Choice of Weapon
by The Cult
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
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  1. Entertainment Weekly
    May 21, 2012
    91
    [Lead singer, Ian Astbury's] twisted carnival-barker delivery is more haunting and weathered than ever. [May 25 2012, p.75]
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  2. Magnet
    May 21, 2012
    85
    As epic and compelling as nearly anything in the Cult's '80's back catalog. [No.87, p.53]
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  3. Mojo
    Jul 18, 2012
    80
    There are comeback and then there's the new Cult album opener. [Jun 2012, p.88]
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  5. Q Magazine
    Jun 20, 2012
    80
    Choice of Weapon is absurd, brilliant and stupidly good fun. [Jun 2012, p.100]
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  6. Kerrang!
    Jun 19, 2012
    80
    It's a stunning return to form from a band whose best years, until now, had looked to be behind them. [26 May 2012, p.54]
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  7. Boston Globe
    Jun 4, 2012
    80
    The Cult reunites with two former collaborators--producers Bob Rock and Chris Goss--with satisfyingly brawny results.
  8. AllMusic
    May 21, 2012
    80
    Choice of Weapon is the Cult's finest moment in 23 years; it's the true swaggering heir to the period that birthed Electric and Sonic Temple, and proof that contrary to even Astbury's stated belief in 2009 that the album is far from dead.
  9. The Boston Phoenix
    May 21, 2012
    75
    This is the longest the band has had the same lineup, which adds to the overall tightness from start to finish.
  10. musicOMH.com
    Jun 8, 2012
    70
    Choice Of Weapon sees The Cult back to doing what they do best, which is producing slightly dark and remarkably catchy rock 'n' roll.
  11. Blurt Magazine
    May 22, 2012
    70
    While the pomp and sense of urgency may be gone from the band's '90s heyday, this is a solid effort and a worthy choice for rock fans who want something loud to drive fast to.
  12. Uncut
    May 22, 2012
    60
    Mastodon idiocy it may be, but on "Honey From A Knife" and "For The Animals" at least, the fire in their eyes keeps them alive, [Jun 2012, p.71]
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  13. The A.V. Club
    May 22, 2012
    58
    Without any standout songs to propel it, Choice Of Weapon may be a return to style, but it's not a return to form.
  14. PopMatters
    May 22, 2012
    50
    What is missing, and what has been missing since Electric, is the groove to match the swagger. These are self-serious songs with self-serious arrangements.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 13 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 13
  3. Negative: 1 out of 13
  1. LeahAndNic
    May 23, 2012
    10
    By far their best release since The Black Sheep release. This is heads and tails above their last release, Born Into This. The songs areBy far their best release since The Black Sheep release. This is heads and tails above their last release, Born Into This. The songs are tight. The rhythm section is the best yet. I can finally stop wishing Jamie Stewart and Matt Sorum would return. The band has gelled. The production which was highly miscast on the last release has found a perfect mix of Billy's guitar and Ian's howl. This cd has taken bits from every release and made an almost perfect cd. It's 14 songs for a casual fan and 10 new songs for a die-hard as 4 were released a while back. But you can see where the 4 produced by Chris Goss were darker and more industrial sounding. Bob Rock took over and made them stick and sound current and relevant. My only complaint is 1 too many slower tracks and 1 too few faster track. That's it. Otherwise I think this is the cd we have all been waiting for. Forget Van Halen reworking old throw aways. Forget Metallica trying to find themselves. Forget Aerosmith and their hired gun written formula cheese fest crap. This is a cd meant to be played loud. It definitely rocks.… Full Review »
  2. VonSeux
    Dec 28, 2012
    9
    This album should be on every top 10 list of 2012. I hope the band gets notoriety because they crafted a masterpiece and their best album yet.This album should be on every top 10 list of 2012. I hope the band gets notoriety because they crafted a masterpiece and their best album yet. Much thanks to production and the vocals and backing vocals. An album for any fan of rock music.… Full Review »
  3. HotKuro
    Jun 29, 2012
    0
    Utterly brilliant return to form. Classic cult sound brought bang up to date. Rock at its very best. Standout tracks for me are:

    Honey From    Utterly brilliant return to form. Classic cult sound brought bang up to date. Rock at its very best. Standout tracks for me are:

    Honey From a Knife
    Elemental Light
    The Wolf
    For The Animals
    Every Man and Woman is a Star

    Elemental Light is on permanent repeat in the car. Very cinematic.    … Full Review »
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