Konk
by The Kooks
Metascore
65

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 22
  3. Negative: 1 out of 22
  1. Dot Music
    60
    At times here, The Kooks are far too easily confused with their peers--the Fratellis' riff on 'Stormy Weather' and Arctic Monkeys' intro to 'Down To The Market'--the band struggle to stamp their own identity on proceedings.
  2. New Musical Express (NME)
    50
    Konk is the sound of a band in disarray, unsuccessfully attempting to hold things together.
  3. Pitchfork
    49
    Konk feels like a mere cowardly act, a TPS report from a band that strives to be nothing more than British pop's ultimate company men.
  5. Uncut
    60
    Two years and two million album sales later- and minus raffish bassist Max Rafferty--their sugar-rush enthusiasm has dissolved almost entirely.
  6. Spin
    60
    Odds are Konk's been-there, done-that sentiments will inspire a Kula Shaker-sized blip. [May 2008, p.100]
  7. Paste Magazine
    60
    Konk is a bit too glossy for its own good, with neatly distorted guitars, swooning multi-tracked harmonies and perfectly manicured choruses working against the energy inherent in the performances.
  8. NOW Magazine
    60
    The Kooks seem unable to get beyond the Brit-rock blueprint.
  9. musicOMH.com
    40
    It will no doubt be the soundtrack of the summer for many people, but the lack of originality, warmth and soul may well leave some feeling rather underwhelmed.
  10. The A.V. Club
    58
    They're reasonably tight, and each song is just melodic enough to seem catchy until its memory is erased by the next.
  11. Under The Radar
    50
    The Kooks churn out the occasional winner, but all too often they end up recycling the best bits of better bands. [Spring 2008, p.76]
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  12. Mojo
    60
    Unobtrusive producer Tony Hoffer again extracts clarity while adroitly leaving the sense of a happpy mess. [May 2008 p.112]
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  13. Q Magazine
    60
    Konk is the perfect example of the modern indie record: bright, breezy, demanding no great investment from its listeners but enjoyable to jump around to. [May 2008, p.128]
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  14. Observer Music Monthly
    60
    The follow-up adheres to a winning formula: this is sunny pop in a Sixties vein. But why don't they try something reckless?
  15. Prefix Magazine
    40
    The Kooks come off like a Ringo to most of Britpop’s Paul.
  16. Hot Press
    40
    Suddenly sullen Kooks produce a limp effort.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 50 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 42 out of 50
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 50
  3. Negative: 5 out of 50
  1. MarianaL.
    Apr 17, 2008
    10
    great album, LOVE IT. they are better live though.
  2. MitchellZ
    Jun 17, 2008
    6
    Inoffensive enough, but it surly does not warrant anything close to a perfect review. Their debut had more spark, verve and style in the Inoffensive enough, but it surly does not warrant anything close to a perfect review. Their debut had more spark, verve and style in the worse half of its songs. Konk could use a good trimming and only then would it warrant any serious attention.… Full Review »
  3. RonL.
    Jun 17, 2008
    10
    I have listened to the album over 10 times and it just gets better and better. Looking at the critics reviews at the bottom of the spectrum, I have listened to the album over 10 times and it just gets better and better. Looking at the critics reviews at the bottom of the spectrum, you guys are nuts. This is a magical album. It is better than Brit pop and I think it stands as a marker for a change in pop sound. Buy it and enjoy. I give it my highest recommendation.… Full Review »
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