Couples
by The Long Blondes
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. New Musical Express (NME)
    60
    Despite the occasional flashes of brightness, it sounds like they’ve taken that brief (an homage to the mundanities of love) to heart.
  2. Pitchfork
    58
    In an attempt to be taken seriously, they've sacrificed too much of their effervescent appeal--after all, enthusiasm and artfulness need not be mutually exclusive.
  3. Tiny Mix Tapes
    40
    Couples proves that Kate is no Jarvis, and, more importantly, The Long Blondes are no Pulp.
  5. Q Magazine
    60
    Their forays into electronica work best.... Sadly, there are too many one-dimensional guitar-pop songs that expose Jackson's flat, robotic voice. [May 2008, p.136]
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  6. NOW Magazine
    60
    Its darker, brooding electro, like the mesmerizing distortion-filled Round The Hairpin, represents a newer, grown-up force for the Sheffielders that’s even more seductive than lip gloss and vintage heels.
  7. Hartford Courant
    40
    This time, however, the subject matter is more mundane, and Jackson's flattened vocals are paired with less imaginative post-punk guitars and synths.
  8. Prefix Magazine
    60
    The Long Blondes sophomore album, Couples, is a disappointing follow-up to their sublime 2006 debut, "Someone to Drive You Home," but not as disappointing as it initially appears.
  9. Hot Press
    60
    Couples is by no means a terrible record, I just preferred The Long Blondes when they were young, free and single.

Awards & Rankings

56
#56 Most Discussed Album of 2008

User Reviews

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User Score
6.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 72 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 43 out of 72
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 72
  3. Negative: 25 out of 72
  1. NoelS.
    May 11, 2008
    4
    I love their first album - it's on constant play on my iPod. However, this new one sounds like a bunch of quickly thrown together I love their first album - it's on constant play on my iPod. However, this new one sounds like a bunch of quickly thrown together Blondie b-sides. I mean, seriously, it's really not that good.… Full Review »
  2. RaphS.
    May 11, 2008
    2
    Truly awful not just by comparison to someone to drive you home. just generally. there's not urgency, no sex appeal, absolutely no Truly awful not just by comparison to someone to drive you home. just generally. there's not urgency, no sex appeal, absolutely no emotion. just loads of posturing. check out rilo kiley's under the blacklight for a much better pseudo-fleetwood-mac execution.… Full Review »
  3. AnoushkaP.
    May 11, 2008
    10
    This album is perfection. I think some reviewers have very narrow taste, and I'm hardly surprised that NME didn't think much of it. This album is perfection. I think some reviewers have very narrow taste, and I'm hardly surprised that NME didn't think much of it. The rag is full of useless shouty bands with expensively dishevelled hair masquerading as an image/personality/talent.… Full Review »
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