Glasvegas
by Glasvegas
  • Record Label: SonyBMG
  • Release Date: Jan 6, 2009
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. musicOMH.com
    60
    It's another debut album laid low by ravages of hype.
  2. Uncut
    60
    If you’re simply after retro thrills, though, these boozy anthems will provide you with one very happy hour.
  3. Blender
    60
    Glasvegas are often compared to the Jesus and Mary Chain, another great Scottish band that worshiped Phil Spector and the whammy pedal, but Mary Chain’s appeal was a chilly remoteness. Glasvegas make it cool to care.
  5. Slant Magazine
    60
    Frustrating but intermittently brilliant, Glasvegas could have made a strong EP, but instead stands as a flawed full-length that's been primped and stretched beyond its means.
  6. Pitchfork
    60
    In their rush to be the UK's most important band, they seem to have ignored restraint, charisma, and charm--the qualities that made them Next Big Thing candidates in the first place.
  7. The A.V. Club
    58
    It's a textbook example of a promising debut from a humorless band that has nowhere to go but down after the opening cut.
  8. Sputnikmusic
    50
    Musically, this is a very good record, one that might have been worth as much as a 4.5 with a different vocalist.
  9. Austin Chronicle
    50
    Although his quartet's first LP has boozy punch, even with two bonus tracks, the Scots' eponymous debut still feels padded.
  10. The New York Times
    40
    Glasvegas is determinedly provincial, insisting there is grandeur in everyday lives. But what sounds rousing in Britain can sound sodden and overwrought to American ears.

Awards & Rankings

43
#43 Most Discussed Album of 2009
88
#88 Most Shared Album of 2009

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 58 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 45 out of 58
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 58
  3. Negative: 8 out of 58
  1. KymP.
    Jan 7, 2009
    5
    Musically, it's not too bad. It has some catchy, well fleshed out hooks and reasonable song progression. But, just as Jay K mentioned, Musically, it's not too bad. It has some catchy, well fleshed out hooks and reasonable song progression. But, just as Jay K mentioned, the lyrics are atrocious. Daddy's Gone is indeed, juvenile...but listening to the track 'Stabbed' is simply painful. Also, the multiple quoting of known rhymes or pop references "You are my sunshine, my only sunshine..", "Liar liar pants on fire" "What's the story, morning glory" etc is sickening. Ugh.… Full Review »
  2. Ricko
    Jan 11, 2012
    7
    I think this record and this band are over rated big time. While it's not a bad record, and it does have some good stuff on it, I'm not sure II think this record and this band are over rated big time. While it's not a bad record, and it does have some good stuff on it, I'm not sure I agree with the acclaim it got. It get's a bit repetitive after a while and the vocals get old pretty quick. Geraldine is a good song and the standout track for me, the rest of it kind of blends in together.… Full Review »
  3. JoeyD
    Apr 7, 2009
    6
    Best U2 cover band I've heard in a while!
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