JackInABox
by Turin Brakes
Metascore
62

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 18
  3. Negative: 3 out of 18
  1. Mojo
    90
    A sonic quantum leap. [Jul 2005, p.100]
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  2. Urb
    80
    Stripped down, home cooked goodness. [Jul/Aug 2005, p.109]
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  3. Under The Radar
    80
    A splendid pop affair. [#10, p.116]
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  5. Magnet
    80
    [A] return to the simpler production style of 2001 debut The Optimist LP. [#68, p.112]
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  6. Delusions of Adequacy
    80
    All in all, this is a very impressive record, one that succeeds on just about every little tweak of the pop idiom it attempts.
  7. AllMusic
    70
    The arrangements are much tighter than ever and cover up whatever lyrical deficiencies the charismatic, freewheeling attitude of the band doesn't.
  8. Dot Music
    70
    Sweet, vibrant and sunny songs with just as much invention and passion as 2000's buzz-building early EPs.
  9. musicOMH.com
    70
    The overall feel of JackInABox is summery and light, and the album flows quickly and smoothly from song to song.
  10. Pitchfork
    65
    In a sense Turin Brakes do little wrong on Jackinabox aside from the occasional gooey outbursts of gaiety.
  11. Uncut
    60
    Though often pretty rather than memorable, there's enough vibrancy here to outlast the summer. [Jul 2005, p.90]
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  12. ShakingThrough.net
    60
    JackInABox lacks the consistent flow of The Optimist LP and doesn’t match the sturdy songcraft of Ether Song.
  13. Q Magazine
    60
    Pleasant, but it's never particularly special. [Jul 2005, p.120]
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  14. Prefix Magazine
    50
    Turin Brakes’ expansive and more daring previous work held an encouraging arc that promised risks and excitement, but JackInABox, while a pleasant listen, fails to cash in on that potential, and is unfortunately a step back for the talented duo.
  15. Splendid
    50
    There's a lot to admire on Jackinabox, although it's ultimately less than spectacular and even occasionally embarrassing.
  16. The Guardian
    40
    The likes of Road to Nowhere are Starsailor lite and suggest no great upturn in their fortunes.
  17. Drowned In Sound
    30
    There’s not one song on here worth releasing as a single. Only two or three are even remotely listenable.
  18. PopMatters
    30
    For the discerning music listener, JackInABox is only bound to be a disappointment at best, and annoying at worst.
  19. New Musical Express (NME)
    20
    Talk about a fall from grace. [4 Jun 2005, p.58]
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User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 8 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 8
  3. Negative: 2 out of 8
  1. AndrewT
    Dec 27, 2005
    9
    Hugely underrated album by a hugely underrated band. It has hints of Nick Drake on here along with their own fine blend of penash to put this Hugely underrated album by a hugely underrated band. It has hints of Nick Drake on here along with their own fine blend of penash to put this type of music in a pleasant limbo. Last clown particularly puts the mind at rest. It will be interesting to see how the band develops in the next album.… Full Review »
  2. GloriaL
    Aug 31, 2005
    10
    I was inntroduced to TB June 2005. A friend of mine gave th CD JACK IN THE BOX. Ever since then I cannot bring myself to listen to anyone or I was inntroduced to TB June 2005. A friend of mine gave th CD JACK IN THE BOX. Ever since then I cannot bring myself to listen to anyone or anything else. ca't expain the sensations that this album gives me. It's been my summer album and will most likely be my fall , winter and until TB comes out a new album. Can some one tell me the meaning of Turin Brakes? I know what the words mean sperately. I appreciate any info.… Full Review »
  3. Darren
    Jul 13, 2005
    8
    An album that grows on you. Standout tracks are Above the Clouds, Red Moon and the title track.
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