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Dye It Blonde Image
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 30 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 42 Ratings

  • Summary: Chicago's Smith Westerns take psychedelic rock to the next level with their second album of David Bowie-inspired vocals and catchy melodies.
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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 30
  2. Negative: 0 out of 30
  1. Jan 20, 2011
    100
    Gorgeous fuzz guitar leads and glam rock glitter dominate, offset by soft layered harmonies and dreamy textures.
  2. Jan 14, 2011
    90
    The band recorded in a real New York City studio, with a real producer, Chris Coady (Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Beach House). And the songs are even better.
  3. Jan 18, 2011
    81
    It's that mix of dedication to cool and earnestness that makes Dye it Blond endearing and surprisingly timeless despite its obvious wink to the past.
  4. Jan 18, 2011
    80
    Anyone who liked the debut and was filled with apprehension about what would happen next will be pleasantly surprised, and might even end up liking this record more.
  5. Feb 11, 2011
    75
    It would be more of a worry if Dye It Blonde's high points weren't so revelatory or well-executed because while it's not a conceptually brilliant record, there are enough triumphs to score a summer romance and get cut up on mix CDs.
  6. Jan 14, 2011
    75
    Dye It Blonde slows down a tad, too often eschewing bright, spot-on hooks in favor of washed-out '60s texture. But when they get it, they really get it.
  7. Jan 18, 2011
    60
    Dye It Blonde may be a more accomplished production than Smith Westerns, but it's also a roundly enervating creation, drained of the fuzzy promise that defined the band's debut.

See all 30 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 7
  2. Negative: 1 out of 7
  1. Aug 22, 2014
    10
    Never have I heard such a rock album with such value, such soul. Must be listened to front to back in one sitting to fully comprehend the rawNever have I heard such a rock album with such value, such soul. Must be listened to front to back in one sitting to fully comprehend the raw emotive and musical passion within. Expand
  2. Jan 27, 2011
    9
    Coming off of their first record with it's Lo-Fi ideals, Dye It Blonde is like a breath of fresh unexpected summer air in the Winter with allComing off of their first record with it's Lo-Fi ideals, Dye It Blonde is like a breath of fresh unexpected summer air in the Winter with all things considered. The new year's first great record is here but for those who have followed Smith Westerns since the beginning may find themselves wanting the old hazy sound back from time to time. Expand
  3. Feb 3, 2011
    9
    Smith Westerns debut was an excellent lo-fi album that owed a lot of credit to the influence of T-Rex. The improved production of Dye ItSmith Westerns debut was an excellent lo-fi album that owed a lot of credit to the influence of T-Rex. The improved production of Dye It Blonde is not the only reason it is superior to the debut. Smith Westerns find themselves expanding their songwriting while maintaining the simple catchy-hooks of their debut. Collapse
  4. Feb 4, 2011
    9
    The idea behind this album is brilliant. It handles itself very well. Dye it Blonde wants nothing more than to have you listen, and justThe idea behind this album is brilliant. It handles itself very well. Dye it Blonde wants nothing more than to have you listen, and just groove. The songs, each between two and four minutes in length, is meticulously crafted. Smith Westerns bring back the fun of the 70's while still pulling in to the 21st century. The great thing about this album is its head nodding ability. Dye it Blonde will put you in a good mood each listen, and make you want to nod your head and crack some brews open. Expand
  5. Jan 22, 2011
    9
    Total step up in production from the debut. They cleaned things up and actually wrote some awesomely memorable songs. If you like rock, youTotal step up in production from the debut. They cleaned things up and actually wrote some awesomely memorable songs. If you like rock, you should like this. You can easily see the T Rex and brit pop influence in the record. 10 love songs that fly by in a flash, whats not to love... Expand
  6. j30
    Apr 23, 2012
    5
    After hearing Weekend and reading some of the review on Metacritic I thought I'd give Dye It Blonde by the Smith Westerns a try. The resultAfter hearing Weekend and reading some of the review on Metacritic I thought I'd give Dye It Blonde by the Smith Westerns a try. The result felt unsatisfying as hearing some the songs I've heard from Real Estate. The lyrics are catchy, while the music is pretty bland for me. I really wanted to like it, but it's pretty forgettable stuff. Expand
  7. Jan 22, 2011
    2
    This album is really pretty horrible. I am finding it hard to listen for more than five seconds without literally cringing in discomfort atThis album is really pretty horrible. I am finding it hard to listen for more than five seconds without literally cringing in discomfort at how bad it is. I really don't get it. Gets a 2 for being better than the Decemberists. Expand