Come of Age
by The Vaccines
  • Record Label: Columbia
  • Release Date: Oct 2, 2012
Metascore
66

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
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  1. Uncut
    Sep 14, 2012
    70
    The Ethan Johns-produced follow-up sees their punky, Spectorish pop continue to evolve.[Oct 2012, p.87]
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  2. PopMatters
    Sep 17, 2012
    70
    The important fact is, Come of Age leaves you intrigued by that prospect while keeping you satisfied in the moment.
  3. Mojo
    Sep 19, 2012
    80
    They may be musical magpies but what they build from their stash is gold. [Oct 2012, p.95]
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  5. New Musical Express (NME)
    Sep 4, 2012
    80
    Come Of Age breezes through their awkward teenage phase with ease.
  6. Rolling Stone
    Sep 25, 2012
    70
    Here, Young gives 25-and-bored clichés his own hapless-wanna-be spin... and throughout he's far too hopped up on Strokes-crisp tunes and surf-y guitar snap to come off half as blasé as he wants us to think he is.
  7. Drowned In Sound
    Aug 30, 2012
    70
    Thank f*** that they have delivered what we have come to expect from The Vaccines.
  8. Paste Magazine
    Sep 4, 2012
    61
    It offers a brief, indulgent and semi-trite mental vacation, which isn't so uncommon for second efforts and nice in its own way.
  9. Consequence
    Sep 7, 2012
    70
    The result is a quarter-life crisis set to music, one you won't mind experiencing over and over again.
  10. Clash Music
    Sep 4, 2012
    80
    This sophomore release is a brave and stunning progression that now solidifies the statement that this group can grow past 2011 without going stale.
  11. Sputnikmusic
    Sep 17, 2012
    70
    Come Of Age exceeds the expectations granted by its title and instead shows that the group are already wise beyond their years.
  12. BBC Music
    Aug 31, 2012
    80
    A record fizzing with ideas, tight melodies and loveable sass.
  13. Filter
    Oct 12, 2012
    66
    The record is more balanced, but that youthful spark is harder to find.
  14. Absolute Punk (Staff reviews)
    Sep 4, 2012
    80
    Overall, The Vaccines have released a great album in the form of The Vaccines Come Of Age.
  15. The Fly (UK)
    Aug 31, 2012
    80
    They've honed their ability to be urgent and primitive, to write songs that make boys and girls want to snog each other, and added nuance and depth. Everything feels bold, fast and confident.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 38 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 38
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 38
  3. Negative: 1 out of 38
  1. tugsandtost
    Jan 2, 2014
    9
    Brilliant album. Bought their debut but didn't connect with it. Follow up much better. Very good song writing and guitars are veryBrilliant album. Bought their debut but didn't connect with it. Follow up much better. Very good song writing and guitars are very accomplished and heavy.… Full Review »
  2. LDNorman
    Jun 17, 2013
    8
    Okay, it isn't ground-breaking stuff, I'll be the first to admit that. However, the Vaccines know how to write a banging tune. With theOkay, it isn't ground-breaking stuff, I'll be the first to admit that. However, the Vaccines know how to write a banging tune. With the exception of the blandly chugging 'Weirdo' which never seems to take off, all of the tracks on this album are injected with passion and brilliant song-writing. The highlights are the smooth 'I Wish I Was A Girl' and the erratic yet powerful 'No Hope' and 'Ghost Town'. All in all, the Vaccines provide a decent, if not slightly safe, effort but provide us with a lot of potential for the future, something which their rivals Two Door Cinema Club have not accomplished.… Full Review »
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