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Given to the Wild Image
Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 35 Ratings

  • Summary: The third album for the British indie rock band was recorded over two sessions with producers Tim Goldsworthy, Bruno Ellingham, and Jag Jago.
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Top Track

Pelican
So soon we, so soon we, so soon we too old to carry And we knew we, and we knew we, and we knew we only had a little while In the middle, in the... See the rest of the song lyrics
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 20
  2. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. The Maccabees have returned as a highly evolved beast more than ready to be released into the wild world.
  2. 90
    The album is beautifully structured, leading from spare and shimmery beginnings into harder, weirder and more varied territories, all those snippets and elements and personalities crafted into a shifting, subtle whole that quietly captures your attention from start to end.
  3. Feb 10, 2012
    80
    Not the finished article, but as close as the (still) youthful band are likely to come at this stage.
  4. Jan 19, 2012
    78
    It's their breakthrough album and shows that with focus and confidence, the future could be pretty exciting for The Maccabees.
  5. Jan 17, 2012
    70
    Given to the Wild is resolutely The Maccabees best.
  6. Mojo
    Jan 31, 2012
    60
    It's hard not to wish for more. Or maybe less. [Feb 2012, p.95]
  7. 40
    The unambitious nature of Given to the Wild is all the more disappointing for the intriguing glimmers of inspiration furnished by their collaboration with Roots Manuva.

See all 20 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. 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 toIf 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! Collapse
  2. 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 allAmazing 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 Expand
  3. 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 albumsIt 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. 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 innever 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. Expand
  5. 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. TheyPerfect 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 Expand
  6. 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 ifGood 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 Expand