    10
    A masterful piece of work pulled out of the heart of Dan Smith. It is definitely more of a personal piece, so it's not for everyone to say the least. But Bastille puts an incredible amount of originality into the album, and the sound is incredibly haunting. It leaves you with an unpleasant taste in your mouth, but in a good, dystopian way.
  17. MacsMusic
    Jan 5, 2018
    10
    I grew up listening to "All This Bad Blood", which is like the deluxe version of this album, and I loved every song. It was one of the first Alt-Rock albums I had ever heard, and I just loved every minute of it. "Bad Blood" doesn't have a bad song. The lyrics have lots of depth, the music is flawless, and the vocals are great. The music works perfectly with the deep, thought-provokingI grew up listening to "All This Bad Blood", which is like the deluxe version of this album, and I loved every song. It was one of the first Alt-Rock albums I had ever heard, and I just loved every minute of it. "Bad Blood" doesn't have a bad song. The lyrics have lots of depth, the music is flawless, and the vocals are great. The music works perfectly with the deep, thought-provoking lyrics. Dan Smith's voice works powerfully and perfectly with the lyrics and music. "Daniel in the Den" has incredible lyrics and music. Some of Bastille's best songs come from "All This Bad Blood", so I highly recommend you check it out if you love "Bad Blood." Years later, I still love "All This Bad Blood."… Expand
  18. tinopreld
    Jan 7, 2019
    10
    LOVE IT.
    Best Songs: Laughter Lines, These Streets, Oblivion, Get Home, Laura Palmer, Icarus
    Worst Song: Daniel In The Den
  19. MarcoBrenis
    Jun 18, 2019
    10
    This is the best album they have, with this songs you can hear a story about feelings, sometimes we was sad or happy, like ife, nothing is dark or light, we have a lot of colors, that`s the album
  20. Teachershock
    Feb 22, 2021
    10
    This album has all the glorious makings of an indie-pop/alternative eargasm that quakes your heart as it swells through each of the choruses, while confounding your brain with the dichotomies between the music and lyrics. The solemness of "Overjoyed" juxtaposed between the tragic stories of "Pompeii" and "Things We Lost in the Fire" feels like A narrative of a fully lived life, or all theThis album has all the glorious makings of an indie-pop/alternative eargasm that quakes your heart as it swells through each of the choruses, while confounding your brain with the dichotomies between the music and lyrics. The solemness of "Overjoyed" juxtaposed between the tragic stories of "Pompeii" and "Things We Lost in the Fire" feels like A narrative of a fully lived life, or all the stories of mankind crammed into 43 minutes. Either way, you end the ride feeling completely spent from all the ups and downs, but really sad that it's all over. Personally this is my favorite Bastille album. Do yourself a favor and give it a listen...then again... and then go to YouTube, watch the videos, and then listen to the ReOrchestrated versions. You will wonder how you lived without this album when it's all over.… Expand
  21. radinferri
    Jun 25, 2021
    10
    When you play the album you just don't want to stop listening to it,the great mix of genres, great melodies and Daniel Smith's voice is birilliant
  22. clarinhaaa
    Nov 22, 2021
    10
    Perfection. I love all the musics in this album, Dan Smith has such a nice voice and the lyrics are awesome
  23. RoxanneKimberly
    Nov 24, 2021
    10
    Daniel Smith's voice is something to behold, I love the lyrics here and pretty much every single song
  24. EstellaKimberly
    Nov 25, 2021
    10
    This debut is so solid, basically all their songs are cachty and great, Daniel Smith's voice is amazing
  25. brubruzinha
    Nov 25, 2021
    10
    Bastille's debut is a masterpiece, their lyrics are beautiful and Daniel Smith's voice is so powerful and haunting, I love it

Awards & Rankings

60
#60 Most Discussed Album of 2013
70
#70 Most Shared Album of 2013

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
58

Mixed or average reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. Absolute Punk (Staff reviews)
    Sep 9, 2013
    68
    For everything Smith lacks in wordsmithing, his bandmates make up for in straight up dramatic songwriting.
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  2. Consequence
    Sep 5, 2013
    50
    There’s nothing inherently wrong with this too-many-feelings, heart-on-your-sleeve approach; it’s just that, played out over the course of an entire album (or on the airwaves, over the course of several years), the whole thing starts to feel a bit contrived.
    Read full review
  3. NOW Magazine
    Jul 25, 2013
    40
    Lyrics are corny and sometimes funny.
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