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Choice of Weapon
by
Choice of Weapon Image
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 13 Ratings

  • Summary: The first studio album for the Brotihs rock band in five years was produced by Chris Goss and Bob Rock (Metallica).
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Top Track

For the Animals
Who do you think it’s for? For the animals What you trying to prove? To the unchained Who you gonna burn? The uneducated It's not for you Who you... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  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. 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.
  4. 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. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.

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User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 1 out of 6
  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.… Collapse
  2. tkobird
    May 23, 2012
    10
    A band that remains relevant and rockin'. Astbury genuinely has something to say, as usual. Duffy still has the muscle but they both need toA band that remains relevant and rockin'. Astbury genuinely has something to say, as usual. Duffy still has the muscle but they both need to find some killer choruses as they have done so many times before. Don't get me wrong, this album is a serious, dark, brooding behemoth that will keep you moving but I just wish that the next time they let rip and have some FUN.… Expand
  4. KingCheetah
    Jun 26, 2012
    9
    This album completely surprised me -- I didn't think The Cult still had this level of music left in them after several disappointing albums.This album completely surprised me -- I didn't think The Cult still had this level of music left in them after several disappointing albums. This album takes me back to the early days of The Cult and that is a very good thing. Classic riffs and Ian's voice sounds as strong as it has in many years -- maybe for their next album they should call Rick Rubin. Bob Rock certainly did wonders for their classic sound.… Expand
  5. 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.… Expand
  6. Kenmei
    May 22, 2012
    8
    Good but not as great as either Sonic Temple or even their last album, Beyond Good and Evil. It really does bring back the 80's Cult sound butGood but not as great as either Sonic Temple or even their last album, Beyond Good and Evil. It really does bring back the 80's Cult sound but the songs themselves aren't that memorable, beyond one or two of them. That doesn't make it bad but there's nothing here that competes with some of their classic hits like She Sells Sanctuary and Fire Woman. Most notable song, IMO, is WIlderness Now. It's a haunting melody whose lyrics will creep you out as you hear them. Good album from a band we haven't heard from in awhile but it's not going to turn heads, especially in today's music age.… Expand
  7. 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.    … Expand