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Keep Calm And Carry On - Stereophonics
Keep Calm And Carry On Image
Metascore
59 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 8 Critics What's this?

User Score
7.2 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 5 Ratings

Your Score
10 out of 10
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  • Summary: The latest album for the Welsh rock band was produced with Jim Abbiss.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. Uncut
    80
    This seventh studio album doesn't find them doing anything much different but still doing it with grit and conviction. [Dec 2009, p. 113]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. Q Magazine
    60
    I Got Your Number is a sexy, snarling glam rocker, Wonder recalls Smashing Pumpkins at their sunniest and Stuck In A Rut has the strut of prime-time Black Crowes. [Dec 2009, p. 110]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. All Music Guide
    60
    The relatively stripped-down setting winds up letting the rockers of the album's first half latch in, particularly the rather propulsive "Trouble," the nimble "She's Alright," and rolling "I Got Your Number," and does keep the succession of anthems and ballads on the second half from seeming too languid.

See all 8 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. ChungulooM
    10
    “Keep Calm and Carry On” confirms and seals Kelly as not only a story teller but a messenger of humanity. The thematic issues and arrangement of this album embraces not only the individual experience but what seems like an observatory outlook on the world and people as a collective entity. But though he has taken the role of an ‘omniscient narrator’, Kelly’s comments are dictated through a matured soul of reflection and the will to accept and make the best of the possible tomorrow. We are humbled under his tutelage as he teaches compassion, understanding, the acceptance of misfortune and the ultimate search for happiness. The album comes off as sad through its reflective eye but a far cry from depression. With its undertones cushioned and held together by mainly soft instrumentations, “Keep Calm and Carry On” is selflessly beautiful. With songs like She’s Alright, Innocent, Trouble, I’ve Got Your Number and Could You be the One, we are comforted with a recognizable Kelly Jones who holds true to what we have come to know and love. But it is with songs like Beer Bottle, Uppercut, Live ‘n’ Love, Wonder and Stuck in a Rut that we are swept away. Beer Bottle carries us in a daunting, hypnotic, cool (almost deadly) stride into the unknown frontier of determination. With a strumming back beat, the rhythm pumps defiantly forward with the tender touch of the organ and synthesizer making it impossible not give a defiantly “gangsta’ of a rock bounce as Kelly halls the indigent to his feet. Uppercut and 100mph is soulfully caressed with the feeling of choral togetherness and the irresistible temptation to sing-along and just feel real nice. A great feeling but is deliberately tempered by Kelly’s sad vocal embrace ensuring that the lyrics that points to the fact that so often we lose sight of what really matters and lose ourselves in the process are not over shadowed. Head bobbing, feet tapping and unbelievably captivating, Kelly carries his listeners into uncharted waters in Wonder. We are allowed to wade only for a few seconds and then we are forced to tread cautiously as the current changes twice without warning. But make no doubt about it, the water is beautiful against the skin. Kelly’s voice is almost inseparable as it glides with precision and perfection over the beautifully crafted rhythm that finishes with Kelly’s soft plush of baritone. Magnificent masterpiece that takes us to that one lost but memorable moment of youthful bliss. Stuck in a Rut holds Kelly ‘King’ to his artistry. We are held hostage at every balladic interval to its entirety. Kelly’s voice takes us and holds us high without mercy each time he cries out “You’re feeling down and low, you’re dreaming, of how it should feel, staying will set your soul on fire.” Then the impossible takes place as this climax is maxed with the temperament of the piano- and we explode in a state of weeping as we surrender and pay homage. Unprecedented and Flawless. We are certainly left speechless to its beauty and craftsmanship. “Keep Calm and Carry On” is beauty in its purest form and complete in its artistry. Chunguloo Monroe (independent)… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  2. RhoddriM
    10
    After 10 years and a greatest hits tour, it may not be a completely fresh start, but it is a reassuring feeling you get when this album winds to it's 45th minute close.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  3. BazW
    5
    Nothing new here, same old same old.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes

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