• Record Label: Atlantic
  • Release Date: Jul 19, 2011
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 13
  2. Negative: 0 out of 13
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  1. Aug 16, 2011
    70
    For In the Mountain in the Cloud, they piled on the mascara, set the way-back machine for 1972 and turned out 11 tracks full of vintage glam-rock pouting and preening.
  2. Under The Radar
    Aug 5, 2011
    70
    Though it never quite matches up, the album does an admirable job of working to capture the incredible fun of Portugal's live show. [Jul 2011, p.87]
  3. Aug 3, 2011
    40
    With a bevy of somewhat indistinguishable tunes, a production aesthetic that keeps everything front, center, and earsplitting is a problem.
  4. Jul 28, 2011
    64
    Their first for Atlantic (and sixth overall) is a carefully crafted collection of 11 songs that don't stray from the band's alt-psychedelic formula, yet are a refreshing step forward.
  5. Jul 28, 2011
    80
    Since Incubus' comeback turned out to be a flop, there is certainly a large gap for another rock band to take up the mantle of the act who successfully straddles the artistic and commercial crowds, and with In The Mountain In The Cloud, Portugal. The Man have placed themselves right in it.
  6. Jul 28, 2011
    60
    Despite interesting bits of psychedelic texture, the album floats around your consciousness without making much of an impression. It's pleasant, but not particularly memorable.
  7. Jul 21, 2011
    80
    In the Mountain in the Cloud is also the band's most cohesive album, suffering from none of the unevenness that crept into some of their earlier work.
  8. Jul 21, 2011
    70
    There's nothing wrong with writing four-minute protest songs that relish in the best of their psychedelic influences, but it'll be when Portugal. The Man really unshackle themselves and start writing what they do best that they will establish themselves as a band on par with their forebears.
  9. Jul 21, 2011
    83
    It's encouraging to know both that Portugal. The Man has not lost sight of themselves despite their successes and that their new home at Atlantic will be one that fosters the creative vision the band has become known for.
  10. Jul 18, 2011
    70
    On this album, the tracks that are lacking in length often sound as if they–well–are lacking in something else as well. Not to say In the Mountain is a poor effort; it merely seems like it would benefit from a bit more development.
  11. Entertainment Weekly
    Jul 15, 2011
    75
    Portugal. The Man's major-label debut is pleasingly progressive, bathing twisting guitar riffs in pscyhedelic suds.
  12. Alternative Press
    Jul 12, 2011
    70
    John Gourley gives the envelope a token push but lays back a little too much into his comfort zone; the rest of the band abet him with lucid and calm performances. [Aug 2011, p.118]
  13. Jul 12, 2011
    60
    [John Gourley's] thin, inexpressive singing and gloopy lyrics lack the mumbo-jumbo grandeur of Marc Bolan, an obvious influence.
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 43 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 41 out of 43
  2. Negative: 1 out of 43
  1. Aug 1, 2011
    10
    I really like this band and this album does not disappoint. Has some really catchy lyrics and great vocals. Some of his vocals remind me ofI really like this band and this album does not disappoint. Has some really catchy lyrics and great vocals. Some of his vocals remind me of the Beatles and give some real nice tone to the songs and gives some real classic sounds. Full Review »
  2. Jul 20, 2011
    10
    Best album from Portugal. The Man to date. Really spectacular throughout, not a misstep to be found. This album will certainly gain the bandBest album from Portugal. The Man to date. Really spectacular throughout, not a misstep to be found. This album will certainly gain the band some new fans with a diverse array of influences apparent in each song. Full Review »
  3. Oct 23, 2020
    7
    I will not do the outrage of calling Portugal. The Man the offspring of The Beatles as some may do it. I will simply recognize the littleI will not do the outrage of calling Portugal. The Man the offspring of The Beatles as some may do it. I will simply recognize the little pinch of originality they reach to provide to make some of their songs really worth the trip. The voice of John Gourley perfectly suits this kind of pop/rock style. Nevevertheless it's not his voice that makes this album brilliant, but the way the band uses keyboards and backing vocals. I still won't consider this as a masterpiece because it sounds like a 'little above average' pop/rock album to me. Interesting but definitively not a gold mine. Full Review »