Foreverland
by The Divine Comedy
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
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  1. PopMatters
    Sep 13, 2016
    80
    He and his band seem to not only have perfected the genre of orchestral pop, but to have perfected their own balance of goofiness and sincerity. It’s a peculiar kind of funny and it’s strangely attractive.
  2. Q Magazine
    Sep 6, 2016
    80
    When he departs from the template, Foreverland truly excels. [Oct 2016, p.107]
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  3. Mojo
    Sep 6, 2016
    80
    Funny, learned and poignant by turns, Foreverland is a masterfully-arranged, part-chamber-pop record underpinned by Hannon's natural playfulness. [Oct 2016, p.93]
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  5. musicOMH.com
    Sep 1, 2016
    80
    Foreverland is a blissful, heartfelt and often very funny paean to love and companionship. Some will no doubt dismiss it as too twee and theatrical for today’s musical landscape, but that is to misunderstand The Divine Comedy.
  6. Drowned In Sound
    Sep 1, 2016
    80
    The Divine Comedy are, 26 years on from their debut and six on from Bang Goes the Knighthood, making a kind of pop music a million miles away from anyone more likely to touch the singles charts (assuming those are still a thing). It’s good to have them back.
  7. The Line of Best Fit
    Sep 9, 2016
    75
    The essence of these songs is exactly what the essence of The Divine Comedy has always been. Expanded, with more intricately woven textures, Foreverland is an ode to everything that lasts: from historical characters to our own enduring emotions, the record celebrates the importance of importance on every level.
  8. Magnet
    Oct 18, 2016
    70
    Discerning Anglophiles will warm to the charms of the Divine Comedy's 11th album, Foreverland. [No. 136, p.55]
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  9. Uncut
    Sep 2, 2016
    70
    Sumptuous, orchestra pop lace with lyrical acerbity. [Oct 2016, p.28]
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  10. Under The Radar
    Sep 1, 2016
    70
    If you're not a fan of strings, drama, and flamboyance, Foreverland is going to wear on you. But if you're a sucker for them, get ready for your fill.
  11. AllMusic
    Sep 20, 2016
    60
    There's no mistaking Foreverland for anything other than the work of an artist who has chosen to give up his fight with the not-so-cruel-after-all mistress that is contentment.
  12. The Independent (UK)
    Sep 1, 2016
    60
    Six years on from the vivacious Bang Goes The Knighthood, Neil Hannon’s latest Divine Comedy outing seems to lack the bite which gives the best of his work its raffish frisson.
  13. Clash Music
    Sep 2, 2016
    50
    Foreverland embraces the clichés and largely follows a formula. Certain subject matter and song titles perpetuate a particular illusion and the middle of the road radio play has trickled in according to plan.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 14 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 14
  3. Negative: 1 out of 14
  1. mosstin
    Sep 4, 2016
    5
    It sometimes feels as if Neil Hannon has been releasing the same album for the past decade and in many ways this is no departure from theIt sometimes feels as if Neil Hannon has been releasing the same album for the past decade and in many ways this is no departure from the formula he's previously used. Whilst this one doesn't grate as much as its predecessor 'Bang Goes the Knighthood', it's still unable to escape the whimsical air he invests all of his output with these days.
    Sure, it's a celebration of love, an ode to his current partner, but it all seems so very slight and inconsequential. For diehards only, I'd suggest.    … Full Review »
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