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Hopes And Fears
by
Hopes And Fears Image
Metascore
61

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 169 Ratings

  • Summary: Yes, you'll see the word "Coldplay" in nearly every review for this debut disc, but the UK trio stand out from the crowd with their unconventional lineup of vocals, drums, and piano.

Top Track

Somewhere Only We Know
I walked across an empty land I knew the pathway like the back of my hand I felt the earth beneath my feet Sat by the river and it made me... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 18
  3. Negative: 3 out of 18
  1. Playlouder
    90
    Basically, this is a fantastic band releasing twelve brilliant songs, and it's not only the best guitar album you'll ever hear with no guitars on it, it's one of the best this year generally.
  2. Q Magazine
    80
    As a collection of songs, this is hugely impressive. As a debut album, its confidence is right up there with Definitely Maybe. [May 2004, p.96]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. 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.
  4. PopMatters
    60
    This album is full of ballads fuelled by feelings of alienation, but Chaplin's voice is consistently powerful and lacks the fragility that would give these songs the edge the band obviously thinks they have.
  5. Drowned In Sound
    50
    Despite some fine moments, on the whole there's not enough that's memorable or above average. No one would give Keane a second glance if Tom Chaplin did not possess such a gift of a voice.
  6. Stylus Magazine
    40
    The continual sense of aesthetic, structural and emotional conservatism constantly makes the listener feel short-changed, Singing Tom persistently pleading his own honesty and kindness and suitability and weakness.
  7. Pitchfork
    28
    Coldplaya-hatas will loathe Keane; most others will just be insulted.

See all 18 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 73 out of 85
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 85
  3. Negative: 8 out of 85
  1. KillianD
    Jul 5, 2007
    10
    10/10 This album is a spectacular album. Full Stop.
  2. 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 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
  4. 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 andA 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.… Expand
  5. RoyalC
    Apr 26, 2005
    9
    This album has grown on me tremendously since i first sampled it. There are hooks galore on the album but none feel cheep or lame. Some great This album has grown on me tremendously since i first sampled it. There are hooks galore on the album but none feel cheep or lame. Some great lyrics to go with the hooks as well.… Collapse
  6. AlbertoI
    Jul 6, 2004
    9
    Great album!
  7. Ricky
    Feb 14, 2006
    8
    A great album that i've yet to tire from.
  8. Aidank
    Sep 3, 2005
    0
    yawn. what a bore

See all 85 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

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

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