Dark Is the Way, Light Is a Place - Anberlin
Dark Is the Way, Light Is a Place Image
Metascore
71 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critics What's this?

User Score
7.8 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 6 Ratings

Your Score
0 out of 10
Rate this:
  • Band members: Stephen Christian
  • Summary: The fifth album for the alternative rock band was produced by Brendan O'Brien.
  • Record Label: Republic
  • Genre(s): Emo, Pop/Rock, Adult Alternative Pop/Rock, Alternative/Indie Rock, Indie Rock
  • More Details and Credits »

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. Absolute Punk (Staff reviews)
    90
    It's fairly apparent throughout the album that Anberlin was definitely in their element, as Dark Is The Way, Light Is A Place is exactly what mainstream music needed: a challenging and engaging rock and roll album anyone can relate to. Their songwriting and musicianship have never been better.
  2. Q Magazine
    Dec 13, 2010
    80
    The grandstanding result sounds like U@ if Bono had decided tattoos, obscure piercings and the occasional sore-throated growl were the way forward. [Jan 2011, p.135]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. Rock Sound
    Dec 13, 2010
    80
    With Brendan O'Brien (Pearl Jam, AC/DC) producing, Stephen Christian's vocals cry out louder than ever across closer 'Depraved' and it proves that five albums in Anberlin have moved beyond the light of 'New Surrender' to dabble with a more interesting, darker edge that borders on Circa Survive.
  4. Kerrang!
    Dec 13, 2010
    60
    Dark Is The Way sees the Winter Haven five-piece get it right, returning to form with a combination of heartfelt bombast, big choruses and bona fide hooks. [20 Nov 2010, p.52]
    All this publication's reviews

See all 8 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. Klienya
    10
    I would have to say that this is, so far, Anberlinâ
  2. jredekop
    6
    A solid rock album. Their best? Maybe. Their sound has changed on this album with still keeping the signature Anberlin sound. Songs like 'You Belong Here" strike chords with U2 while other songs like 'Impossible' channel 80's pop/rock. Throughout the album Anberlin shows that they've matured in their songwriting and they can consistently put out good music.… Expand
  3. Bwippel
    4
    Honestly, This does not compare to the Anberlin that produced "Never take friendship personal" or even "New Surrender". Their sound has changed a lot in "Dark is the Way, Light Is a Place", and NOT for the better. This album was produced for the radio and the brainless listener. Anberlin let me down with this album. I don't want to even illegally download it for free that's how much I don't want to listen to it. I give it a 4 for at least sounding musically correct and for some catchy hooks.… Expand

Current Music Releases

Full List »
  1. Rumours [35th Anniversary Deluxe Edition] - Fleetwood Mac
    Metascore: 99
  2. Sunbather - Deafheaven
    Metascore: 97
  3. Live in Europe 1969: The Bootleg Series, Vol. 2 - Miles Davis Quintet
    Metascore: 92
  4. Jama Ko - Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba
    Metascore: 90
  5. Southeastern - Jason Isbell
    Metascore: 90
  6. Like a Rose - Ashley Monroe
    Metascore: 89
  7. Same Trailer Different Park - Kacey Musgraves
    Metascore: 88
  8. Your Turn - Marc Ribot's Ceramic Dog
    Metascore: 88
  9. The Graceless Age - John Murry
    Metascore: 88
  10. Minute by Minute - The James Hunter Six
    Metascore: 88
  11. M B V - My Bloody Valentine
    Metascore: 87
  12. Acid Rap - Chance the Rapper
    Metascore: 87
  13. Yeezus - Kanye West
    Metascore: 87
  14. Beautiful Africa - Rokia Traoré
    Metascore: 87
  15. Random Access Memories - Daft Punk
    Metascore: 87
  16. LSXX [Last Splash: 20th Anniversary Edition] - The Breeders
    Metascore: 87
  17. Annie Up - Pistol Annies
    Metascore: 87
  18. Without a Net - Wayne Shorter
    Metascore: 86
  19. Once I Was an Eagle - Laura Marling
    Metascore: 86
All Current Music »