Graffiti on the Train
by Stereophonics
  • Record Label: EMI
  • Release Date: Mar 4, 2013
Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 16
  3. Negative: 1 out of 16
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  1. AllMusic
    Mar 11, 2013
    60
    Stereophonics seem loath to leave all that they know behind, so Graffiti on the Train remains distinctly earthbound for all its big aspirations.
  2. Mojo
    Mar 7, 2013
    60
    Graffiti on the Train may be a conduit to pastures new, but it's two steps forward, one step back. [Apr 2013, p.96]
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  3. Q Magazine
    Mar 12, 2013
    60
    Graffiti On The Train is a powerful attempt to drop their meat-and-potatoes image. It doesn't always work, but it's to be applauded. [Apr 2013, p.110]
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  5. New Musical Express (NME)
    Mar 4, 2013
    40
    The deft Tom Petty chug of ‘Indian Summer’ is anthemic enough, but there’s little else to get excited about.
  6. musicOMH.com
    Mar 4, 2013
    50
    A missed opportunity, then, but also perhaps the beginnings of a creative resurgence.
  7. The Guardian
    Mar 1, 2013
    60
    The band's sound has changed, too--it's less triumphal and more cinematic, although the Krautrock groove of Catacomb sounds genuinely angry.
  8. No Ripcord
    Mar 11, 2013
    50
    In conclusion, solid record, but it simply does not hit home hard enough.
  9. The Independent (UK)
    Mar 1, 2013
    60
    While Graffiti on the Train is a significant improvement, it's still something of a patchwork affair.
  10. Classic Rock Magazine
    Jun 6, 2013
    50
    Intriguing stuff, but Stereophonics are incapable of shredding the trad rock rule book for an entire album. So the rest of Graffiti is pitched firmly in their beige rock comfort zone. [Apr 2013, p.93]
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User Reviews

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User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 20 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. Ricko
    Jan 18, 2021
    7
    What can you say about this other than it is a solid effort by a solid band. Their chosen style of British style rock with pop sensibilitiesWhat can you say about this other than it is a solid effort by a solid band. Their chosen style of British style rock with pop sensibilities doesn't necessarily lend itself well to ambition or adventure but at this stage there can be little doubt that Kelly Jones knows his way about a melody and song structures. "Graffiti on the Train" is the bands strongest since 2005's relative comeback record "Language. Sex. Violence. Other?" and while it lacks a "Dakota", it does have more depth, genuine personality and atmosphere than anything since they've done since their debut. There are a few flashes of brilliance, half of the songs on the album could be classed as pretty good with the other half falling into the pretty decent category. Some great story telling here as well.… Full Review »
  2. Polpolnug
    Nov 28, 2017
    9
    One of their most underappreciated records. There's such a haunting archaic and emotional theme to this album. Graffiti on the train (theOne of their most underappreciated records. There's such a haunting archaic and emotional theme to this album. Graffiti on the train (the song) is one of the most beautiful pieces of music I've ever listened to. It alone makes the album worth it. Add to that other amazing haunting songs like In a moment, and violins and tambourines, and you have one heck of an album.… Full Review »
  3. NeonGreenBike
    Apr 17, 2014
    8
    It has dark atmosphere with brilliant lyrics and incredible music. Maybe it is my type of music, maybe absolutely every song is astounding.It has dark atmosphere with brilliant lyrics and incredible music. Maybe it is my type of music, maybe absolutely every song is astounding. From We Share the Same Sun filled with longing and desire, sorrowful Graffiti on the Train, masterpiece Violins and Tambourines, cheerful-in-Sterophonics-kind-of-way Roll the Dice, hidden treasure Zoe on the iTunes' digital deluxe version (definitely worth of choosing that version for buying), instrumentals on the end of almost every song... Well I could go on and on. I don't want to go in deep analysis of album and motives of Kelly Jones in writing lyrics, I am not enough educated for that. Only objection to album I have is song list, I would arrange it differently.… Full Review »
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