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Big TV
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Big TV Image
Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 39 Ratings

  • Summary: The changing dynamics of the relationship between a small town couple when they move to the big city is the concept behind the third full-length release for the British rock band led by Harry McVeigh.
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  • Record Label: Polydor
  • Genre(s): Pop/Rock, Adult Alternative Pop/Rock, Alternative/Indie Rock, New Wave/Post-Punk Revival
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. Q Magazine
    Aug 20, 2013
    80
    There's a sense of make or break here, but it's clear what they deserve. [Sep 2013, p.109]
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  2. The Line of Best Fit
    Aug 8, 2013
    80
    Yes, they are working with a previously-explored aesthetic, but they are molding it into a beautifully-original product, per a vision that refuses to forget music’s former greatness.
  3. DIY Magazine
    Aug 7, 2013
    70
    The concept is interesting, it fits well with the sonic ambitions of the band, and for the most part it flows effectively and has good changes of timing and pace.
  4. The Guardian
    Aug 8, 2013
    60
    As in the work of Simon Le Bon and Jim Kerr, an amalgam of which singer Harry McVeigh theatrically channels, dumb lyrics can be mitigated by robust anthems.
  5. Mojo
    Aug 13, 2013
    60
    Production detail aside, their is little tinkering with their formula. [Sep 2013, p.91]
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  6. The Observer (UK)
    Aug 12, 2013
    60
    For all their melodic nous, though, White Lies often sounded like the barely-not-teenagers they were; fixating on the downside, inflating everything out of all proportion.
  7. Uncut
    Aug 7, 2013
    40
    Portentous electronic rock made for audiences that stretch out as far as the eye can see, and choruses pilfered from a mid-'80s installment of Now That's What I Call Music! [Sep 2013, p.97]
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See all 18 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. Zazarstudios
    Jan 13, 2014
    10
    Without a doubt, the best rock album of 2013. It's filled with tons of nice laid back sounds and emotional lyrics. White Lies has crafted anWithout a doubt, the best rock album of 2013. It's filled with tons of nice laid back sounds and emotional lyrics. White Lies has crafted an album that is at least as great as their first one.… Collapse
  2. Chris_A
    Aug 20, 2013
    9
    A very good album, this has got to be White Lies at their best, some not so good songs but overall a decent album, there are some brilliantA very good album, this has got to be White Lies at their best, some not so good songs but overall a decent album, there are some brilliant songs such as Big TV, There Goes Our Love Again, and Goldmine are particular favourites. This album for me is the best from White Lies to date.… Expand
  4. MeganJF
    Aug 21, 2013
    9
    White Lies best Album so far. Same rock/electronic style and deep robust singing( but a little more upbeat). Love every song especially BeWhite Lies best Album so far. Same rock/electronic style and deep robust singing( but a little more upbeat). Love every song especially Be your Man, There goes our love again, and First Time Caller.… Expand
  5. Napkins
    Aug 28, 2013
    9
    Great album. I think they have managed a more uplifting sound but still with their sinister tinge. If I ever want to introduce a friend toGreat album. I think they have managed a more uplifting sound but still with their sinister tinge. If I ever want to introduce a friend to White Lies, this album seems the most welcoming. Though their sound has never taken any drastic turns with the last two albums, White Lies continues to deliver what no band can all while adding more depth and grandeur.… Expand
  6. Pablomin
    Apr 30, 2014
    9
    Great album, a pleasant return to the sound that gave TLML its catchy, dark melodic sound. Far better than 'Ritual' but a notch under theirGreat album, a pleasant return to the sound that gave TLML its catchy, dark melodic sound. Far better than 'Ritual' but a notch under their debut. Top album !… Expand
  7. Ricko
    Aug 7, 2019
    7
    A very solid synth rock album with some notable highlights. White Lies went off my radar after their first album but they played a gig in myA very solid synth rock album with some notable highlights. White Lies went off my radar after their first album but they played a gig in my home town this year touring their latest album ("Five"). I decided to go and in advance said I'd check out what they'd been up to since "To Lose My Life". 4 albums had come since and I was happy to find they ended up being a pretty decent outfit as their career progressed. True to themselves (and the 80's) but also well capable. They are a well put together band with several very likable ingredients. The concept aspect of this didnt really hit me but the tunes are good enough without deling into it. "Big TV" is highly listenable with a few absolute crackers.… Expand
  8. WadeVS
    Aug 28, 2013
    7
    This is a band who will never amaze but satisfy. The only addition to their sound on this album is a synth that is simultaneously more 80s andThis is a band who will never amaze but satisfy. The only addition to their sound on this album is a synth that is simultaneously more 80s and verging on dubstep.And it is only an accent in some songs. Lyrical content remains the same as always. Tempo is the same as always. And it is a pleasing combination as always. Nothing abhorrent, nothing outstanding.… Expand