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Graffiti on the Train
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Graffiti on the Train Image
Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 20 Ratings

  • Summary: The eighth studio release for the Welsh indie rock band was co-produced with Jim Lowe.
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Indian Summer
Every time that I see ya, A lightening bolt fills the room, The underbelly of Paris, She sings her favorite tune, She'll drink you under the... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 16
  3. Negative: 1 out of 16
  1. PopMatters
    Mar 13, 2013
    80
    Graffiti on the Train is a marvelously realized, tightly played album.
  2. Uncut
    Mar 1, 2013
    70
    Jones' considerable composing,guitar and vocal strengths are marshalled effectively. [Apr 2013, p.78]
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  3. 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]
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  4. The Independent (UK)
    Mar 1, 2013
    60
    While Graffiti on the Train is a significant improvement, it's still something of a patchwork affair.
  5. 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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  6. No Ripcord
    Mar 11, 2013
    50
    In conclusion, solid record, but it simply does not hit home hard enough.
  7. 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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User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  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 (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.… Expand
  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.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.… Expand
  4. 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.… Expand
  5. StrawberryBlond
    Apr 8, 2013
    6
    My first time listening to Stereophonics album in full and whereas before, I thought they were a middle of the road rock band, they seem toMy first time listening to Stereophonics album in full and whereas before, I thought they were a middle of the road rock band, they seem to have really developed with this album. As I understand, it's more subdued than their previous releases, but in my opinion, it seems to work better for them. I especially love the moody, brooding title track, Graffiti On The Train and Take Me. There's also more upbeat, edgier songs for to please everyone in the form of the likes of Catacomb. There's even a bit of definite country influence with Been Caught Cheating. A good, mature album that has more clout than some of their previous songs.… Expand