Broken Bells
by Broken Bells
  • Record Label: Sony
  • Release Date: Mar 9, 2010
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 82 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 77 out of 82
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 82
  3. Negative: 3 out of 82

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  1. DoctorMcN1nja
    Sep 19, 2012
    9
    Broken Bells is an album born from the collaboration of The Shins
  2. 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 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
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  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. DJShay12
    Dec 6, 2013
    9
    This is much better than the score suggests. Innovative, catchy, haunting. An excellent debut from Mercer and Burton. These two have an incredible chemistry. Mercer's brilliant melodies and Burton's grooves matched together is nirvana.
  8. 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+
  9. 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 tooFrom 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
  10. moonman1994
    Feb 9, 2014
    10
    Beautifully varied music. The combination of the Danger Mouse groove and Mercer's voice makes for a perfect album. Some songs are chilling and others are amazingly catchy. It's perfect.
  11. jphobbit
    Sep 25, 2013
    9
    Broken Bells' self-titled first release drags you in with singles like "The High Road" and "The Ghost Inside" but keeps you around after multiple listens with a very strong B side starting with Trap Doors. James Mercer strays from the Shins to create something very different with Danger Mouse. James does a spectacular job with the vocal melodies and arrangements. This album has no weakBroken Bells' self-titled first release drags you in with singles like "The High Road" and "The Ghost Inside" but keeps you around after multiple listens with a very strong B side starting with Trap Doors. James Mercer strays from the Shins to create something very different with Danger Mouse. James does a spectacular job with the vocal melodies and arrangements. This album has no weak songs and can be and should be listened to straight through, great to spin.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

83
#83 Most Discussed Album of 2010
33
#33 Most Shared Album of 2010

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 31
  3. Negative: 0 out of 31
  1. AllMusic
    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.
    Read full review
  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.
    Read full review
  3. Sputnikmusic
    90
    Broken Bells is the crown jewel of each musician's discography and is a necessity for fans of either one.
    Read full review
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