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Broken Bells - Broken Bells
User Score
8.4 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 54 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 50 out of 54
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 54
  3. Negative: 3 out of 54

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  1. 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.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  2. 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.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  3. 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
    • 0 of 1 users said yes
  4. 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.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  5. 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.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  6. 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+
  7. 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 Burton’s unique flavour, whilst showcasing exactly what they are capable of. From the initial high point, the album does start to dip a little, being saved by sections of songs that can only be described as genius. From Mercer’s polyphonic vocal harmonies, the use of brass, strings, piano and acoustic guitar to the lyrical prowess of the pair, the package is complete. The hybrid of genres and styles comes to life in the final tracks of the album. Mongrel Heart with its upbeat venture into the shadows breaks down into a section that could easily be mistaken as the theme to “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly” meets a funfair, creating an experience of epic proportions. This scorcher of a climax on the album is then lightly doused with the intro to The Mall and Misery which shows off Broken Bells to me much more than the average group. This album fills a gap in the market that may not even exist yet and leaves you wanting more. However every time I hear it; it just makes me long for the next one from The Shins. Try before you buy, as it may be an acquired taste.… Expand
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Critic Reviews

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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.
    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.
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