Graffiti on the Train
by Stereophonics
  • Record Label: EMI
  • Release Date: Mar 4, 2013
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
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  1. 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 (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.
  2. 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. 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 (definitelyIt 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.… Expand
  3. 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 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 comebackWhat 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.… Expand

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
  1. Slant Magazine
    Aug 29, 2013
    30
    The whole album seems content to be half-awake, so much so that even the comparably adventurous tracks sound like they can't be bothered to get off the couch.
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  2. Magnet
    Aug 16, 2013
    70
    The LP's slow-building peak moment is "Violins And Tambourines," which is also dramatic and affected, no matter what Jones may actually be singing about. [No. 101, p.60]
  3. 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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