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Codes and Keys - Death Cab for Cutie
Codes and Keys Image
Metascore
71 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 36 Critics What's this?

User Score
7.1 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 34 Ratings

Your Score
10 out of 10
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 36
  3. Negative: 0 out of 36
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    May 27, 2011
    100
    It's a reminder to the rest of the pretty-rock community that loveliness is worthless if there's no heart behind it, and Death Cab's beats stronger than most.
  2. Absolute Punk (Staff reviews)
    May 27, 2011
    95
    As the record comes to a close, it's impossible not to note the true creativity exerted throughout the entirety of Codes and Keys.
  3. Sputnikmusic
    Jun 6, 2011
    60
    Until Gibbard can harness this newfound happiness with the kind of lyrical flair his fans are used to, Death Cab remain in danger of being, well, just another indie band.

See all 36 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. Robnads
    10
    This is just the best songwriting Ben Gibbard has ever done, gorgeously produced and performed. Only someone attached to his previous darker themes could fault this lighter and more creative direction that "Death Cab" has taken.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  2. TheDaveHimself
    8
    After Narrow Stairs, I was a tad worried, but only for about a minute. You could call it a return to form, but I think it should be noted it's change in direction. The band stated their main inspiration for this record was Brian Eno's Another Green World, which is noticed in the landscape and rhythm of the songs. Each song has it's place and there are no duds. Great for driving down the highway.… Expand
    • 1 of 1 users said yes
  3. currer_bell
    5
    Surprisingly good album, after the total failure that was "Narrow Stairs". Death cab seem to be less cerebral on that one, yet more creative, or maybe it's just that the songs on here are just more catchy... However, some songs, like the title track, reminded me a lot of Arcade Fire's last album "The Suburbs", which isn't really a good thing...Still, Codes & keys is a solid album from a band I wasn't really expecting anything. Highlights includes "You are a tourist", "Doors unlocked & opened" and "Monday morning" ...all very good ones.… Expand
    • 0 of 3 users said yes

See all 15 User Reviews

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