Full Of Light And Full Of Fire
by The Mendoza Line
  • Record Label: Misra
  • Release Date: Nov 22, 2005
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. AllMusic
    70
    The Mendoza Line have mined this kind of socio-political territory before, but never with so much fatalistic maturity.
  2. Dusted Magazine
    70
    The Line may be as polarizing as ever, but fuck me, can it play a righteous drinking song.
  3. Entertainment Weekly
    75
    As always, this longtime indie band shines brightest when mopey-voiced Shannon McArdle steers the music away from conventional alt-country. [25 Nov 2005, p.103]
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  5. Pitchfork
    66
    Nothing here feels like soapboxing; instead, the lyrics are subtle and poignant, with as much emphasis on storytelling as dissent.
  6. Prefix Magazine
    80
    A wonderfully crafted album built on songwriting that is witty and potent.
  7. Junkmedia
    80
    A beguiling blend of astute social commentary and first-rate music that rocks, weeps and testifies.
  8. PopMatters
    90
    Full of Light and Full of Fire is easily one of the best albums of the decade.
  9. The A.V. Club
    80
    As long as it keeps coming up with songs as arresting and moody as the allusive addiction study "The Lethal Temptress," The Mendoza Line should get its due one day.
  10. Rolling Stone
    70
    [Full Of Light] transmits wizened poetry and rec-room intimacy with Music Row-worthy craft.
  11. Spin
    75
    The best bummer-country band of this sucky century. [Dec 2005, p.107]
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  12. Blender
    80
    Political without preaching, sexy in a bookish way, this record will keep you up talking with someone you'd like to kiss. [Dec 2005, p.149]
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  13. Neumu.net
    80
    The earthy tones, accomplished songwriting and passion within Full of Light give Mendoza Line newcomers good reason not only to hear their new album, but also to dig into their back catalog.
  14. cokemachineglow
    83
    Every song on this album is outstanding.
  15. Paste Magazine
    70
    The group's albums tend to not make a strong impression the first time through. Fortunately, Full of Light and Full of Fire amply justifies the effort. [Feb/Mar 2006, p.105]
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User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 5 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 1 out of 5
  1. JohnR
    Feb 7, 2006
    8
    Some of the best drinking songs ever recorded.
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