Given to the Wild
by The Maccabees
  • Record Label: Fiction
  • Release Date: Jan 9, 2012
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 35 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 35
  3. Negative: 0 out of 35
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  1. vermas
    Jan 9, 2012
    10
    Amazing album that can be described with progress, maturity and beauty. All the tracks are great, all the band members are firing on all cylinders especially Weeks whose voice is incredibly versatile for example on Unknow in which he does a high falsetto that surprises listeners. Overall 9/10
  2. Youngnedyoung
    Mar 21, 2012
    10
    If you're a fan of their previous jaunty material, turn away - the Maccabees have been listening to Arcade Fire, Foals and Wild Beasts to deliver what must be one of the best albums of the year. Frequently, songs tick along and build up to climactic crescendos, releasing energy and vibrancy that will make you wish they carried on for longer than they actually do. There's a new foundIf you're a fan of their previous jaunty material, turn away - the Maccabees have been listening to Arcade Fire, Foals and Wild Beasts to deliver what must be one of the best albums of the year. Frequently, songs tick along and build up to climactic crescendos, releasing energy and vibrancy that will make you wish they carried on for longer than they actually do. There's a new found maturity here, as well as an epic production and dancefloor undertones that make this an ideal cousin to Foals' Total Life Forever. Highly recommended and one of the surprise comebacks of 2012!… Expand
  3. TJAW
    Jun 30, 2017
    10
    It is almost impossible to refer to The Maccabees "Given To The Wild" as anything other than a masterwork, one that surpasses countless albums released before and after it. It's so astonishing, so sumptuous, so elegant and just so deliciously inventive that, five years after it was released, it remains as jaw-dropping to me as it was when I first investigated its otherworldly sounds. It'sIt is almost impossible to refer to The Maccabees "Given To The Wild" as anything other than a masterwork, one that surpasses countless albums released before and after it. It's so astonishing, so sumptuous, so elegant and just so deliciously inventive that, five years after it was released, it remains as jaw-dropping to me as it was when I first investigated its otherworldly sounds. It's timeless, so underrated that it's heartbreaking, and one of the best records every made. That it never became a globally-loved classic, despite deserving to become one in every single way, easily demonstrates just how backwards, uncultured and grossly shallow modern society is.… Expand
  4. mohamedwalid
    Mar 11, 2022
    10
    never in my life have I felt as a good of a vibe as this album, I am so glad I searched for this album just bc unknown was my favorite song in need for speed most wanted 2012, I am not a music critic, but trust me when I say this is top teir music at worst.
  5. carlos86archer
    Apr 5, 2012
    9
    Perfect from start to finish. Its dreamy, bold and belongs in every indie fans collection! Glimmer and Pelican stand out tracks for me. They are truly amazing and i would liken this album to the Foals. Enjoy x
  6. Ricko
    May 18, 2012
    8
    Good third album from London Indie Rockers. Vocally kind of reminds of Arcade Fire but musically they are closer to a band like Editors if they hadn't ever heard of Joy Division. It's a definite grower, the more you listen the more you get from it. Went Away is the highlight of the record for me. An enjoyable album all round

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. PopMatters
    Feb 27, 2012
    70
    Given to the Wild is an accomplished, filler-free record that presents a band at peak condition, handily exceeding the marginal example set by similar-sounding acts.
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  2. Pitchfork
    Feb 13, 2012
    40
    The personalities on this album are so blank the songs may as well be performed by apps, and sung by Siri.
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  3. The Fly (UK)
    Feb 10, 2012
    90
    Impressively diverse but united by a strain of quintessentially Maccabeean hopeless hopefulness, it's an outpouring of both technical brilliance and affective emotion that thrives in its sheer humanity.
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