Hopes And Fears
by Keane
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 169 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 150 out of 169
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 169
  3. Negative: 10 out of 169

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  1. musicreviews7
    Dec 26, 2019
    8
    Great pop/rock album. Easy listening with no attempts to challenge the listener, but the tunes works surprisingly well.
  2. katesmith101010
    Feb 9, 2019
    10
    Incredible album. One of the best album of all time. Better than all Coldplay's albums
    Best lyrics
    Best melodies
    Best vocals
    Best instrumentals
  3. Colin_
    Feb 26, 2017
    10
    A band that really proves you don't need a guitar to make an impact in the alt-rock industry. This album takes a look at the basic hopes and fears of all people, and truly leaves you begging for more.
  4. owenrw89
    Dec 11, 2016
    8
    Hopes and Fears became one of the UK's best selling albums in history - why? Because it's a masterful debut. I'm not saying it's an overly original album, but when it was released, nobody else was creating this type of music. Gorgeous piano based rock music, sang, written and performed to perfection.
  5. ryansliao
    Jul 8, 2016
    9
    This band is FOR ME. I love the soaring melodies on this album. It's easily the best thing going for this band. Although the subject matter isn't always the easiest to decipher, there are still some lyrical gems on the album. I know a lot of people think this album is gutless and insubstantial, but there is some serious groove here. On the other hand, a lot of these songs are just pleasantThis band is FOR ME. I love the soaring melodies on this album. It's easily the best thing going for this band. Although the subject matter isn't always the easiest to decipher, there are still some lyrical gems on the album. I know a lot of people think this album is gutless and insubstantial, but there is some serious groove here. On the other hand, a lot of these songs are just pleasant to listen to. It's still my favorite Keane album by a mile.

    Favs: Somewhere Only We Know, Bedshaped, This Is The Last Time, Your Eyes Open, Bend & Break, She Has No Time, We Might As Well Be Strangers
    Least Favs: Sunshine, Untitled 1    … Expand
  6. qooqle
    Jun 13, 2015
    10
    Bewitching debut album,which will be transferred from generation to generation with the utmost frugality.. no not a single hitch..some compare them to Coldplay,or are sick in the head,ever heard 1-2 songs from each group
  7. musicismylife28
    Jan 30, 2015
    8
    A stunning debut. Atmospheric, chilling, haunting and yet still a proper pop record. Keane made a huge mark on British music history with this record, and upon listening to it, you can hear why.
  8. aberronchox
    Nov 17, 2012
    10
    For the rest of my life, a real gem of musical inspiration. It has themes that are recorded in the heart, never leave me. Have been slow, but have come. Long live Keane.
  9. Dobby
    Jul 27, 2012
    10
    Personally, I think that this is one of the best albums of all time. The lead singer's voice is amazing and their signature style of playing the keyboards creates a unique melody that is both beautiful and haunting.
  10. Parera_Starr11
    Jun 29, 2012
    10
    A spectacular album front to back. Everything about it is pretty much flawless. Vocal, lyrics and production are incredible. Its almost like being awake while dreaming, as crazy as that sounds. There really has never been anything like it before and after it's creation. It really is one of the best albums ever!
  11. StefanFarrell
    May 6, 2012
    9
    I really love this album. I find comparisons to Coldplay mostly ridiculous and based purely on the presence of a piano. I also find an amazingly passionate and deep piano rock album that almost had me in tears. Tom Chaplin's voice is incredible and I think Tim Rice-Oxley's lyrics, although simple, work perfectly. I really cannot understand why the critics seem to have it in for Keane. II really love this album. I find comparisons to Coldplay mostly ridiculous and based purely on the presence of a piano. I also find an amazingly passionate and deep piano rock album that almost had me in tears. Tom Chaplin's voice is incredible and I think Tim Rice-Oxley's lyrics, although simple, work perfectly. I really cannot understand why the critics seem to have it in for Keane. I fell in love with this album and it helped make me a Keane fan.
    This beautiful album's high-points for me are Somewhere Only We Know (obviously), Bend and Break, Your Eyes Open, She Has No Time, On A Day Like Today and Bedshaped. I know, there are a lot of high-points but for me this album is just that good.    … Expand
  12. Ricko
    Feb 8, 2012
    7
    How to describe this...Piano based alternative pop I suppose. Like a watererd down version (I know) of Coldplay without Buckland. While the singles off this record are very strong and still sound good years later, some of the tracks in between will send you to sleep. iTunes was created for this type of record where you can pick the good tracks without having to go through the rest of it.
  13. KitsGravity
    Feb 2, 2012
    8
    A really neat album with a great level of sophistication mixed with melancholy. From the poppy 'Somewhere Only We Know' to the light hearted 'Everybody's Changing' to down-tempo styled soft tracks like 'Sunshine' and 'Untitled 1', the album has just the edge above most of the alternative rock albums, sufficient to ensure a strong and solid base for Keane.
  14. 1fankeane
    Jun 30, 2011
    10
    KEANE IS MY FAV. BAND AND I LOVE THEM "SOMEWHERE ONLY WE KNOW" IS THE BEST SONG IN THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE BEDSHAPED 2 AND I HAVE EVEN RANKED THEM 1SOMEWHERE ONLY WE KNOW
    2BEDSHAPED
    3BEND AND BREAK
    4YOUR EYES OPEN
    5SHE HAS NO TIME
    6EVERYTHING IS CHANGING
    7CANT STOP NOW 8WE MIGHT AS WELL BE STRANGERS
    9THIS IS THE LAST TIME
    10SUNSHINE
    11UNTITLED ONE
    7
    8
    9
    10
    11
  15. JimH
    May 3, 2008
    10
    This cd is honestly amazing. I am very critical when it comes to music etc, But, like others have said here, this cd is the best I have heard in years. Great songs, vocals, and the songs stay with you when you have heard them. I can not remember when I liked a band as much as Keane. It feels great!!!!!
  16. ArnaldoJ
    Feb 25, 2008
    10
    Probably the best band that appeared on the last 15 years. This album is perfect!!!
  17. NeilR.
    Oct 25, 2007
    10
    An awesome first album. Every song is wonderfully melodic and beautifully produced. The guy's voice is fantastic, and the arrangements are original. The piano is especially strong. Track 6 is breathtaking.
  18. KillianD
    Jul 5, 2007
    10
    10/10 This album is a spectacular album. Full Stop.
  19. JeffJ
    Jun 15, 2007
    7
    It peters out towards the end, but "Somewhere Only We Know", "This is the Last Time", "Bend and Break and "Everybody's Changing" are as brilliant as they are touching.
  20. JavelinM.
    Jun 11, 2007
    8
    I got this CD from my cousin and it didn't really make a big impression at the time. I enjoyed the music in the background, but I wouldn't pick it out to play. However, after having it come up on the rotation for a few years, it's grown on me. All of a sudden, it was something I craved, and for music, that's my criteria. Keane's just what I need right now, and I got this CD from my cousin and it didn't really make a big impression at the time. I enjoyed the music in the background, but I wouldn't pick it out to play. However, after having it come up on the rotation for a few years, it's grown on me. All of a sudden, it was something I craved, and for music, that's my criteria. Keane's just what I need right now, and I'm glad I found them around.… Expand
  21. tristant
    Mar 18, 2007
    10
    Listen to me!!!!!!!! This is REAL music!!! Melody, depth, emotion and the best voice in music in tom chaplin!!! So put down all your stupid reviews, because those who review cant do!!!forget about all your sickly overhyped british shit bands and pick up a copy of KEANE and discover what real music is!!! GENIUS!!!!!
  22. daven
    Sep 22, 2006
    8
    Many people will be fooled and call Keane the next Coldplay. Not every band with a piano that plays soft indie alternative rock is "the next Coldplay". Keane, unlike, Coldplay have a lot left to prove musically. The reason for the high score is due to Tom Chaplin and his show stopping vocals. There aren't many singers who can sing as well as he does which makes every song on "Hopes Many people will be fooled and call Keane the next Coldplay. Not every band with a piano that plays soft indie alternative rock is "the next Coldplay". Keane, unlike, Coldplay have a lot left to prove musically. The reason for the high score is due to Tom Chaplin and his show stopping vocals. There aren't many singers who can sing as well as he does which makes every song on "Hopes and Fears" sound like an instant classic.… Expand
  23. samanthac
    Aug 25, 2006
    10
    i love keane they are the best they rule the world and i love all their songs. so i think they deserv more then 10 to be honest. Keane rule i love all u Tom, Tim and Richard. Also i think Tom is so sexy lol. anyway love u all even keane fans im sorry im crazy over them.
  24. andread
    Jul 30, 2006
    10
    the greatest album ¡¡¡¡¡ come one guys keep on bringing us those lovely and pasionate songs . thank you very much
  25. KalinaT
    Jul 11, 2006
    10
    Haven't loved an artist so much in a long time. These days songs are so forgettable, but Keane has managed to give me 3 memorable favorites with just one CD...pretty huge accomplishment! Also bought their second CD recently and loving that too.
  26. [Anonymous]
    Jul 7, 2006
    8
    Keane's album is a glistening, gorgeous experience. A lack of guitars actually makes the record quite...refreshing. It starts off with ballads, but soon becomes atmospheric in the most outer-worldly of ways that inspire calmness, even awe on some occasions.
  27. DH
    Jun 25, 2006
    10
    This is about as good an album of pop/rock music I have ever heard. A masterpiece, Chaplin has a great voice and unlike so many frontmen I can actually make out the words he is singing. Lyrically it can be vague, but thats actually a good thing since music should be a work of art and up for several different interpretations. Music that relies on a great voice, piano/keyboards, and drums. This is about as good an album of pop/rock music I have ever heard. A masterpiece, Chaplin has a great voice and unlike so many frontmen I can actually make out the words he is singing. Lyrically it can be vague, but thats actually a good thing since music should be a work of art and up for several different interpretations. Music that relies on a great voice, piano/keyboards, and drums. Its a refreshing change with a great sound.… Expand
  28. JH
    Jun 25, 2006
    9
    Great album, the critics are hard. A band without guitars gets scrutinized for trying something original??? Almost every tune on this disc is musically brilliant, my only complaint is that being that they only use a piano and drums, many of the tunes do sound similar. I can't think of a song on this album I didn't like. Its refreshing to listen to band that are actual musicians Great album, the critics are hard. A band without guitars gets scrutinized for trying something original??? Almost every tune on this disc is musically brilliant, my only complaint is that being that they only use a piano and drums, many of the tunes do sound similar. I can't think of a song on this album I didn't like. Its refreshing to listen to band that are actual musicians rather than most American pop music where the beats are already made for a talentless voice and you tryout to make a pre-packaged band. Not Keane, they are a musically inclined crew that shine without any guitars.… Expand
  29. BlairS
    May 27, 2006
    9
    For the record, I absolutely hate Coldplay, I can't even sit through one of their songs. This record, and Keane in general, is way better and beyong whatever Chris Martin and his boys can actually create.
  30. smithjoe
    May 17, 2006
    9
    ok, i wasnt gonna say anything, but whoever these critics are their complet retards. How can you say this album is bad...just because theres no guitar?? Go listen to the freakin rolling stones and satisfy your crap musical tastes!!! Me and the rest of the musically intuned world will continue to enjoy music from this ground breaking band that is, yes ill say it, comparible to the beatles!!!!!
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Awards & Rankings

22
#22 Most Discussed Album of 2004
40
#40 Most Shared Album of 2004

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
61

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 18
  3. Negative: 3 out of 18
  1. Almost Cool
    40
    The 11 tracks on Hopes And Fears have an almost complete lack of soul and even distinction between one another.
    Read full review
  2. ShakingThrough.net
    70
    There isn't much variety on the disc, which many will find a bit thin after repeated spins, but there's no doubting the band's clean, confident sound.
    Read full review
  3. Mojo
    70
    Somewhere Only We Know is one of 2004's loveliest tunes, and while nothing else on their debut album quite matches this apogee of woebegone non-energy, there's plenty to keep the eyes welling up. [Jun 2004, p.116]
See all critic reviews »