Codes and Keys
by Death Cab for Cutie
  • Record Label: Atlantic
  • Release Date: May 31, 2011
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 36 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 36
  3. Negative: 0 out of 36
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  1. 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.
  2. Kerrang!
    Jun 2, 2011
    60
    Unfortunately, not everything works quite as well [as the opening and final tracks]. [21 May 2011, p.51]
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  3. Drowned In Sound
    May 31, 2011
    60
    Despite an abundance of textures Codes and Keys seems somehow sparse, empty calories around a hollow centre.
  5. Slant Magazine
    May 27, 2011
    60
    Thanks in no small part to Death Cab, there's now a permanent niche for indie pop that's smart, sad, and refined, and Codes and Keys fills it nicely.
  6. Consequence
    May 27, 2011
    60
    That being said, though, while Codes and Keys is a pleasing listen, it ultimately does lack the depth to make it really memorable, and some of the sacrifices made to create its poppy aesthetic are terribly unfortunate.
  7. The Guardian
    May 26, 2011
    60
    Pleasant songwriting propped by great production: you could level the same charge at a lot of stuff in the charts, and, in fairness, material from Codes and Keys wouldn't sound out of place if it cropped up next to Noah and the Whale on the radio.
  8. The Boston Phoenix
    Nov 29, 2011
    50
    Keys and Codes, which inverts the title of Death Cab's last record, feels slapped together, which is disappointing when you consider the array of talent present.
  9. Pitchfork
    Jun 1, 2011
    50
    Death Cab still sound like Death Cab, but Codes and Keys is undoubtedly the least pop record they've made since breaking through to the mainstream with their last indie-situated effort, 2003's Transatlanticism.
  10. No Ripcord
    May 27, 2011
    50
    Despite the occasional flashes of brilliance, Codes and Keys often feels like a half assed attempt at innovation.
  11. Tiny Mix Tapes
    Jun 17, 2011
    40
    Codes and Keys is littered with PDA for Gibbard's new celebrity wife Zooey Deschanel, but this especially garish monument to his muse would have been better placed on one of her She & Him album-wafers.
  12. PopMatters
    Jun 1, 2011
    40
    It's a hard pill to swallow, but the truth is this: Codes & Keys is the worst album of their career.

Awards & Rankings

68
#68 Most Discussed Album of 2011

User Reviews

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User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 64 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 51 out of 64
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 64
  3. Negative: 4 out of 64
  1. chillewille1994
    Jun 2, 2011
    10
    This album is officially one of my favorite albums of the year and it is easily the best album death cab has put out since Trans. This writingThis album is officially one of my favorite albums of the year and it is easily the best album death cab has put out since Trans. This writing is spot on, the instrumentation is crisp and Ben Gibbard's voice shines. This is a big step in the right direction after taking a couple steps backwards with narrow stairs. I highly recommend this album.… Full Review »
  2. Vampire25
    Aug 19, 2012
    8
    This is a great record. It's the most complete Death Cab album to date. By most complete album, I mean everyone in the band has matured and itThis is a great record. It's the most complete Death Cab album to date. By most complete album, I mean everyone in the band has matured and it shows on this record. Each track is perfectly layered with Ben Gibbard's vocals, Chris Walla's sweeping piano, and the best drumming I've heard in a Death Cab record. The opener "Home Is A Fire" is the only track I find really unlistenable, but other than that one song, The other tracks are great. All In All, Death Cab For Cutie have a complete sound now. Anticipating their next release. B+… Full Review »
  3. Robnads
    Oct 23, 2011
    10
    This is just the best songwriting Ben Gibbard has ever done, gorgeously produced and performed. Only someone attached to his previous darkerThis 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.… Full Review »
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