Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 18
  2. Negative: 0 out of 18
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  1. May 4, 2012
    100
    Allo Darlin' have achieved their aim of not producing a carefree record again, and then some--instead, they've created one of considerable, admirable depth and nous, though it retains the warm, personal nature of its predecessor.
  2. Though her tempos have slowed half a turn, reducing the twee factor if that was a problem for you, her melodies are still very much there and her lyrics are sharp throughout.
  3. Apr 26, 2012
    90
    Allo Darlin' and Europe indeed do have what it takes to be a band and album that mean so much to the particular people to whom they mean so much to.
  4. Apr 19, 2012
    88
    Like the Go-Betweens or the Field Mice, Europe is top-notch indie-pop, with upbeat music and literate lyrics coated in a wistfulness that can be debilitating if you indulge in it too often.
  5. May 2, 2012
    86
    Allo Darlin' makes this leap on Europe, resulting in an album that is subtly ambitious and surprisingly rewarding.
  6. Apr 25, 2012
    84
    Europe continues down the path set in 2010 and pushes forward with humble richness.
  7. Apr 19, 2012
    81
    Their 2010 self-titled debut [was] all hummable melodies, clap-along rhythms, and poignantly turned phrases. Europe maintains these qualities and improves upon its predecessor in almost every way.
  8. Jun 18, 2012
    80
    What sets them apart are Morris' understated wit... and the clear enthusiasm of her bandmates, who hurtle through every jangly chord change like they're falling into a new romance.
  9. 80
    'Capricornia' and 'Europe' thicken their debut's effervescent jangle to a rich lustre, and Morris' solo uke classic 'Tallulah' makes sending postcards of sausage-eating Germans sound as romantic as dinner on the Danube.
  10. Apr 19, 2012
    80
    As it stands, Allo Darlin' are as serious as it gets, and despite the lightness and sweetness, they are sophisticated pop music at its finest.
  11. Apr 19, 2012
    75
    The result is a no less charming of a record, but one shadowed by maturity.
  12. Under The Radar
    Jul 9, 2012
    70
    Europe proves that there is nothing to be taken for granted in welcoming indie pop pleasures. [Jun 2012, p.152]
  13. Uncut
    Jun 1, 2012
    70
    Infectious stuff, and 30 years on from the first Pastels single, there is still no escaping indie's fey power. [Jul 2012, p.67]
  14. May 14, 2012
    70
    Throughout Europe, they manage to make that sound like a pretty nice place to be, and also serve a timely reminder that there's life in such a simple but effective style of music.
  15. May 9, 2012
    70
    Tonally and generically, the album is not so much a continent as a small country. But it's a beautiful country, warm and vibrant.
  16. May 7, 2012
    70
    Though 'Europe' is an enchanting and elegant record, this is not a giant leap forward.

Awards & Rankings

User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 18 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 18
  2. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. May 22, 2012
    8
    Pretty good... I saw that this album had such a high metascore and decided to have a listen. I must say that it is one of the more enjoyablePretty good... I saw that this album had such a high metascore and decided to have a listen. I must say that it is one of the more enjoyable albums this year. There isn't much special about the album, but it has good rhythms and it is something worth listening to. Full Review »