In Rolling Waves
by The Naked and Famous
  • Record Label: Republic
  • Release Date: Sep 17, 2013
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
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  1. DIY Magazine
    Sep 20, 2013
    70
    A welcome return.
  2. Alternative Press
    Sep 19, 2013
    70
    But is it emo-synth brilliance or just MOR cheese? That’s the question you may still be asking when you’ve surfaced from beneath these Waves.
  3. The A.V. Club
    Sep 17, 2013
    75
    The band doesn’t seem to feel beholden to making a breakthrough--and In Rolling Waves may provide it regardless.
  5. New Musical Express (NME)
    Sep 16, 2013
    70
    It’s a self-important album, but an accomplished one.
  6. The Guardian
    Sep 16, 2013
    80
    Their pop-rock noir is at its best on end-of-the-night anthems such as Hearts Like Ours and the suitably crashing Rolling Waves, or when it puts its sheeny spin on the xx's minimal house (as on Waltz).
  7. The Line of Best Fit
    Sep 16, 2013
    80
    It’s a glorious return from one of 2010s most talked about bands that deserve to be talked about all over again.
  8. Clash Music
    Sep 16, 2013
    70
    When it all comes together, In Rolling Waves is a thrilling, melodramatic ride through the regions where pop, electro and alternative rock crossover, and finally meet.
  9. AllMusic
    Sep 16, 2013
    80
    In minor contrast to the band's previous effort, the moments of pared-down instrumentation here seem to offer a necessary respite from the intensity, providing necessary moments of calm as we anticipate the next joyous sonic wave.
  10. musicOMH.com
    Sep 16, 2013
    70
    The potential is clearly there; The Naked And Famous just need to trim away some of the fat.

Awards & Rankings

93
#93 Most Shared Album of 2013

User Reviews

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User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 38 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 38
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 38
  3. Negative: 0 out of 38
  1. WadeVS
    Sep 18, 2013
    8
    This record is less fussy but retains the winning combination of sleek synth waves with aggressive guitar riffs. It doesn't branch out much,This record is less fussy but retains the winning combination of sleek synth waves with aggressive guitar riffs. It doesn't branch out much, but where it does go is positive. There is no filler here. With this album The Naked & Famous leave other contemporary wunderkind bands like Sleigh Bells and School Of Seven Bells in the dust. 'In Rolling Waves' is a near perfect combination of catchy pop hooks, dark electro soundscapes and guitar riffs that feel genuine. A great sophomore effort.… Full Review »
  2. kermitology
    Sep 17, 2013
    7
    It's a good album. It channels more of the kind of sound from Punching In a Dream, which in my opinion, is one of their weaker songs fromIt's a good album. It channels more of the kind of sound from Punching In a Dream, which in my opinion, is one of their weaker songs from Passive Me, Aggressive You, but definitely one of their more popular. This album lacks the intensity and aggressiveness present on their EP's and some of Passive Me, Aggressive You. So while it's good, it's not as good as I wanted it to be.… Full Review »
  3. JRHartley
    Sep 4, 2015
    10
    After a stunning, diverse debut: 'Passive Me, Aggressive You', The Naked and Famous had a tough task ahead of them in creating an equallyAfter a stunning, diverse debut: 'Passive Me, Aggressive You', The Naked and Famous had a tough task ahead of them in creating an equally impressive sophomore album. And whilst expectations were high, the quintet do not at all disappoint in their very welcome return. From the very first listen, it became immediately apparent that 'In Rolling Waves' only further exploits each member's many talents and their enormous potential as a whole, with thoughtfully arranged compositions so epic and organic in their sound you cannot help but be transfixed.

    1. A Stillness - 10/10 - A stunning opener, which reaches an ecstatic climax that takes the band into an entirely new direction. One of the many highlights of the album which immediately enthrals.
    2. Hearts Like Ours - 9.5/10 - The most successful and widely recognised of the three singles from 'In Rolling Waves', the track's catchy hooks and superb vocals are more reminiscent of the more upbeat tracks from 'Passive Me, Aggressive You'.
    3. Waltz - 10/10 - An understated, atmospheric piece which contradicts the album's two opening tracks. 'Waltz' builds upon the minimalist approach of bands such as 'The XX' to remarkable effect.
    4. Rolling Waves - 10/10 - The title itself truly reflects the crashing nature of this epic centrepiece. An impeccable arrangement of sugary vocals and soaring guitars, 'Rolling Waves' has a stratospheric effect on the listener.
    5 . The Mess - 9.5/10 - With poignant lyrics detailing the breaking-down of a relationship, the track's subdued opening builds to a deeply affecting climax.
    6. Grow Old - 9/10 - The longest track on the album, clocking in at almost seven minutes, 'Grow Old' never fails to engage the listener in its gradual build towards another explosive, powerful close.
    7. Golden Girl - 9/10 - A moment of respite from the crashing intensity of the previous tracks, the mellow 'Golden Girl' 's sweet simplicity is a necessary moment of calm between two of the album's most powerful tracks.
    8. I Kill Giants - 9/10 - Arguably some of the finest lyrical work found on the entirety of the album, this glorious moment of pop perfection radiates raw, honest emotion through the dynamic arrangement of cruising guitars and impeccable harmonies.
    9. What We Want - 8/10 - For me, the weakest track on 'In Rolling Waves' due to its mildness in contrast to some of the more immediately effective tracks, but nevertheless successful in its organic acoustic arrangements and alternations between vocalists, and a very catchy chorus.
    10. We Are Leaving - 10/10 - Whilst 'What We Want' may have marked a very slight dip in quality, all is forgotten when this mesmerising masterpiece takes hold of you in an instant. Here, Xayalith and Powers showcase a whole new side to their talents. 'We Are Leaving' possesses a rare dramatic beauty of such scope you cannot help but marvel at where they will go next.
    11. To Move With Purpose - 9.5/10 - Another slow-building track with soaring echoes and progressive percussion, which retools 80s-style synths and brings them to a bursting crescendo. A perfect choice for a penultimate track, preparing us for the album's beautiful closing number.
    12. A Small Reunion - 10/10 - A sublime closer for a remarkable return from The Naked and Famous, which stands apart from the remainder of the tracks with its welcome addition of strings, and some glorious harmonies which sound sharper and more packed with emotion than ever before. With its sudden cut to nothing more than an echo, it leaves you breathless, and desperate to listen again.

    One of the finest new bands of the past decade have truly pulled away from the pack on their sophomore effort. For me, an album I will cherish for a long time, and one I would recommend to anybody.    … Full Review »
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