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Girls in Peacetime Want to Dance
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Girls in Peacetime Want to Dance Image
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 36 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 55 Ratings

  • Summary: The ninth studio release for the Scottish indie pop band was produced by Ben H. Allen III.
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Top Track

The Party Line
How did I get here, I heard a rumour From your girlfriend's sister, that you knew me And you end up dancing, close up to me I know that I broke the... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 36
  3. Negative: 0 out of 36
  1. Record Collector
    Jan 7, 2015
    100
    Belle & Sebastian--now much more of a unit than ever before--have found their stride, turning in one of the most satisfying, complete and cinematic albums of their 19-year career.
  2. AllMusic
    Jan 20, 2015
    80
    This is the sound of a band that's growing fearless in middle age, and while the record occasionally does drag--all those long songs push it over an hour, but the sequencing makes it feel even longer--there's also a thrill hearing a band unafraid to stumble.
  3. The Independent (UK)
    Jan 20, 2015
    80
    By reflecting on the personal issues that first inspired him, Murdoch has reminded his band what they’re made of and sparked a loving surprise: their most expansive, exquisite mission statement since 1998.
  4. Tiny Mix Tapes
    Jan 20, 2015
    70
    There are some obvious pitfalls to this newfound worldliness, and the second half of Girls in Peacetime is a bit of a mess.
  5. 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.
  6. Pitchfork
    Jan 21, 2015
    66
    It takes something else, something that can’t be explained by a mission statement. For a band so well-loved for writing from their heart, it sounds like they got stuck in their head.
  7. 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.

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User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. 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 whenThe 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.… Expand
  2. 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 InIt 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 ofIt'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.… Expand
  5. 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 theThe 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.    … Expand
  6. 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,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… Expand

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