Burn The Maps
by The Frames
  • Record Label: Anti
  • Release Date: Feb 8, 2005
User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 31 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 31
  3. Negative: 3 out of 31

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  1. Ricko
    Jan 4, 2012
    7
    As an album not bad, but as a follow up to For The Birds very disappointing. It does have some great moments but too many weak ones, something that could never have been said of the bands previous 3 albums
  2. KathleenM.
    Jan 23, 2008
    9
    Excellent, damn near 10.
  3. Hein
    May 3, 2006
    10
    Very Good!
  4. StepanZ.
    Apr 7, 2006
    9
    This album makes me feel,intension of Hansard´s voice is absolutely unbeliavable ,I love it!
  5. Jana
    Jan 6, 2006
    10
    this album is... amazing. so the Frames are. one of the best stuff in recent music...
  6. JohnP
    Jan 4, 2006
    9
    The best album I've come across in a long while.
  7. VeraV
    Jul 19, 2005
    10
    I just love it! Songs like A Caution to the Birds, Finally, Sideways Down, Locusts and others have exceeded my expectations!
  8. LouisF
    Jun 14, 2005
    8
    The first 3 tracks reveal a unique melodic identity and a sense of progression and intensity, thanks to the great production and Glen Hansard's presence. But track 4 comes as a pain in the ears with its agressing chords and deliberate minimalism. The other 2 bad tracks are Fake (a cheap arena rocker trying to hide itself under unconventional breaks and shifts) and Underglass (which The first 3 tracks reveal a unique melodic identity and a sense of progression and intensity, thanks to the great production and Glen Hansard's presence. But track 4 comes as a pain in the ears with its agressing chords and deliberate minimalism. The other 2 bad tracks are Fake (a cheap arena rocker trying to hide itself under unconventional breaks and shifts) and Underglass (which just doesn't sound right and is awkwardly placed). It's too bad, because these three songs break the flow, Trying and Sideways Down being two excellent pieces placed between very average tracks. Happily, the last 4 tracks are all very interesting experiments or successful appliances of convention. In short, this record with tracks 4, 6 and 7 removed would've made for a beautiful, sincere and fluid listening. Skip the bad ones and it's so much better.… Expand
  9. EricP
    Jun 3, 2005
    8
    Lacks the intimacy of their previous albums and a little too taken with the slow-build/blistering climax formula, but what they're doing here they do spectacularly well. At certain points (especially "Keepsake"), The Frames begin to sound like Godspeed You! Black Emperor condensed and given a lead singer. Whether that's a good or bad thing depends on the listener.
  10. ElaineK
    Apr 3, 2005
    9
    Bit weak, another side to the frames? But they're still legends and this is still a legendery album!
  11. MarekI
    Mar 29, 2005
    10
    Just more then great album!
  12. RichieM
    Mar 29, 2005
    7
    Very good album, though sorely missing some stomping, singalong tracks that mark most of their earlier albums. Great songs in themselves, though: a new breed of Frames?!
  13. RichardF
    Mar 22, 2005
    7
    An accomplished album which opens with the most absorbing tune and doesn't fail to keep you listening. Although the album does tend to tail off towards the end.
  14. petera
    Mar 21, 2005
    10
    I love this album!
  15. JamesD
    Mar 1, 2005
    10
    Absolutely stunning!
  16. Ger
    Feb 26, 2005
    10
    Pure brilliance, a fantastic album!
  17. Kalle
    Feb 25, 2005
    9
    One of the best bands working today. Great melodies, excellent musicians, terrific entertainers.
  18. RobbieC
    Feb 25, 2005
    10
    Truely a magical journey in song...Love it!
  19. TMTerry
    Feb 24, 2005
    10
    Brilliant, desolate, angry. I love this.
  20. DavidS
    Feb 23, 2005
    10
    splendid!
  21. GeorgeM
    Feb 15, 2005
    8
    class act

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. AllMusic
    80
    Burn the Maps is an elemental journey that tugs at the heart and sticks around in the mind.
    Read full review
  2. Amazon.com
    80
    It’s an unpredictably bipolar record with plenty of mood swings and emotional shifts that will ultimately leave listeners with feelings of euphoria.
    Read full review
  3. Billboard
    80
    Far and away the group's most determined work of its 15-year career.
    Read full review
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