Barbara
by We Are Scientists
  • Record Label: Red
  • Release Date: Jun 15, 2010
Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 15
  3. Negative: 1 out of 15
  1. PopMatters
    70
    Barbara accomplishes something pretty rare. It successfully combines the best elements of two very different predecessors into one complete sound. Every track on this album isn't a total winner, but enough of them are to leave a strong overall impression.
  2. New Musical Express (NME)
    80
    They're having their own sonic keg party here: coasting through the fuck-ups on the basic likeability-- the sheer shaggy melodic charm--of the hosts.
  3. The A.V. Club
    75
    Barbara is the latest addition to the New York outfit's solid discography, and if things seem kind of familiar around here, it's because the trio hasn't bothered to fix something that isn't broken.
  5. Alternative Press
    70
    On 2008's Brain Thrust Mastery, the trio attempted to inject a bit more seriousness and Brit-pop influence into their best-when-kept-simple sound, to varying results, but Barbara finds them back in their comfort zone--fun, danceable pop-rock.
  6. BBC Music
    80
    Whether or not the addition of Burrows is solely responsible for the improvement in consistency on this fourth album isn't clear, but Barbara is their best work by far. Current fans will be glad and new ones may be easier to come by.
  7. Dot Music
    70
    True, there isn't necessarily the one big hitter that will guarantee the Scientists' vault back into the big time limelight. But Barbara is packed full of enough immediate favourites to claw back their fan base from the off.
  8. Billboard.com
    74
    Rock act We Are Scientists typically has a good sense of what hits, but on its latest album, Barbara, the band begins to figure out what misses.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 15 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 15
  3. Negative: 2 out of 15
  1. KundK
    Aug 27, 2010
    8
    I should not like this as much as I do, but I cannot help myself. There is nothing especially new here, but everything We Are Scientists haveI should not like this as much as I do, but I cannot help myself. There is nothing especially new here, but everything We Are Scientists have done so far has been polished and delivered with such self-confidence, charm and gusto that you just have to go along with it.… Full Review »
  2. BowlegsMusicReview
    Jun 18, 2010
    5
    Bowlegs Music Review gave this album 5 out of 10. Review is online now.
  3. AustinM
    Jun 17, 2010
    8
    I absolutely love With Love and Squalor and Brain Thrust Mastery. Barbara is still good and has one of my favorites of the theirs on it but I absolutely love With Love and Squalor and Brain Thrust Mastery. Barbara is still good and has one of my favorites of the theirs on it but to me it just doesn't match up with their previous work. Don't get me wrong, I still love this album. I highly suggest buying the physical copy solely for the CD insert. One of the funniest and most entertaining booklets ever. Pick this up especially if you are a WaS fan.… Full Review »
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