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Group Sounds Image
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 4 Ratings

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 12
  2. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. A classic party record from start to finish.
  2. Magnet
    90
    Let's face it: Group Sounds is shit. But it's pure shit, which makes all the difference.... Everything is overdiven and mixed to within a decibel of ear-shattering heaviosity. It isn't just monstrous, it's gleefully, unapologetically monstrous. [#49, p.88]
  3. Yet for all its adrenaline-rush thrills, the RFTC sound is also surprisingly complex. Like Phil Spector's '60s pop masterpieces for The Ronettes and Righteous Brothers, the sonic density of Group Sounds is actually composed of virtuoso performances and subtle nuances...
  4. Alternative Press
    80
    An admixture of Stax soul, raw-boned punk rock, and California beach-pop that sounds more focused than their previous outing, 1998's R.F.T.C. [#154, p.84]
  5. The variety of classic Rocket elements are evident, even more finely honed: bits of soul revue energy (Spector-esque backing vocals, tambourines and tight horn arrangements), songwriterly anthemic release, nods to classic punk auteurs, sexy South-of-the-Border flirtations with danger wrapped in a dynamic, snaky musical package and other frenetic new gems.
  6. Q Magazine
    60
    Group Sounds is as good as anything they've put their name to previously. [#180, p.110]
  7. Yes, it has a certain something that makes you bob your head and/or shake your ass to songs that you'd probably be ticked off by if someone drove past your pad blasting them out his windows. But no, it's not the stuff that great CDs are made of.

See all 12 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. JackG
    Apr 1, 2001
    10
    One of the best Punk/R&R albums of all time!
  2. BenJ
    Aug 17, 2004
    10
    I fail to find a RFTC album which isnt amazing, this one is no exception. Its quality stuff, with 3/4 of the album pure rftc style punk and 2 I fail to find a RFTC album which isnt amazing, this one is no exception. Its quality stuff, with 3/4 of the album pure rftc style punk and 2 songs "SOS" and "Ghost shark" which are peaceful, sad and really shows the other side of RFTC. Expand