Build a Rocket Boys! - Elbow
  • Band Name: Elbow
  • Record Label: Polydor
  • Release Date: Apr 12, 2011
User Score
7.8 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 43 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 38 out of 43
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 43
  3. Negative: 3 out of 43

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  1. MistaDwarfjokes
    Jul 12, 2011
    3
    A rather messy attempt to follow up the acclaim of The Seldom Seen Kid with some fan-pleasing, feelgood ballads. Sadly they have followed thier incredible honesty and power from tracks like Leaders of the Free World and Grounds for Divorce with a watery, overly happy section of major-chord gruel. However, the closing track "Dear Friends" offers one correct point that really did the entire album proud and nearly made up for it.… Expand
  2. Cmurd23
    Apr 12, 2011
    3
    I joined MetaCritic for the sole purpose of writing an honest review of this album. It sucks. I bought this hoping to find two or three songs that could compare to "The Bones of You," "Fugitive Motel," or "Forget Myself." I didn't get any of that. Every song is sappy and slow. I got in to this band last year and listened to them nonstop for a month. I bought this album without having heard a single song. Uh, mistake. If you want to sit in a corner, contemplate your place in the world, and suck your thumb, this album is for you. Elbow, you let me down big time.… Expand

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
82 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 26 Critics

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.
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  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.
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