Down In Albion
by Babyshambles
User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 107 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 75 out of 107
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 107
  3. Negative: 18 out of 107

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  1. Ricko
    Oct 21, 2011
    6
    This is such an inconsistent record. Coming off the back of the Libertines success, this is ultimately a disappointment. Half the songs on it are good and had the potential to be excellent. Quarter of the songs are ok and the other quarter are absolute tripe. The ramshackle sound and feel of the record is obviously down to Doherty and the Band being off their faces while it was being made,This is such an inconsistent record. Coming off the back of the Libertines success, this is ultimately a disappointment. Half the songs on it are good and had the potential to be excellent. Quarter of the songs are ok and the other quarter are absolute tripe. The ramshackle sound and feel of the record is obviously down to Doherty and the Band being off their faces while it was being made, however Mick Jones needs to take a lot of the blame. His production on Up the Bracket and The Libertines was excellent and taylor made for the band. However on Down in Albion, there is no quality control and he left Doherty get away with making a half assed attempt at a record. Some good idea's were left half developed and it sounds like he just gave up half through. That said, **** Forever, Kilamangiro, Loyalty Song and a few others very enjoyable tracks. This record pointed out Doherty's dependance on Carl Barat as a collaborator.… Expand
  2. KieranS
    Jan 21, 2010
    9
    How this album got so many bad reviews is beyond me. Apart from Pentonville and possibly La Belle et las Bete, every track on this album is brilliant. It stands to wonder why NME gave it 7/10 on first review, but then put it in there top 100 albums of the decade list; I guess, like so many other reviewers, they listened to it once and then reviewed it on face value.
  3. ChrisS
    Feb 7, 2009
    9
    This album is so much better than Shotter's Nation. And yet, it achieves fourteen points fewer than the follow-up album, whose only saving grace is the lost art of murder. Yes, during the first few listens, it sounds awful. But, as with all great albums, you can't just listen once through and make a judgement. It seems, though, that the critics' expectations of this album This album is so much better than Shotter's Nation. And yet, it achieves fourteen points fewer than the follow-up album, whose only saving grace is the lost art of murder. Yes, during the first few listens, it sounds awful. But, as with all great albums, you can't just listen once through and make a judgement. It seems, though, that the critics' expectations of this album were so low that they heard it once and wrote quick, rushed, and, to be honest, entirely unhelpful reviews; it makes you wonder why people are payed so much to write such rubbish. After the first few listens, the negative sides of the raw sound disappear, leaving only the lyrical brilliance and the pure music - the latter is not brilliant, and definitely not genius, but very good. It's very hard to find any other relatively mainstream (and yes, Babyshambles are mainstream, by the proper definition) albums of the past decade that are on this level, and, in a few years, when popular opinion, and therefore critical opinion, is no longer so much against Doherty, then this album will receive the recognition it deserves.… Expand
  4. MikeC
    Jun 8, 2008
    9
    While yea its messy, if you can get past that, you'll realize its a great album.
  5. Dabbadoo
    Dec 2, 2007
    10
    F.ck forever is a great song, but some moments the cd gets tired, but still a great cd that every person should listen to a few times so it will grow on them
  6. Jeffbaker
    Dec 2, 2007
    10
    I am from the U.S. So if not a Doherty fan would not be aware of his tabloid exploits. I love this album in all its gritty uncomprimicing glory. I believe too many criticts based their review on their personal opinion of pete's behavior. Makes me wish I were British.
  7. PaulR.
    Oct 12, 2007
    5
    Too long. Only a few good songs. Get the Dirty Pretty Things album instead Carl was the better half of the Libertines
  8. PalfsC.
    Sep 11, 2007
    9
    Quality to be honest. Messy and lazy and brilliant.
  9. Athena
    Jun 14, 2007
    2
    Incredibly messy. Aweful to listen to- a complete waste of money
  10. nevermind
    Feb 22, 2007
    10
    amazing
  11. JamesC
    Feb 1, 2007
    6
    Flashes of genius, but definitely lacking any kind of structure. Nonetheless, the good songs far out weigh the many duds on this album.
  12. dylanc
    Nov 6, 2006
    10
    Raw, uncompomising... Genius has never sounded so good!
  13. smealmonkey
    Aug 30, 2006
    10
    This album is almost as good as up the bracket and is better than The libertines second album and is a perfect mix of music
  14. nevermind
    Aug 8, 2006
    10
    amazing
  15. tslice
    Jul 28, 2006
    10
    the reason this album is so good is that it sounds like im in the studio while it's being recorded and that is a grand feeling, in my opinion. not to mention pete doherty's beautiful words. i'm ready for more.
  16. LukeBD
    Jul 13, 2006
    2
    The worst album i own. It is a mess of ok material, performed badly by a over drugged, over paid lead singer!
  17. JoeD
    Jul 6, 2006
    10
    One of the best albums of the year for sure. but its not for those panic at the disco-loving ladies. Its for people who know good music.
  18. kateg
    Jun 5, 2006
    10
    the best album ever. Pete, you're amazing!
  19. fredriks
    May 31, 2006
    10
    classic
  20. CharlieBoy
    Apr 25, 2006
    8
    It seems quite clear that the production values are not the highest priority for the band here. So clear, that it needs a good deal of stupidity and naiveity to bring it to light as a criticism. Things should be criticised in context. It seems that this record is mainly takeb out of context by people who would prefer everything to be crystal clearand have sparkling production values. A It seems quite clear that the production values are not the highest priority for the band here. So clear, that it needs a good deal of stupidity and naiveity to bring it to light as a criticism. Things should be criticised in context. It seems that this record is mainly takeb out of context by people who would prefer everything to be crystal clearand have sparkling production values. A note to the usually none tech savvie critics: Nowadays it is usually harder to make something that sounds sloppy but actually works than it is to create something perfect. So hats of to Babyshambles for A) having balls in a world where they are mostly missing. B) creating a truthful record that is the perfect testiment to the world we live in, and the problems and tribulations people have to go through. C) Getting up each day and carrying on in a world dominated by the media and increasingly homogenised and lacking in originality.… Expand
  21. MrSkint
    Apr 14, 2006
    10
    This album is amazing, the production may be sub par, but its the sound of a real rock n roll band. Raw, honest and intense, a quite refreshing break from all the other usual phony tripe. Its a shame that the reviewers have been influenced so much by the media, when hes dead, he will be looked upon as an idol.
  22. KM
    Apr 10, 2006
    8
    It is a perfect reflection of the man: confusion, a lack of focus and structure, some of what is here has no place, and yet there is an undeniable brilliance underlying the album. Pipedown fires me up like nothing I've heard since Debaser (Pixies), and that is a huge compliment.
  23. Carrilon
    Apr 8, 2006
    1
    How awful is that? It sounds like a friday night karaoke party with a bunch of drunks. I cry after each penny I spent for this album!
  24. db
    Mar 31, 2006
    1
    Utter rubbish. Wouldn't subject my goldfish to this.
  25. SammyH
    Mar 29, 2006
    9
    So the production was sloppy at best, and there were songs that never should have seen the light of day - but nobody can deny that there are great moments on this album. The opener is beautiful, if a little long. Fuck Forever, Killamangiro, Loyalty Song, Pipedown, are all fantastic songs. 32nd of December is also a worthy effort. I think this album just needs to be re-recorded with our So the production was sloppy at best, and there were songs that never should have seen the light of day - but nobody can deny that there are great moments on this album. The opener is beautiful, if a little long. Fuck Forever, Killamangiro, Loyalty Song, Pipedown, are all fantastic songs. 32nd of December is also a worthy effort. I think this album just needs to be re-recorded with our dear Petey D a touch less wasted.… Expand
  26. MeyaC.
    Mar 24, 2006
    3
    i loved the libertines. i only liked three songs on this album, and even they are kinda bad. it's just sloppy and you can tell that he was totally wasted while recording some of it. he and carl were good for each other. i don't really think that either of them can really live up to the libertines, but carl's effort is sure to be better than this. if you think about it, i loved the libertines. i only liked three songs on this album, and even they are kinda bad. it's just sloppy and you can tell that he was totally wasted while recording some of it. he and carl were good for each other. i don't really think that either of them can really live up to the libertines, but carl's effort is sure to be better than this. if you think about it, anything can.… Expand
  27. BenW
    Mar 22, 2006
    6
    What happened to it? It sounds like the music of a man who can write a decent song, but's totally clueless when it comes to the switchboard. Fuck Forever is a classic but then again it sounds like Doherty was singing it while cooking rather than next to a microphone. Even though Pat Walden seems creative like Doherty, the band arent too great, the CD documents one of the worst What happened to it? It sounds like the music of a man who can write a decent song, but's totally clueless when it comes to the switchboard. Fuck Forever is a classic but then again it sounds like Doherty was singing it while cooking rather than next to a microphone. Even though Pat Walden seems creative like Doherty, the band arent too great, the CD documents one of the worst elements of a band like Zeppelin, or more accurately Oasis. Which is SELF INDULGENCE!!… Expand
  28. TeenageSodomy
    Mar 20, 2006
    7
    Oh Pete, why take the piss like this? I'm a fan and loved "Up the Bracket" and really wanted to like this one. It's starts out confusing, the 1st song goes on a bit too long and even when you're used to it, its not that good, barely a hook at all. Then comes the brilliance. "Fuck Forever", "Au Rebours" are fantastic, so is "Pipe Down". "Killamgiro" is great as well, though Oh Pete, why take the piss like this? I'm a fan and loved "Up the Bracket" and really wanted to like this one. It's starts out confusing, the 1st song goes on a bit too long and even when you're used to it, its not that good, barely a hook at all. Then comes the brilliance. "Fuck Forever", "Au Rebours" are fantastic, so is "Pipe Down". "Killamgiro" is great as well, though the single is infinitely catchier and I wished they went more in that direction than what's on offer here. Some of these tunes could have been pop song classic, but the loose, open production and the sloppiness really robs the songs of their worth. Oh Pete, we know you're a user and maybe a waster, you didn't have to prove it to us. I mean, who really wants to listen to junkie-style music. The songs are there, just play them like you were sober or with energy. Some tunes are pure rubbish, "Pentonville" being the obvious one (it's horrid, seriously a one take bad Jah rasta toasting with Pete barely audible in the back singing to acoustic guitar...i mean, people paid for this CD, you could have really given a shit). There are some others near the end which make the skin crawl, really sad, this record wasn't ready, obviously rushed or Pete just didnt care enough to work on them anymore. The great thing about the Libertines as many have said was the dualism between Pete and Carl. It worked, and the crap got canned (though the Libertines could have been better). WIth Babyshambles, Pete's the dictator and he's not good doing it alone. No wonder the guitarist left, must have been hell being in that bad. With it now being down to a trio and Pete back on guitar (which is a good thing) i dont really much of a point calling it a band, more like Pete solo. Though the group is over, this record was the nail in the coffin.… Expand
  29. B
    Mar 20, 2006
    9
    It didn't catch me at first, but then I found parts of songs going on in my head. It got better with each listen and now I LOVE it! It is a bit sloppy but it fits what they're about :) Pete Doherty is such a good lyricist and songwriter with the potential to do even better.
  30. PhilipS
    Mar 20, 2006
    6
    A mess, a true and an utter disappointment- oh sorry i am reviewing the album not Doherty.... average some reasonable songs, let down by sloppy production
  31. infinity
    Mar 15, 2006
    7
    it's loose and rough and sloppy, yeah, but it's charm grows with listens. it's not the libertines, but it's got some great songs endearingly mumbled out.
  32. williamo
    Mar 9, 2006
    2
    disgusting! a waste of time and money!
  33. mickismcna
    Feb 16, 2006
    9
    pete doherty is the best song writer at the moment in popular music and fuck it this album has some dodgy moments its captures a fucking ideal and puts out a message, with anyluck the next album might hold together a bit better but for now this is a hell of a lot better then a lot of the badly written shite out by mainstream indie bands
  34. JohnP
    Feb 14, 2006
    6
    Same old problems as the Libertines previous albums but more so- the rubbish spoils the good stuff on there. The guitar can really grate and there's a lack of depth to the sound but what do you expect, clearly can't be bothered to make it sound half decent. Listen to Kilamgiro single and compare to album- why? Why wasn't Paul Epworth producer? But, Loyalty Song, Pipe Down, Same old problems as the Libertines previous albums but more so- the rubbish spoils the good stuff on there. The guitar can really grate and there's a lack of depth to the sound but what do you expect, clearly can't be bothered to make it sound half decent. Listen to Kilamgiro single and compare to album- why? Why wasn't Paul Epworth producer? But, Loyalty Song, Pipe Down, Au rebours holy trinity but the resy have flaws, far too many to list. This could and should have been so much better...… Expand
  35. BenG
    Feb 14, 2006
    0
    Worst thing i have ever heard!
  36. Mart
    Feb 11, 2006
    9
    Top-notch album.Pete is so important to music.Production is poor to be honest and it does become tedious towards the end but there's enough brilliance here to keep you happy.Still not better than Up The Bracket though.
  37. DavidA
    Feb 10, 2006
    6
    this is more Pete Doherty's band than the Libertines. Which is not a good thing necessarily
  38. Constant
    Jan 30, 2006
    8
    Sure, this won't fit into FM standards, this is self-indulgent, this is sheer laziness, but then, how come any of those arguments be of any relevance? I just can't understand why "the record is a mess" would be a bad thing. Doherty's life is a mess, these are boys living in chaos, what do you expect? Coherent stuff to please the crowds? Just picture yourself reading the Sure, this won't fit into FM standards, this is self-indulgent, this is sheer laziness, but then, how come any of those arguments be of any relevance? I just can't understand why "the record is a mess" would be a bad thing. Doherty's life is a mess, these are boys living in chaos, what do you expect? Coherent stuff to please the crowds? Just picture yourself reading the book columns, like "Kurt Cobain's diary is too sloppy and not as pacy as the last Harry Potter" What does that mean, come on? (note I haven't looked into Cobain's stuff, it may be shite, I don't say) To be honest, I stepped into the record store without any idea of what I would buy, I gave an ear to this CD, and it felt so honest, so moving, that I bought it straight away. Of course I knew that all the tracks would not turn out musically as good as Fuck Forever, so what? The lyrics include real moments of heartbreaking poetry, sometimes reminiscent of Rimbaud's as the character of the doomed poet emerges, without the cliché edge that could have been. This is a quite disturbing, uneasy record on the whole, because it plays with the overwhelming idea of death in its very core. And people too uptight to listen to raw, unpolished guitar sounds should consider themselves lucky that Mick Jones saved the day with his uplifting production.… Expand
  39. giulia
    Jan 20, 2006
    8
    yeah, it gets better. and its of course not perfect, and it could have been even better, but there are some very good songs on it
  40. GZoST
    Jan 20, 2006
    9
    I honestly don't know what all the complaints about production are about. Sure, it's kind of low-fi, and he could have worked on some songs a bit more. But at the same time, it all makes perfect sense as it is - the brilliance of the songwriting outshines everything. Leagues better than, say, the new Strokes - which gets better reviews for some reason.
  41. romanmc
    Jan 19, 2006
    4
    Come quick! It's your baby! And it's in shambles! Ahhhhhhhh!!!!!!
  42. michaele
    Jan 19, 2006
    10
    brilliant
  43. DavidE
    Jan 16, 2006
    1
    Horrendous, insulting and lazy bilge from a man who is (and certainly was) capable of so much more
  44. carlb
    Jan 16, 2006
    9
    basicly its an amazing album from bilo, hes put together some catchy stuff. i heard the demo which was even better, like the origial sticks and stones is much better than the album version, but give it a few listens and youll love it.
  45. CosmoPrelog
    Jan 14, 2006
    2
    Peter H Doherty is butt ugly. Even if you put him in rehab for two years, washed his face, cut his hair and dressed him up proper, he would still look like a limey Fred Samford.
  46. JamesF
    Jan 12, 2006
    10
    First couple of listens and this album sounds alright, enough to pick out a couple of highlights in arebours and back from the dead. Listen to it a few more times and suddenly every song becomes a highlight. Listen to it constantly for 3 weeks including while you sleep and it begins to dawn on you that this could just well be the best album you've ever heard. Genius.
  47. henryt
    Jan 12, 2006
    1
    Lazy Self-indulgent crap that's proving Doherty to be a waster. Should have been, could have been but ain't even close with this effort. Those giving it large are kidding themselves.
  48. ElvarF
    Jan 8, 2006
    10
    Of course you give li'l Pete and his babyshambles the ten, waht else can you do. Yeah It's messy, sometimes so messy that you start to wonde rid some of these tunes were writen on the spot (dig the end of la belle et las bete) bur stills it grips you and pulls you down with it. Still they could have dithced Pentoville, but hey no ones perfect. Great fucking album!
  49. echobox
    Jan 7, 2006
    9
    too many records are just too perfect. this record is a mess in the best possible way. a sloppy masterpiece? time will tell, but for today it's just great fun! the british (pre-reprise) replacements
  50. karlh
    Jan 7, 2006
    8
    This is a very strong album but an album littered with mistakes and bound to turn away the non Doherty fans and leave them to brand this album a failure. I am a huge fan of the Doherty sound but even I have to admit that the band
  51. MichaelM
    Jan 5, 2006
    10
    The Best album i ever Heard in my life!!!!!!!
  52. TM
    Jan 3, 2006
    7
    Basically sounds like an album of Libertines offcuts(but that's still pretty good).
  53. GaryS
    Jan 3, 2006
    10
    Nearly as good as the Libertines. To be remembered in the decades to come!
  54. ArnarThorI
    Jan 1, 2006
    9
    Brilliant album, another masterpiece created by the fuckin master of the universe, Pete Doherty greeetings from iceland :D
  55. RobertS
    Dec 31, 2005
    10
    stunning, simply amazing. get this album.
  56. davids
    Dec 31, 2005
    10
    Amazing album. Some strange songs, but overall, amazing.
  57. StephenO
    Dec 24, 2005
    10
    The album Down in Albion is one of the best lyrically of its time, although maybe messy and very unpredictable at times it gives of a 'glint of perspiration' doherty's messyness and pure love for rock and roll shines through the highlight has to be albion whilst the worst point is pentonville allround except the song cant stand me now its doherty's finest moment.
  58. JamesK
    Dec 23, 2005
    9
    ''Down In Albion '' reveals to the public exactly why the world turns on its axis everytime Pete Doherty and Babyshambles take the stage, it is an album displaying the true qualities and raw passion that are embodied in Doherty lyrics, this album will forever live in Rock 'n' Roll folk lore, as so will the bands founder.
  59. mikem
    Dec 18, 2005
    3
    As someone who loves the two Libertines albums, I was hoping the split would leave us with two great acts. This album proves that won't be the case. Fleeting moments of gold surrounded by self-indulgent crap. Oh I miss the Libertines
  60. mikeo
    Dec 14, 2005
    10
    i thought the album was brilliant well worth waiting for, i think it is a masterpiece
  61. lydiaf
    Dec 10, 2005
    10
    totally ace album, the out of tune parts make it more humane. the track Albion is stunning and i love listening to it. Beautiful. much greater than what i anticipated.
  62. DEBB
    Dec 6, 2005
    1
    piss poor
  63. RobbieD
    Dec 6, 2005
    9
    It is a very good album. It could easily be the libertines third album. Some songs are just too much to listen too (Pentonville) but the songs that worth listening to overpower the terrible and make you want to hear them all over. i dont know why they didnt put some songs on the album like the song "babyshambles" that is a good one!
  64. David
    Dec 5, 2005
    8
    Pete keeps em comin. The musicians aren't quite The Libs but Pete's tune are still cool. I think some of the sloppiness and studio sounds all add to this albums charm.
  65. Jonny
    Dec 3, 2005
    10
    The sloppiness of this album is part of it's charm
  66. SusanB
    Dec 3, 2005
    9
    A wonderful effort, far better than what I expected to hear. La Belle Et La Bete is beautiful, and Pete's lyrics are insightful, touching and witty
  67. LauraC
    Dec 1, 2005
    10
    A fantastic debut album from Babyshambles. Although weak in some places it has potencial. Pete Doherty is an amazing peot with a unique and inspiring voice
  68. JonW
    Nov 28, 2005
    5
    drug addict music made by drug addicts
  69. RobbesP
    Nov 25, 2005
    10
    in some years time this album will be cited as a classic. equally ace, but much more moving than the libertines.
  70. AmerB
    Nov 25, 2005
    8
    I will have to say that James P review would come closest to what I think of this album. But I'll give it an 8, instead of 7, for the unique poetic lyrics of Pete, and for reviving what is left of The Libertines spirit. I know, for a fact, that Pete could come out with a much better effort. For now, this will keep me interested until their (or Dirty Pretty Things') next album. I will have to say that James P review would come closest to what I think of this album. But I'll give it an 8, instead of 7, for the unique poetic lyrics of Pete, and for reviving what is left of The Libertines spirit. I know, for a fact, that Pete could come out with a much better effort. For now, this will keep me interested until their (or Dirty Pretty Things') next album. And contrary to some critics' opinion, I think Kate Moss' contribution in the first song of this album is awesome and refreshing.… Expand
  71. nevermind
    Nov 23, 2005
    10
    amazing
  72. JamesP
    Nov 22, 2005
    7
    The troubadour returns. In the embryonic stages of the libertines there was so much promise. There was something just too cool about the libertines; a quality that meant you could proudly call yourself a fan . Today this promise has been effaced by tabloid harassment- it is no longer about the music. Still the boy produces the goods (well some goods, the less said about Pentonville the The troubadour returns. In the embryonic stages of the libertines there was so much promise. There was something just too cool about the libertines; a quality that meant you could proudly call yourself a fan . Today this promise has been effaced by tabloid harassment- it is no longer about the music. Still the boy produces the goods (well some goods, the less said about Pentonville the better. We'll forgive him- again). There are too many debaucherous fumbles that drag the rating down. This is not helped by the raw production which eclipses the lyrical content; It's good to leave in a few bum notes, to make the dreams of youth achievable, but don't leave them all in; segueing can be good (the locust sound from The Narcissist to The Ha Ha Wall on The Libertines) but it is just a mess of random cymbal beats on this album. Pete's soft voice is good but it misses the symbiosis created from the raw grit in Carl Barats' tone. There are a few gems on "Down In Albion," that i fear may be lost. Fuck Forever for example shows of the boyhood cheek as Pete says he's had enough on behalf of us all. The Albion may be lost by the track placement of the marker from the previous song, which is nothing more than a filler included for the reference to the similarly titled song from the Libs second album. (only this time a cloying reference to the missus-he'd already let her sing). It takes a minute before we hear the clean strumming of guitar strings. If only Mick hadn't insisted on more segueing this might be the most listened to song. There is something about Doherety that is utterly beguiling (something more than the standard charisma) and although this album will not stand the test of time like Up The Bracket it is worth a listen to a misguided man brimming with potential.… Expand
  73. MAX
    Nov 22, 2005
    2
    Poor half-hearted effort. If it weren't for the fact that Deherty is such a notorious drug addict with Kate Moss as a companion; then no-one would even bother with this album!
  74. lucyb
    Nov 22, 2005
    3
    the libertines were good, but this is disappointing.... only a few good songs on this album, albion being the standout track in my opinion.
  75. JohnS
    Nov 22, 2005
    1
    not good at all
  76. trevor
    Nov 22, 2005
    8
    Love the album!
  77. NickD
    Nov 21, 2005
    2
    It's really quite inept. Doherty may be a talented individual, but he doesn't show it here. Songs are at best average.
  78. markh
    Nov 20, 2005
    9
    Genius. Very, VERY good. Some moments of poor production but all in all a very good record...and I hated the Libertines!
  79. ChristophZ
    Nov 20, 2005
    9
    One of this years best!
  80. Kris
    Nov 19, 2005
    8
    This album might not be the critics' favourite because of the inconsistency, but the chaotic mess is very actually quite nice in a way. It shows how the band really is: chaotic and unprofessional....and free minded.
  81. [Anonymous]
    Nov 18, 2005
    9
    It may not be as good as the fantastic Up The Bracket as an album, but the good tracks easily match his earlier efforts for lyrical beauty and sheer brilliance. A couple of songs could have been missed out, (Pentonville! What was he thinking?) and the music is at times, well, a shambles, but that's what makes it so charming, and songs such as A'rebours and 32 December show that It may not be as good as the fantastic Up The Bracket as an album, but the good tracks easily match his earlier efforts for lyrical beauty and sheer brilliance. A couple of songs could have been missed out, (Pentonville! What was he thinking?) and the music is at times, well, a shambles, but that's what makes it so charming, and songs such as A'rebours and 32 December show that with just a little more work this could have been the masterpiece we've all been waiting for.… Expand
  82. cristian
    Nov 17, 2005
    8
    copado!
  83. PeterD
    Nov 17, 2005
    8
    The good outweighs the bad, by far. Still, this could have been a masterpiece.
  84. BobC
    Nov 16, 2005
    7
    I'm a big fan of the Libertines. Hearing that Pete was releasing a debut album after the breakup of the Libertines excited me. This album really reminds me of Up the Bracket, it has the raw sounding that only the Libertines can make. I thought the album was ok. But there's just too many filters (like that rap sounding song; Pentonville). The singles were nice though; Fuck I'm a big fan of the Libertines. Hearing that Pete was releasing a debut album after the breakup of the Libertines excited me. This album really reminds me of Up the Bracket, it has the raw sounding that only the Libertines can make. I thought the album was ok. But there's just too many filters (like that rap sounding song; Pentonville). The singles were nice though; Fuck forever and Albion are simply awesome. But, the album is just not up to par with the Libertines. A little disappointed, but still worth a listen.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

32
#32 Most Discussed Album of 2006

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
56

Mixed or average reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 22
  3. Negative: 2 out of 22
  1. E! Online
    50
    A frustratingly half-assed album, full of great ideas executed in the poorest way possible.
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  2. Prefix Magazine
    40
    Mostly, this record is yet another reason to wish that people with real talent would stop throwing it away.
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  3. Filter
    36
    This is a brutal disappointment. [#19, p.97]
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