Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 17
  2. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. To be sure, In Ghost Colours is a triumph of craftsmanship rather than vision--a synthesis and refinement of existing sounds rather than anything dramatically new and original--but it is an unalloyed triumph nonetheless, and one of the finest albums of its kind.
  2. Although In Ghost Colours is certainly a step up in terms of how cohesive it sounds, it loses some of the spontaneity in the process.
  3. Alternative Press
    80
    If you're looking for a little warm blood pumping through the veins of your dance music, as opposed to the droning and repetitive beat sketches plaguing a lot of the genre, this is just about ideal. [May 2008, p.146]
  4. The way In Ghost Colours exploits my affection for synth pop and empty, detached vocals, I should be knocking down Dan Whitford’s door trying to get a strand of hair, but the album unfortunately loses its resonance on subsequent listens, its sheen lessening to a duller shade with each closer inspection.
  5. From start to finish this is an unexpected adventure through the crossover, leaving the door of the VIP bunker open for us all to sneak in.
  6. Entertainment Weekly
    67
    For every pump-your-fist gem like 'Hearts of Fire,' there's a lifeless cut like the clanky 'Silver Thoughts.' [25 Apr/2 May 2008, p.117]
  7. Filter
    84
    The group's music is ghostly and ethereal, creating a sonic wall that is set against some of the lovelist, shimmering retro-electro-disco you've ever heard. [Spring 2008, p.102]
  8. In Ghost Colours finds the band brimming with confidence, delivering their catchy choruses and synthesizer hooks with a conviction that's difficult to resist, staying true throughout to a groove that fits in with early house music.
  9. In Ghost Colours achieves its success by striking the right balance between its competing genres--rock and electronic--without sacrificing either.
  10. Regardless of what kind of audience it ultimately finds, though, In Ghost Colours earns its smiles with a combination of ingenuity and easiness that you don't often come by, and for that, even in April, it already feels like a triumph.
  11. Their material takes that blog-house aesthetic and turns it into pieces of well-constructed pop.
  12. With In Ghost Colours, Cut Copy have created a record that is both en vogue and timeless, familiar yet fresh, full of glossy optimism, and unforgettably gorgeous from start to finish.
  13. 70
    With songs this hooky, it's impossible not to enjoy Cut Copy's lush new-wave revival. [June 2008, p.106]
  14. 80
    Ghost Colours sounds like Depeche Mode on Lorazepam--dramatic, well enunciated and full of arpeggiated synthy goodness.
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 80 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 72 out of 80
  2. Negative: 5 out of 80
  1. May 17, 2013
    8
    I love this album, it's fun, nostalgic and groovy all at the same time. This is a very clear sound Cut Copy developed since their debut. OneI love this album, it's fun, nostalgic and groovy all at the same time. This is a very clear sound Cut Copy developed since their debut. One of the great examples of the disco-punk/no wave sound. Full Review »
  2. Jun 20, 2011
    9
    Hugely diverse record. There's rock, pop and dance. It's upbeat, it's glory filled, there's angst, there's melancholy. It's fast, it's slowHugely diverse record. There's rock, pop and dance. It's upbeat, it's glory filled, there's angst, there's melancholy. It's fast, it's slow and, the majority of the time, it all comes together incredibly well. Full Review »
  3. Aug 12, 2010
    9
    Beautifully and sympathetically produced, this is a cohesive set of pop songs dressed up as electro/dance. Unashamedly romantic lyrics cutBeautifully and sympathetically produced, this is a cohesive set of pop songs dressed up as electro/dance. Unashamedly romantic lyrics cut through painterly washes of synth, summery acoustic strumming, and the occasional rave-up sound effect. The presence of Tim Goldsworthy behind the boards cannot be underestimated - what a remarkable transformation from their debut! Full Review »