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If You Wait
by
If You Wait Image
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 84 Ratings

  • Summary: The debut full-length release for the London trio includes "Help Me Lose My Mind," its collaboration with Disclosure. [US edition includes "Maybe," "High Life," and a remix of "Strong."]
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Top Track

Strong
Excuse me for a while, While I'm wide eyed and so damn caught in the middle I excused you for a while, While I'm wide eyed and so damn caught in the... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. Pretty Much Amazing
    Sep 9, 2013
    91
    This is an enthralling, stunning, deeply emotive album that perfectly marries understated electronica to sublime vocals and melodies.
  2. Drowned In Sound
    Sep 9, 2013
    90
    It's an assured collection of 11 songs that capture a mixture of exhilaration and heartbreak that is all their own.
  3. Under The Radar
    Sep 17, 2013
    80
    There's beauty in the band's hesitancy, young musicians feeling their way forward together.
  4. DIY Magazine
    Sep 9, 2013
    70
    London Grammar have created an album of graceful sophistication.
  5. AllMusic
    Oct 17, 2013
    70
    Although at times they come close to overshadowing the subtle instrumentation provided by Major and Dan Rothman, it’s actually the intrinsic balance between the contributions of all three that defines their sound.
  6. The Guardian
    Sep 9, 2013
    60
    This pairing of the ethereal and the visceral makes for an interesting enough album, albeit one that sometimes begs for a kick in the backside.
  7. Q Magazine
    Oct 16, 2013
    60
    It lacks variety, but with a debut this clear-eyed they earn enough musical credit to stay in the black until next time. [Nov 2013, p.111]
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User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. philosophorse
    Oct 18, 2014
    9
    It fleshes out true emotion, both dark and melancholic ones. Reid's vocals, even by itself, can sunder a soul apart. There are a few momentsIt fleshes out true emotion, both dark and melancholic ones. Reid's vocals, even by itself, can sunder a soul apart. There are a few moments that drag and bore once and a while, but this is an excellent debut.… Expand
  2. custodiotiago86
    Sep 4, 2023
    9
    represents a remarkable inaugural offering from the band, garnering a highly merited 9. Hannah Reid's brilliance radiates across the entirerepresents a remarkable inaugural offering from the band, garnering a highly merited 9. Hannah Reid's brilliance radiates across the entire album, highlighting her exceptional abilities. There isn't a single subpar track to be found; each one serves as a testament to their inventiveness and musical mastery, resulting in an enthralling voyage from beginning to end.… Expand
  4. raviopatra
    Nov 17, 2013
    9
    The past three years have been very great for the UK music scene. This debut album from London Grammar might be the best debut by a UK actThe past three years have been very great for the UK music scene. This debut album from London Grammar might be the best debut by a UK act this year. The tracks "Stay Awake" and "Wasting My Young Years" are really hypnotizing. Though similar sound has been up-and-coming lately, they manage to deliver a sound that is very appealing both musically and lyrically while also being very original. Definitely money well-spent.… Expand
  5. cnrcnr
    Sep 10, 2013
    9
    London grammar deliver an outstandingly mature debut. If You Wait is emotional, uplifting and stunningly beautiful. The use of trippy, lightLondon grammar deliver an outstandingly mature debut. If You Wait is emotional, uplifting and stunningly beautiful. The use of trippy, light and airy dance beats along with strong, lung-busting vocals creates an album that is pushing music into the future and the cover of Kavinsky's Nightcall is inspired. If there is any down side to If You Wait, its the ballads on the album, they could be stronger.… Expand
  6. MCRR
    May 5, 2015
    8
    A beautiful debut album combining soaring vocals with trip hop beats. Hannah Reid's voice will send shivers down your spine. The albumA beautiful debut album combining soaring vocals with trip hop beats. Hannah Reid's voice will send shivers down your spine. The album contains a number of 'alt-pop' tracks that could easily rotate on popular radio. Catchy tunes and... Did I mention the vocals! A truly stunning vocal delivery, Indeed a well crafted album offering a rather novel sound of it's own. Trip hop meets classical meets pop. Go buy it!… Expand
  7. Roma_Nurlanov
    Sep 23, 2013
    8
    The London Grammar very original group! With original, but at the same time commercial sounding. At Hanna Read possesses the magnificentThe London Grammar very original group! With original, but at the same time commercial sounding. At Hanna Read possesses the magnificent deep, shrill vocal, not conceding such soul the giant as Adele and Lana Del Ray! For me it is one of the main opening of year! And this album just proved me it! It is very soft, pleasant and attracts with it the listener. They have a big future!… Expand
  8. WadeVS
    Apr 9, 2014
    5
    Her vocals are like a second rate Florence Welch. They have tried really hard to be mature and moody but all the mournful, dreary wailing getsHer vocals are like a second rate Florence Welch. They have tried really hard to be mature and moody but all the mournful, dreary wailing gets a bit much after a while. Their more upbeat tracks (2 out of 14 tracks on the deluxe album) are by far their most interesting. Cheer the f__ up London Grammar. Life is not that bad!!!?… Expand

See all 11 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

94
#94 Most Discussed Album of 2014
54
#54 Most Shared Album of 2014

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