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In the Mountain in the Cloud
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In the Mountain in the Cloud Image
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 43 Ratings

  • Summary: The Portland-based band releases its sixth studio album of psychedelic rock.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. Paste Magazine
    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.
  2. AllMusic
    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.
  3. Beats Per Minute
    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.
  4. 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]
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  5. Sputnikmusic
    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.
  6. Consequence
    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.
  7. Tiny Mix Tapes
    Aug 3, 2011
    40
    With a bevy of somewhat indistinguishable tunes, a production aesthetic that keeps everything front, center, and earsplitting is a problem.

See all 13 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. mantle52ball
    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.… Expand
  2. pennstpat
    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.… Expand
  4. ns151
    Jul 22, 2011
    8
    Best of their work so far, no question. It rarely ever misses the mark, and its high points more than make up for any of those mistakes. TheBest of their work so far, no question. It rarely ever misses the mark, and its high points more than make up for any of those mistakes. The closer "Sleep Forever" is a truly awesome track.… Expand
  5. SergioV
    May 13, 2016
    8
    76/100. Really nice vibe throughout the album. The one thing I can say about Portugal. The Man is that they know how to make an album that76/100. Really nice vibe throughout the album. The one thing I can say about Portugal. The Man is that they know how to make an album that makes use of all of the time it contains. The best songs on this album are "So American", "Floating", and "Sleep Forever".… Collapse
  6. Klienya
    Jul 23, 2011
    8
    If the Beatles were still together today, Iâ
  7. clem666
    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.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

89
#89 Most Shared Album of 2011

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