Hal - Hal
Hal Image
Metascore
68 out of 100

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

User Score
9.2 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 5 Ratings

Your Score
0 out of 10
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  • Summary: The Dublin-based quartet debuts with a record filled with echoes of California circa the 1960s and 70s (think Brian Wilson) rather than Ireland.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. Uncut
    80
    Whereas The Thrills' second album fizzled commercially because of an increasingly arch knowingness which many found alienating, Hal--perfectionists, eschewing irony--keep the envelope taut, the air fresh. [May 2005, p.106]
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  2. Mojo
    80
    The melodies are so lush and the arrangements so stylish that you can't deny them. [Jun 2005, p.105]
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  3. All Music Guide
    80
    Echoes of the Beatles, Harry Nilsson, the Beach Boys, and Phil Spector are everywhere, and while those aren't exactly unique or even very interesting reference points in 2005, Hal again go beyond imitation and use their influences as a good band should, as guides and not blueprints.
  4. Splendid
    60
    You'll either find it cloying and saccharine or heartfelt and precise, or maybe a little bit of both.

See all 16 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. mrsoul
    10
    a masterpiece! grows on you like a peachy smelling plant. like all great music, makes you love. the harmonies, like all good ones, possess a sense community, hence the love. really divine and humane.… Collapse
  2. IanO
    9
    Infectious. Climbs all over you like an Indian Summer. These guys know a hook or two about 60's Wilson. Happy sad music for the young and old. Let it try salvage your soul.… Expand
  3. PhilM
    9
    A gem of an album that reveals more hidden depth with each listen
  4. Allistair
    9
    The feel good album of the year. HAL is probably the only band that replicates the sounds of 60s pop classics to make a masterpiece of their own. A must have of 05.… Expand

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