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Just Because Image
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews What's this?

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  • Summary: The second full-length release for the brother and sister duo of Barbara and Ethan Gruska was produced with Shawn Everett.
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  • Record Label: ATO
  • Genre(s): Pop/Rock, Adult Alternative Pop/Rock, Alternative/Indie Rock, Alternative Singer/Songwriter
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Top Track

When Everything Was What It Was
I don't wanna move on But I don't wanna stay here And if my life is a line All I see are the angles And there's a fencer(?) in my yard(?) Don't... See the rest of the song lyrics
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. Mar 28, 2014
    80
    Just Because doesn't break down any walls in its bid for pop/rock superiority, but with voices this pure and earworms this painless it doesn't have to, as the Gruskas have crafted a timeless-sounding collection of songs with contemporary tools, and most importantly, they've done it with finesse.
  2. Uncut
    Mar 28, 2014
    80
    DNA plus inspiration can be a potent combination. [Apr 2014, p.69]
  3. Mojo
    Dec 17, 2014
    80
    There are plenty of cherishable moments to be savoured. [Jan 2015, p.96]
  4. Mar 28, 2014
    75
    Ultimately, Just Because sounds like an almost-redefined version of The Belle Brigade, which is an impressive feat for a relatively new band. It’s just a little surprising that such a sad record can sound so blissfully blasé.
  5. Magnet
    Apr 18, 2014
    70
    The melodies are arranged with a cinematic sweep that elevates small moments of self-doubt and heartache into something bigger and more universal. [No. 108, p.53]
  6. Apr 1, 2014
    70
    It has more bite and seems to be more sincere, which will probably take them a long way, as they continue to figure out who they are.
  7. Mar 28, 2014
    68
    Barbara and Ethan Gruska return with springtime melodies, dreamy folk pop and R & B-influenced dance numbers.
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of
  2. Mixed: 0 out of
  3. Negative: 0 out of