In Our Bedroom After The War - Stars
User Score
7.5 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 23 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 23
  3. Negative: 1 out of 23

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  1. AliC
    Oct 20, 2007
    9
    Not as brilliant as 'set yourself on fire', but there isn't a record by anyone in the last 3 years as good as that one. This is still first class stuff from the best (and most underrated) band around. 'Midnight coward' is worth the entry price alone. They've done it again.
  2. sdj.
    Oct 13, 2007
    9
    Admittedly this album is front-loaded. The back half is good but not excellent. I however, can't really describe my reaction to the first six tracks other than "goosebumps". So strong - mellower yes- but so strong!
  3. D.F.N.
    Oct 1, 2007
    10
    When there's nothing else to burn, you've got the set the critics on fire. This CD is solid from beginning to end and if you're a Stars fan, this CD is an 11. It takes a couple of listens, but every great album does.
  4. HelenaC.
    Sep 6, 2008
    10
    This album is my favorite album by any band to date. The inspiration it has given me, it is boundless. It took me a while to realize the true beauty of the songs, but after several going throughs of the tracks I was hooked. I have no idea why so many people disliked the lask track: In Our Bedroom After the War (the title track), for me it held such an oddly meaningful message. There is an innocence to the entire album, permeated by the aftermath of the war. Barricade is absolutely heartrending, there is a sad truth to the lyrics. I found personal meaning in the album, I've been to Cuba often (beautiful country, amazing people, my favorite place on earth), and that country seems to work well in the context of this record. The aftermath of a revolutionary war is still evident in the place, even after all these years, though there is always hope, spirit, and heart. That's probably reading too much into it, but whatever ;) My favorite tracks (are all of them) in particular are: 1. In Our Bedroom After the War 2. Barricade 3. The Beginning After the End 4. Take Me to the Riot So all in all......... Everyone! Go out and buy this album! The songs are beautiful and even the album artwork is fantastic!!!!!… Expand
  5. DrewC.
    Nov 6, 2007
    9
    A friend of mine recommended the last stars album, Your Ex-Lover is Dead, to me when it came out. I found it a lush album with some great music, but nothing extraordinary. When I heard they were releasing something new, I decided to give it a try. I was blown away. I did not expect the new album to become my favorite record of the year. However, it did, and quickly. From start to finish I enjoyed my trip with Stars, and now, over four months later, I'm still going back and listening to again and again. Tracks such as Take Me To the Riot and The Ghost of Genova Heights do an excellent job at power-pop, but the band truly finds its place when doing songs such as My Favourite Book, Personal, and Midnight Coward, where Amy Millan's vocals shine. Overall, a wonderful album, and one which will stay in my library for years to come.… Expand
  6. RachylA.
    Oct 31, 2007
    9
    At first, I did not think it was as brilliant and poignant as Set Yourself On Fire. After a few listens, I realized that not only was it equal, it may, perhaps be better. With rhythmic guitars, drums and breathy vocal with great lyrics, this album really sets itself apart a bit. Amy Millan has more solo songs than before, which is a great thing. Window Bird, Bitches in Tokyo, My Favourite Book and Today will be Better, I swear! really showcase her angelic, breathy, sensual yet vulnerable side. I believe my favorite track however, is In Our Bedroom After the War. It just wreaks of all things I love, Torquil and the flair for the dramatic.… Expand

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
70 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 28 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 28
  3. Negative: 0 out of 28
  1. Lost At Sea
    85
    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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  2. musicOMH.com
    80
    An instant classic for some, a slow-burner for others; this is what we've come to expect of Stars.
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  3. NOW Magazine
    80
    In Our Bedroom After The War is better than expected even as it wallows in its own broken heart.
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