Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
by Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 350 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 298 out of 350
  2. Mixed: 27 out of 350
  3. Negative: 25 out of 350

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  1. JustinF
    Sep 28, 2005
    10
    This band has created something purely remarkable with their debut album. The most amazing thing is that every song on this hole album has its own secure strength. The spacial qualities of the music provide a mysteriously large backdrop which is then splattered with crisp and thick guitars which weave between one another, intertwined but never colliding. The omnipresent synth drones and This band has created something purely remarkable with their debut album. The most amazing thing is that every song on this hole album has its own secure strength. The spacial qualities of the music provide a mysteriously large backdrop which is then splattered with crisp and thick guitars which weave between one another, intertwined but never colliding. The omnipresent synth drones and wavering detuned oscilators pull the music in a direction reminiscent of the montreal sound yet at the same time set this music apart as unique and finely crafted imperfection. when it comes down to it, you must listen for yourself becuase all the odd and intensley raw components of the music will leave you stunned and deeply appreciative of this music.… Expand
  2. Keith
    Sep 29, 2005
    9
    If you approach this album looking for more than just highl quality indie music you may be a bit dissapointed. CYHSY puts forth a solid album; the band has definitely got their act together. There's nothing groundbreaking here, but it's an excellent debut album that offers 12 quality tracks and without a single misfire.
  3. Jason
    Sep 29, 2005
    10
    Cannot stop listening. This certainly deserves the hype and took me only one listen to be hooked. Watch out for these guys.
  4. WillemZ
    Sep 9, 2005
    9
    The most exciting new album i've heard so far thid year
  5. jonathano
    Oct 1, 2006
    10
    I love every song that they have on that cd!
  6. tommym
    Jan 13, 2006
    10
    the best albumi have heard for quite while
  7. xavierd
    Jan 2, 2006
    9
    Surprise of the year 2005. Here's a classic from a to z.
  8. keving
    Jan 22, 2006
    10
    brilliant sound, they deserve a record deal!
  9. NicholasT
    Jan 23, 2006
    10
    An incriminatingly great album. Why does everyone keep on harping on the fact that Ounsworth's voice isn't good? Yes, the man does not have a good voice, but at least he doesn't pretend that he does. The songs on Clap Your Hands Say Yeah don't particulary facilitate an angelic voice anyways. What Ounsworth's voice does have in spades is emotion. Even though the An incriminatingly great album. Why does everyone keep on harping on the fact that Ounsworth's voice isn't good? Yes, the man does not have a good voice, but at least he doesn't pretend that he does. The songs on Clap Your Hands Say Yeah don't particulary facilitate an angelic voice anyways. What Ounsworth's voice does have in spades is emotion. Even though the arrangements of the songs are brilliant and original in scope, it is his unique voice that lends itself to them that much more and makes them even more etherial than they were to begin with. Oh and to all the posters who are jumping on the "i-hate-critics-that-only-say-they-like-a-band-because-they-feel-obligated-to" bandwagon: critics, however off-base or conspicuous they may seem, are simply giving their opinion, not twisting it to fit some pretense latent nature. Most of the time they are, in fact, just flat-out wrong. Not just going along with what everyone else believes. Anyways, ClapYour Hands Say Yeah is a must buy (in my opinion) and ranks as my 2nd favorite album of '05.… Expand
  10. NickS
    Jan 5, 2006
    7
    Okay, for whatever reason this album has been hyped to death, it's not for its songcraft. Most of these songs are terribly simplistic four-minute, three-chord numbers, with very little dynamics. No key changes, no rhythmic variations, no bridges. The vocal melodies are terribly uninteresting. However, the guy's voice itself is pretty unique. I suspect that's the real reason Okay, for whatever reason this album has been hyped to death, it's not for its songcraft. Most of these songs are terribly simplistic four-minute, three-chord numbers, with very little dynamics. No key changes, no rhythmic variations, no bridges. The vocal melodies are terribly uninteresting. However, the guy's voice itself is pretty unique. I suspect that's the real reason for all the glowing reviews. So I give this album a 7 because it's fun and easy on the ears. But it's not terribly original or creative, and in five years I highly doubt you will see this on any "best of the decade" list.… Expand
  11. ChrisG
    Feb 12, 2006
    10
    It's so unique and the sound is so good, I can't really describe it. I was a little confused at first but this ranks as top five on my albums of 2005
  12. ligerk
    Feb 27, 2006
    10
    stop thinking!! just feel it! that's it!!
  13. MikeL
    Feb 28, 2006
    10
    Wonderful. Talking heads goes to the circus.
  14. Dave
    Mar 4, 2006
    10
    Love it!
  15. RyanL
    Mar 5, 2006
    8
    Occasionally falters, but mostly soars. Many tracks will make you want to follow the album's titular instructions.
  16. leop
    Apr 15, 2006
    10
    something to be cherished .. a hallmark of independent music.
  17. BrianO
    Jul 15, 2006
    9
    Top Beef. Just saw them at T in the park aswell and they did the buisness winning over even the most cynical of my friends.
  18. WilsonA.
    Dec 12, 2007
    10
    There are only 3 or 4 albums that I can honestly say don't have a single bad song. This is one of them
  19. FabM
    Jan 24, 2007
    10
    Certainly the best album in the last 15 years. Nothing is like CYHSY, for sure. And the voice...? Well, Lou Reed reminds a asthma-like voice, but is still one of the best rockers ever ;)
  20. scafy
    Feb 23, 2007
    10
    very good album, very good band, very good vocal and music! yeah
  21. HC
    Feb 20, 2008
    10
    CYHSY is an immaculate album.
  22. CanadianPhilosopher
    Nov 1, 2005
    10
    Fantastic album. If you are a fan of classic alternative pop, go out and buy this album immediately. Each song is catchier than the last. I have worn out my CD from overplaying it.
  23. Dan
    Nov 13, 2005
    9
    Listen to the reviews above, not the backlash.
  24. KjetilG
    Nov 17, 2005
    10
    Best CD of 2005
  25. BrianG
    Nov 21, 2005
    10
    to quote the Guinness guys: Brilliant!
  26. FiskeS
    Nov 29, 2005
    10
    Amazing.... Great album.
  27. AdrieC
    Nov 7, 2005
    10
    help! I can't stop playing this cd!
  28. BobDylan
    Oct 21, 2005
    9
    This is the best album this year so what if its verrrryyy overhyped... deservedly so, so there. Would give it a 9.5, but there's no such thing as a 10 in my opinion (perfection?).
  29. SLUGGOO
    Dec 1, 2005
    10
    Talking heads, David Bowie, rapped up into 1 with a rythm that will knock your SOX off, I love it, You deffinetly have to listen to it a few times before it sinks in. They will be huge !
  30. scottr
    Dec 16, 2005
    10
    Best Damn CD I have heard this year. For all those people that say that the lead singers voice sucks....It is the worse voice that I am grateful to hear. This band is original and makes you wanna listen to new music agian. If you dont like it then go listen to Nickelback and put a bullet through your left testicle.
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Awards & Rankings

34
#34 Best Album of 2005
11
#11 Most Discussed Album of 2005
5
#5 Most Shared Album of 2005

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
84

Universal acclaim - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 28
  3. Negative: 0 out of 28
  1. cokemachineglow
    84
    CYHSY’s songs ring of The Bends-era songwriting, but loungier, more playful, more comfortable in their own skin.
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  2. Pitchfork
    90
    The record is consistently, remarkably strong.
    Read full review
  3. Stylus Magazine
    83
    If there are complaints to lobby against this remarkable debut, they lie mostly in its sound-quality. Namely, it sounds like what it was: self-recorded and self-released.
    Read full review
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