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Crash Love - AFI
Metascore
70 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 12
  3. Negative: 1 out of 12
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  1. The Boston Phoenix
    100
    Crash is easily A.F.I.'s best since 2003's "Sing the Sorrow," and the cheeky pop-punk chorus of 'Too Shy To Scream' is their first successful decree to boogie the night away.
  2. Alternative Press
    90
    In no uncertain terms, Crash Love is an accomplishment that raises the bar for them as musicians and writers.
  3. Los Angeles Times
    88
    The music of AFI wasn't always as daring as its fashion sense, but the NoCal band has grown with accelerating sophistication, stepping further beyond easy pop-punk thrashings to something grander, with music to match the mopey melodrama of Havok's words.
  4. All Music Guide
    80
    Ultimately, AFI have lightened up the band's darkly-sexy vibe on Crash Love and delivered a yearning, perfect pop/rock crush of an album.
  5. musicOMH.com
    80
    With fewer studio effects and electronic twiddles, Crash Love is a simpler rock record than its US number one predecessor "Decemberunderground." If anything, it's better however, and shows that while fusing goth, punk and pop doesn't need to be rocket science, when AFI are involved it's very definitely an artform.
  6. Sputnikmusic
    80
    Crash Love doesn't demand the listener's attention to the same degree as Decemberunderground did, but closer inspection reveals a more intricate and well-constructed album.
  7. Billboard.com
    73
    Even though Crash Love isn't terribly progressive in scope and the band's '80s idolatry might one day run its course, the set is another highlight in a discography that's as consistent as it is expansive.
    All this publication's reviews
  8. Rolling Stone
    60
    Davey Havok builds lyrics around the vague concept of a souring relationship, and amid some fetching singalongs (the Cure-y, uptempo 'Veronica Sawyer Smokes'), he gets his dark mojo working.
  9. Spin
    60
    AFI may not be breaking new ground, but they never forget who listens hardest.
  10. The A.V. Club
    42
    The limited palette this time around doesn't do the band any favors.
  11. Q Magazine
    40
    The quartet's hardcore horror shtick has been homogenised to such an extent that this teen-friendly eigth release could soundtrack the next Twilight movie. [Nov 2009, p.101]
    All this publication's reviews
  12. Drowned In Sound
    30
    It's at the safest of removes; emote by rote, numbness by numbers.
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User Reviews

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User Score
7.2 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 33 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 15
  3. Negative: 2 out of 15
  1. DavidT
    2
    I'm perplexed that people are comparing this to any of AFI’s albums (with the exception to the last one). Crash Love is a real disappointment. All the edge and rawness of the music and DH's vocals have been distilled down to radio-friendly nonsense. The last album hinted that they were veering toward the commercial but it still had some edge - CL has next to nothing going for it. I realize that bands aim to sound fresh with each album but this album will alienate a lot of long-time fans. If you though Miss Murder was one of AFI’s best then this may just appeal to you but it is definitely no Sing the Sorrow!!!… Full Review »
  2. lbaeriswyl
    8
    This album is really not bad. It's got some weak points and filler, but that was never different on AFI's other albums. I'm not completely a fan of the pop influence of this album, but you can recognize in the songwriting, that aside from the production, AFI still has their roots in punk, and do that justice. My favourite song is Torch Song by a large margin.… Full Review »
  3. ohaiKendyl
    6
    The depth and edge of their previous music is gone, notably in the lyrical content. But the melodies in some ways still retain a lot from AFI's older roots. And while it's far from topping its predecessors creativity, Crash Love is still pure punk rock with a bit of pop that may satisfy fans. One of its brightest moments are "End Transmission", a seemingly Cure-esque power ballad, and "Darling, I Want To Destroy You", a generic, but catchy radio-friendly pop rock track. However, its downfall mostly revolves around the album's lack of innovation or individuality for that matter.… Full Review »
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