Build a Rocket Boys!
by Elbow
  • Record Label: Polydor
  • Release Date: Apr 12, 2011
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 58 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 50 out of 58
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 58
  3. Negative: 3 out of 58
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  1. Falling_Hammer
    Apr 12, 2011
    10
    An album filled with great rhythms, lyrics, and so much more. I think I could write an essay containing 500-800 words but that would be boring to read since this is no place to do that (I'l just live it for the Final Exam). The first time I listened to "Elbow" was before a year and i was listening to "Seldom Seen Kid" and was amazed. Fortunately they did it again and this time it is a bitAn album filled with great rhythms, lyrics, and so much more. I think I could write an essay containing 500-800 words but that would be boring to read since this is no place to do that (I'l just live it for the Final Exam). The first time I listened to "Elbow" was before a year and i was listening to "Seldom Seen Kid" and was amazed. Fortunately they did it again and this time it is a bit "messier" but still a great album no doubt about it. I think that Elbow is a raising band and in a decade they'll be a big and successful band (if they keep it going). Furthermore, if you ever listened to Radiohead, Arcade Fire, The National, etc. and liked it than you'll like this album too. If you're having doubts on buying this album, doubt no more and go to any music shop and buy it.... You won't regret it.… Expand
  2. Dingo
    Jun 30, 2011
    9
    I suppose I believe that the only reason the few naysayers are disenchanted with this outing is that Elbow has become expert. These tracks are so well crafted, so purposefully moving... So effortless is Build A Rocket Boys! that it seems as though they dreamed it up in its perfect state. The dissenters just miss the elbow grease.
  3. Olly
    Mar 10, 2011
    9
    A little bit more stripped back than the Seldom Seen Kid, it manages to pack in more subtlety and as such can make it a more interesting affair (though I have to admit I miss some of the sounds off Seldom). Just as the critics have said, Elbow have done it again, if you're a fan they've just done exactly what you expect from them, made another brilliant album that doesn't settle forA little bit more stripped back than the Seldom Seen Kid, it manages to pack in more subtlety and as such can make it a more interesting affair (though I have to admit I miss some of the sounds off Seldom). Just as the critics have said, Elbow have done it again, if you're a fan they've just done exactly what you expect from them, made another brilliant album that doesn't settle for cookie-cutter songs and is full of highs and lows, soaring choirs and pattering beats.
    The start of the album definitely has the strongest songs in my eyes, though after more listens perhaps the less bombastic and stand-out songs towards the end will make a bigger impression on me.
    My highlights? Lippy Kids, With Love and Open Arms.

    If you have a heart, buy it ;).    … Expand
  4. Mjohn
    Mar 11, 2011
    8
    While less immediate, "Build a Rocket Boys" still clears all the hurdles set by the "Seldom Seen Kid". Subtlety is their only fault. At about 3 minutes in you know they still have the mature gravitas of there past albums. Though, at times the album becomes too much a vehicle for the complex orchestrations of the band. In the end "Build a Rocket Boys!" is as all Elbow albums alwaysWhile less immediate, "Build a Rocket Boys" still clears all the hurdles set by the "Seldom Seen Kid". Subtlety is their only fault. At about 3 minutes in you know they still have the mature gravitas of there past albums. Though, at times the album becomes too much a vehicle for the complex orchestrations of the band. In the end "Build a Rocket Boys!" is as all Elbow albums always are...Lovely.… Expand
  5. Vampire25
    Mar 28, 2011
    7
    Elbow manages to sound powerful yet real subtle at the same time and that's what I really like about them. This is a good record with beautiful lyrics and wonderful vocals by Guy Garrvey. The Stand out track is Lippy Kids. The vocals on that track are very powerful. All In All, Elbow is good indie pop that should really be listened too if your a genre fan. B
  6. Damien1111
    Mar 15, 2011
    10
    This is an album that was built on less is more, and what you get when you hear it for itself is their best album to date! This is such a genuine piece of music that is built on honest feelings and memories then expounded on with a genuine creativity that could only be Elbow. That last two albums although more mainstream, and their most popular, had a few tracks that didn't make my cut.This is an album that was built on less is more, and what you get when you hear it for itself is their best album to date! This is such a genuine piece of music that is built on honest feelings and memories then expounded on with a genuine creativity that could only be Elbow. That last two albums although more mainstream, and their most popular, had a few tracks that didn't make my cut. This from start to finish is pure gold and cements Guy Garvey as one of the best writers of our time. I signed up with this site, although a constant visitor, as this was worth sharing with those that might be still on the fence.… Expand
  7. Hackskeptic
    May 29, 2011
    7
    "Build A Rocket Boys" is a smart continuation of Elbow's valuable creative catalogue, with some distinguished vocal performances from Guy Garvey. Although lacking a couple of the priceless tunes from previous long players, Elbow will continue to gently gain positive acclaim for their sonic consistency. http://hackskeptic.com
  8. KoRoBeNiKi
    May 17, 2011
    9
    Before I begin, Dayjob, if you are inquiring about the score of other reviews, how is a 5 a B+..just to wonder.

    This is a light Elbow Album. If you like the song The Bird and Open Arms, you'll enjoy this. If you dislike their slower music, you'll dislike this album. If you are in the middle, it is simple. They posted a preview of all of their songs both on youtube and their main page. You    Before I begin, Dayjob, if you are inquiring about the score of other reviews, how is a 5 a B+..just to wonder.

    This is a light Elbow Album. If you like the song The Bird and Open Arms, you'll enjoy this. If you dislike their slower music, you'll dislike this album.
    If you are in the middle, it is simple. They posted a preview of all of their songs both on youtube and their main page. You can hear the entire album live on multiple people's accounts and this works also.

    I recommend it as "The Birds" is probably my favorite new track of the year. Some ok songs but the majority are excellent and they definitely outweigh the rest.

    8.5/10, round up as Metacritic doesn't allow 8.5's, 9/10    … Expand
  9. TomPerth
    May 17, 2011
    9
    Elbow continue to produce diverse and beautiful music. The Manchester band have crafted another album that flows effortlessly, melding styles with almost otherworldly skill. In "Lippy Kids" and "Dear Friends", they have crafted maybe their two finest songs to date.
  10. Ricko
    Dec 12, 2011
    7
    A good album although I did find it a tad disappointing follow up to The Seldom Seen Kid. Probably Elbows 3 best record. It has got some really lovely, heartfelt tracks on it but oeverall just lacks the power of some of their other efforts.

Awards & Rankings

68
#68 Best Album of 2011
87
#87 Most Discussed Album of 2011

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. Austin Chronicle
    Sep 13, 2011
    67
    There are too many golden slumbers ("The Night Will Always Win"), and since the snapping and grandiose arrangement of "High Ideals" passes for the pulse quickener on Rocket, tempo could vary more, as it does in the banging build of "Open Arms," another British best in any decade.
    Read full review
  2. Mojo
    Apr 14, 2011
    80
    As with earlier records, Build A Rocket Boys! is touched by ambitious, intuitive invention. [Apr. 2011, p. 92]
  3. The A.V. Club
    Apr 12, 2011
    83
    It isn't the type of album that will easily find its way into the hearts of those in need of a quicker, simpler fix.
    Read full review
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