Broken Bells - Broken Bells
User Score
8.4 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 61 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 57 out of 61
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 61
  3. Negative: 3 out of 61

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  1. DoctorMcN1nja
    Sep 19, 2012
    9
    Broken Bells is an album born from the collaboration of The Shins
  2. Michael
    Mar 9, 2010
    10
    Absolutely brilliant! Danger Mouse and James Mercer have created something unique and fantastic. This is the year's best album so far.
  3. RichardM
    Mar 17, 2010
    9
    This album is a fantastic mix of chilled pop melodies with brilliantly addictive lyrics. The songs are simple, but it is this simplicity that gives the album such a great all round feel. Danger Mouse's genius is heard more and more every time you listen. The album barely gets boring and becomes lovingly addictive.
  4. MattM
    Mar 9, 2010
    2
    Move along. Nothing to see/hear. The record has good production and some nice, 60's sounds here and there, but nothing memorable or interesting. The Shins' lyrics have never been more than a vehicle for great hooks, but unfortunately the hooks are absent on this record. So, you end up with dull lyrics, dull music and a dull record. It only gets good reviews from some based upon the two members involved in this project. If the Broken Bells were actually Joe Indy and John Pop, you wouldn't be reading this.… Expand
  5. MDB
    Mar 11, 2010
    9
    Best album of the year so far. Sounds like a cross between Shins & Gorillaz, if that makes any sense. Critics like experimental music over anything with melody? That is unfortunate, this is an excellent listen with a cool vibe.
  6. P
    Mar 24, 2010
    8
    Takes a few listens to fully appreciate, but this is a great album. "Trap Doors" is especially enjoyable. As for reviewers complaining about it being too mellow, maybe you just need to chill out. This album is getting me through a lot of homework.
  7. Vampire25
    Mar 2, 2011
    8
    Broken Bells does take a few listens to actually get into but once you get into it, it's a really good record. James Mercer's dark voice mixes so perfectly well with Brian Burton's producing talent and the result is a dark, unique, well written album. All In All, Broken Bells is something different and also very creative and unique. I recommend. B+
  8. scarecrowssong
    Jul 25, 2011
    8
    From the first thirty seconds of the premier track, High Road you know that you're in for a treat. Mercer's twisted vocals against the backdrop that is Burton's excellent production, takes you by the hand and guides you on a humble journey through 21st century alternative indie. The steady rhythm mimics a racing heart that punctuates every line with a smile. Perhaps the synths are too heavy, but not enough to deter from repeat listens.
    Each track flows well into one another, maintaining Mercer and Burtonâ    … Expand

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
71 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 31
  3. Negative: 0 out of 31
  1. All Music Guide
    60
    Broken Bells is an honest-to-goodness debut album--there are as many promising flashes as frustrating moments here. Mercer and Burton have obvious chemistry, but they need to blend more for true alchemy.
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  2. Dot Music
    80
    The album finishes almost as well as it started with 'The Mall & Misery' (a bit of country, a bit of disco, lightening bolts of new wave guitar, harmonies to intoxicate), proving the album's effective inevitability is not tedious and the quality is clear whichever direction you approach from.
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  3. Sputnikmusic
    90
    Broken Bells is the crown jewel of each musician's discography and is a necessity for fans of either one.
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