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Free The Bees
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Free The Bees Image
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 21 Ratings

  • Summary: This '60s-influenced sophomore release from the Isle of Wight-based duo was recorded at Abbey Road.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. Billboard
    100
    A monumental step forward in the progression of the group's sound.
  2. Under The Radar
    90
    Even though the stylistic diversity of the first album isn't present, it's hard not to get caught up in the dreamy spell that The Bees weave. [#7]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. New Musical Express (NME)
    80
    Some of 'Free The Bees' could have been recorded 40 years ago and some of it could have been beamed down from an orbiting space station 3,000 years further along the pipe than us. [26 Jun 2004, p.54]
    All this publication's reviews
  4. Splendid
    70
    The band's greatest success is their ability to craft unassuming, enjoyable revival rock numbers with clever lyrics, recalling their musical forebears without ever descending to cliché.
  5. Q Magazine
    70
    Glows with retro colour. [Jul 2004, p.110]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. Rolling Stone
    70
    The Bees are quirky enough to avoid being anybody's museum curator.
  7. Dusted Magazine
    40
    The band falls apart attempting to sound like the whole of the late ’60s and the start of the early ’70s all at once, like listening to The Notorious Byrd Brothers, American Beauty, Moby Grape’s self-titled, the Hollies’ Stop! Stop! Stop! , and a Sloan record played simultaneously; a tepid mash of classic styles all fine on their own that cancel each other out when played together.

See all 23 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. TimI
    Nov 21, 2005
    10
    rewards with repeated listening. One of the best of 2005
  2. JevonR
    Feb 15, 2005
    10
    I can not stop listening to this album. Yes it sounds like something beemed out of 1968, but who the hell cares. This is soul, this is rock, I can not stop listening to this album. Yes it sounds like something beemed out of 1968, but who the hell cares. This is soul, this is rock, this is a wall of symphonic banging that bursts out of your speakers and won't let you go.… Expand
  4. TomS
    Jul 25, 2005
    10
    One of the greatest albums of the last ten years. Genius songwriting pulling together a completely fresh modern indie rock sound with One of the greatest albums of the last ten years. Genius songwriting pulling together a completely fresh modern indie rock sound with startlingly authentic vintage 60s and 70s vinyl junkie influences. highly recommended.… Expand
  5. HankW
    Apr 27, 2005
    9
    The return of dancable rock-n-roll with a vengance!
  6. James
    Dec 3, 2005
    9
    Beautiful music with soul....not materialistic, disposable crap like 99% of this generation's output (I'm 18 so it is my Beautiful music with soul....not materialistic, disposable crap like 99% of this generation's output (I'm 18 so it is my generation, sadly). Screw 'Pitchfork' (they take one in the ass) and Dusted and all of the others that would rather make snooty comments from the confines of their computer for an extra buck. These are the same people who put the BS we hear on today's radio on the top of the charts because they are souless biproducts of society, nitpicking at music. Why don't you try to be musicians or something useful rather than think that your opinion is the example for everyone? This album is a treasure as one of the only soulful rock albums of my time. Pet Sounds has the title but this is up there on my list.… Expand
  7. vincent
    Jun 29, 2005
    9
    This is album is the proof that pitchfork knows NOTHING. This is an excellent album with soul, reggae, sixtiespop and a whole lot of enthusiasm.
  8. mike
    Aug 1, 2004
    8
    it's incredible how authentic the 60's sound is. as musicians, they are very good. though derivative, free the bees is really a it's incredible how authentic the 60's sound is. as musicians, they are very good. though derivative, free the bees is really a great album. one step forward away from the mellow sound of their debut and towards a full on rock sound. so far i've been really digging this album.… Expand

See all 12 User Reviews