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The tracks are both individually strong and do work as a whole, though not in the way the group necessarily intended.
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If there’s a criticism to be volleyed, it’s that In Our Bedroom After the War’s direction frequently changes dramatically, rendering the set of songs as a smattering of smart, soft ideas that are expertly executed rather than a cohesive collection of material.
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In Our Bedroom After The War is Stars' most consistent, nuanced album, and says good things for the future, but Campbell and Millan won't write a perfect record until they learn what their songs need, and abandon the inevitable few tracks on which it's refused.
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An instant classic for some, a slow-burner for others; this is what we've come to expect of Stars.
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In Our Bedroom After The War is better than expected even as it wallows in its own broken heart.
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This is more than a fitting follow-up to the group’s breakthrough "Set Yourself On Fire."
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Only a great fool would be satisfied with just a track or two.
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With In Our Bedroom... Stars are rewriting the textbook on romance with effortless glee.
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In Our Bedroom After The War feels like the conclusion of a journey towards the summit of mount indie pleasance.
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War unfolds less like a cohesive concept album (though a rock-opera would be a likely future addition to the group's discography) as much as a series of telenovela vignettes.
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Growing more staged, warier, and a little less playful with age, Stars don't quite match the wily rush of "Set Yourself on Fire" here.
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BlenderTheir fourth album toughens things up immeasurably. [Oct 2007, p.114]
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Alternative PressThe band have finally created songs as big as their love-and-death themes. [Nov 2007, p.163]
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Under The RadarIn Our Bedroom After the War is a pretty solid statement of purpose; Stars are finally comfortable in their own skins, baring themselves across a healthy breadth of moods and styles. [Fall 2007, p.81]
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For the most part, the band's romantic pop just sits around looking pretty, a sharp hook or three away from continuing the magic found on "Heart" and "Set Yourself On Fire."
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Despite the melodrama, the LP's perfectly done, every note in place.
Awards & Rankings
User score distribution:
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Positive: 19 out of 28
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Mixed: 7 out of 28
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Negative: 2 out of 28
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HelenaC.Sep 6, 2008
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EricC.Aug 19, 2008
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MikeB.Dec 10, 2007the first listen was very disappointing. The songs seemed watered down, too radio friendly. After a few listens, it is starting to grow on me.