Girls in Peacetime Want to Dance
by Belle and Sebastian
  • Record Label: Matador
  • Release Date: Jan 20, 2015
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 55 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 46 out of 55
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 55
  3. Negative: 1 out of 55
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  1. Custom_Concerns
    Jan 20, 2015
    7
    The band's shift in sound worked for the better, but the songwriting itself took a slight hit. The album is a bit too long-winded and fluffy, but it is still fun
  2. Hackskeptic
    May 28, 2015
    7
    The tragedy is that if Stuart Murdoch had dispensed with the unconvincingly thin electro pop numbers and therefore slimmed the length of the album down to 40-45 minutes this would undoubtedly be the indie pop album of the year.

    Granted, a half good B&S album is still superior to most of the pap that fills the charts these days.
  3. carlosraffaeli
    Mar 12, 2015
    9
    It is hard to believe how Belle & Sebastian never ceases to grow and evolve and innovate in its art without ever losing its essence. Girls In Peacetime Want to Dance is the utter proof of it. It is cheerful but with the hint of sophistication and irreverence that has long been the band's most undeniable mark. The band turns 20 years old and gifts their fans with a glorious album, withIt is hard to believe how Belle & Sebastian never ceases to grow and evolve and innovate in its art without ever losing its essence. Girls In Peacetime Want to Dance is the utter proof of it. It is cheerful but with the hint of sophistication and irreverence that has long been the band's most undeniable mark. The band turns 20 years old and gifts their fans with a glorious album, with instantly-made classic songs - OMG, what is this track #2 Allie? This album already accounts as one of year's best releases.… Expand
  4. redaktor
    Jul 24, 2015
    9
    It's not a cohesive album because the old-school B&S songs don't mesh well with the "disco" stuff. I find myself listening to the songs out of sequence. However, taken individually, they are immensely listenable and enjoyable.
  5. gabrielfobia
    Sep 9, 2016
    9
    The album shows a true growth of the band, exploring different ares of electro pop and synth pop. Some songs, however, are too long, and when you listen to the full album it may sound tiring. But, individually, the songs are beautiful and well-arranged.

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 36 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 36
  3. Negative: 0 out of 36
  1. The Quietus
    Feb 4, 2015
    50
    Unfortunately, Girls In Peacetime Want To Dance is the net effect of an effort that goes nowhere at all; and this deviation appears furtive, as if they're trying to hide their beloved quirks from an expanded audience.
    Read full review
  2. Mojo
    Feb 2, 2015
    60
    Those who have stuck with the Glasgow act this far will find much to enjoy here. [Feb 2015, p.90]
  3. Spin
    Jan 22, 2015
    70
    Belle and Sebastian's latest full-length succeeds in pointing out societal injustices with just enough sweetness to lighten the bitter frustration lurking within. And yet, at times the endless flutes, synths, and strings risk of giving the listener a cavity.
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