User ratings in Music are temporarily disabled. More info

Jungle
by
  • Record Label:
  • Release Date:
Jungle Image
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 31 Ratings

  • Summary: This is the debut full-length release for the British indie funk band formed by Tom McFarland and Joshua Lloyd-Watson.
Buy Now
Buy on

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 21
  3. Negative: 1 out of 21
  1. Exclaim
    Jul 11, 2014
    90
    On their debut, Jungle show that you don't have to reinvent the wheel as long as it's travelling down brand new, unexplored avenues.
  2. The Independent (UK)
    Jul 14, 2014
    80
    West London synth duo Jungle claim to “bring the heat” on their debut album, but it’s more the languid haze of a holiday beach than the intensity of a dancefloor.
  3. The 405
    Jul 3, 2014
    80
    There are times when the album feels like it starts to tread the same ground, but there is also sign that Jungle have it in them to do things that are different.
  4. NOW Magazine
    Jul 24, 2014
    80
    Jungle’s core members, childhood best friends Josh and Tom, make well-balanced dance tunes--lush, but with plenty of breathing space between slow builds and feverish climaxes.
  5. Clash Music
    Jul 3, 2014
    70
    When you see Jungle live, it takes very little provocation for them to extend their songs into euphoric, funk-laden, instrumental prang-outs that mesmerise your mind’s eye. Unfortunately, the album lacks a little of that psychedelic deviation, and instead chooses to quite politely proffer 11 great and concise songs, with a whistling instrumental mid-point.
  6. Pitchfork
    Jul 14, 2014
    62
    As it stands, remaining at that upper register with every word and line, the album’s 39 minutes feel much longer, leaving one high and dry.
  7. Consequence
    Jul 10, 2014
    33
    Jungle is a polished debut, but there’s no sense that J and T (or whoever is actually singing here) feel any sort of commitment to their lyrics, their arrangements, or anything beyond producing neatly packaged songs that slide them into festival slots.

See all 21 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. SonOfABirch
    Aug 13, 2015
    10
    Best debut album I've listened to in years. Soothing, flowing melodies from the start of 'The Heat' to the crashing, exciting sounds of 'BusyBest debut album I've listened to in years. Soothing, flowing melodies from the start of 'The Heat' to the crashing, exciting sounds of 'Busy Earnin'. A must buy for lovers of funk, pop, disco and rock.… Expand
  2. Jedi9al
    Apr 1, 2022
    10
    Unbeknownst to my shortlist of what I consider music in today's world, this album does it for me! It has such a renewed vibe, addiction, andUnbeknownst to my shortlist of what I consider music in today's world, this album does it for me! It has such a renewed vibe, addiction, and distinction from the present-day garbage that I thought I was thrown into the past! To my dismay, I, thankfully, wasn't teleported to the past! However, Jungle with their album punned "Jungle" lets me know how it feels to get blasted into a 1970s jazzy hippie rockin' high!… Expand
  4. ydoc
    Nov 1, 2014
    9
    This album is a must for anyone who has a soul. This album instantly buts a smile on my face. Just a great, laid back album to enjoy after aThis album is a must for anyone who has a soul. This album instantly buts a smile on my face. Just a great, laid back album to enjoy after a long days work. I cannot wait for their new material...for a first album, Jungle is an extremely promising sound to watch in the coming years...… Collapse
  5. MCRR
    Jan 10, 2015
    8
    Smooth laid-back soul funk with some 'bad' beats and a whole lot-a-lovin. It's not exactly reinventing the wheel but Jungle has that abilitySmooth laid-back soul funk with some 'bad' beats and a whole lot-a-lovin. It's not exactly reinventing the wheel but Jungle has that ability to take you on a journey and not many groups do that these days. Especially on a debut album!
    The album flows well, at times too well and if I was a cynic I'd say some of the tracks sound alike but......
    Listening to Jungle is like chewing fudge that melts in your mouth. If your into your tunes and enquiring if Jungle are worth the investment then the simple answer is yes they are.
    Thank you please    … Expand
  6. djyannoushka
    Apr 16, 2023
    8
    So much groove ! So much soul & life in this music !! I love this album, every year it finds itself back into my playlists and my headphonesSo much groove ! So much soul & life in this music !! I love this album, every year it finds itself back into my playlists and my headphones without a doubt. I'm glad I discovered Jungle back then, it's one of the bands I follow very closely now.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

37
#37 Most Shared Album of 2014

Current Music Releases

Full List »
99 Band on the Run [50th Anniversary Edition] - Paul McCartney & Wings
95 If I don't make it, I love u - Still House Plants
95 The Sky Will Still Be There Tomorrow - Charles Lloyd
92 This Could Be Texas - English Teacher
92 COWBOY CARTER - Beyoncé
91 The Carnegie Hall Concert - Alice Coltrane
90 1989 (Taylor's Version) - Taylor Swift
90 Iechyd Da - Bill Ryder-Jones
89 I Got Heaven - Mannequin Pussy
89 Black Bayou - Robert Finley
89 Tigers Blood - Waxahatchee
88 Only God Was Above Us - Vampire Weekend
88 What Now - Brittany Howard
88 Hey Panda - The High Llamas
88 Orquídeas - Kali Uchis
88 The Past Is Still Alive - Hurray for the Riff Raff
87 Filthy Underneath - Nadine Shah
87 i/o - Peter Gabriel
87 Blue Lips - ScHoolboy Q
87 Bright Future - Adrianne Lenker
All Current Music »