Metascore
61 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 10
  2. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. If I Had The Blues But I Shook Them Loose is the band's Everest, not only do they conquer it with unassuming boyish romance, but they've also created the most poignant anthology of what it means to be young and restless in the city since fellow Londoners Bloc Party's "Silent Alarm"--though they're a lot less frosty than Okereke et al.
  2. 80
    Their supple, smouldering songs take you back to an innocent, pre-Britpop indie era while retaining the thrust of contempories like Bloc Party. [Aug 2009, p.87]
  3. London rock act Bombay Bicycle Club hasn't been playing together long, but the foursome boasts an impressive sound on debut album I Had the Blues But I Shook Them Loose (released last July in the United Kingdom).
  4. Although Bombay Bicycle Club can't quite hold a torch to the all-conquering returning Maccabees, they're an armful short of effortless anthems for that, but they prove themselves worthy of operating in their shadow.
  5. Granted, there's nothing new going on, but their passion fills in the innovation gaps.
  6. North London outfit from the same school (literally) as Cajun Dance Party, earning high marks for their winsome indie tunes.
  7. While I Had the Blues is a serviceable debut that doesn't really disappoint but rarely shines, it does suggest that Bombay Bicycle Club have a promising future.
  8. This is duvet music, offering vague comfort but impossible to feel any excitement for.
  9. 40
    There hasn't been quite enough time yet for them to construct much of a unique sonic indentity. [Aug 2009, p.94]
  10. Jack Steadman's shaky voice does scant justice to a dozen songs that, in more adept hands, might have not been squashed at birth. [Aug 2009, p.103]
User Score

Universal acclaim- based on 13 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. I baffled by the critic's low score for this album but then again these are the people who give Ke$ha 78, so what do they know. This album is brilliant from start to finish, highly recommended. Full Review »
  2. EvanH
    9
    I'm not sure why the critics didn't like this more. Uses some infectious, Vampire Weekend-ish beats, harrowingly powerful (but still rock) vocals, and pretty song writing. What's not to like here? Full Review »