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La Roux
by
La Roux Image
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 93 Ratings

  • Summary: Elly Jackson and Ben Langmaid release their debut album, which has been nominated for the 2009 Mercury Prize.

Top Track

Bulletproof
Been there, done that messed around I'm having fun, don't put me down I'll never let you sweep me off my feet I won't let you in again The messages... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 16
  3. Negative: 1 out of 16
  1. New Musical Express (NME)
    90
    Remarkably, with this astounding debut, an unassuming 21-year-old from SW2 has revitalised a forgotten form to make one of the finest forward-thinking British pop albums of recent memory.
  2. Observer Music Monthly
    80
    There's an intriguing synthetic wheeze lurking in the upper reaches of Jackson's vocal range. Those who feared this effect might pall over a whole album will find solace in the unexpected emotional intensity of her lower register.
  3. Urb
    80
    La Roux’s selft-titled debut doesn’t disappoint, pulling obvious influences from the Human League and Depeche Mode.
  4. Hot Press
    80
    Strangely moving robo-pop from hyped duo.
  5. Pitchfork
    70
    It's a promising sign La Roux might actually develop some range as this pilfer-pop duo continues to mature.
  6. The Guardian
    60
    There are plenty of songs here that sound like hits--not least 'Fascination,' on which Jackson's fragile voice floats affectingly over the bleeping electronics before another ridiculously catchy chorus erupts.
  7. Under The Radar
    30
    Between the shrill, semi-anonymous voice of Elly Jackson, and Ben Langmaid's clunky paint-by-numbers beats, La Roux's eponymous debut already feels dated. [Fall 2009, p.74]
    All this publication's reviews

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User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 21
  3. Negative: 3 out of 21
  1. DragonsInSpace
    Feb 19, 2011
    10
    Strength-draining and intense, but coupled with amazing composition, lyrics, and soft singing. It's love-or-hate (because of how intense itStrength-draining and intense, but coupled with amazing composition, lyrics, and soft singing. It's love-or-hate (because of how intense it is, yada yada), but doubtlessly high-quality.… Expand
  2. nilsy
    Oct 17, 2014
    10
    Years later you still run into the "bulletproof" and "in for the kill" song on the radio and internet. Its very rare i like this type ofYears later you still run into the "bulletproof" and "in for the kill" song on the radio and internet. Its very rare i like this type of techno-pop and even rarer i like them when they are upbeat and happy. You should check out the gold edition its significantly better in fact id go so far as to call it the best album of 2009.
    Quicksand is likely the song that impressed me the most.    … Expand
  4. Falling_Hammer
    Aug 2, 2011
    10
    A pretty good album actually... I am no fan of electric music but I was impressed how songs were composed here so I give it 10/10 ... becauseA pretty good album actually... I am no fan of electric music but I was impressed how songs were composed here so I give it 10/10 ... because when you write a review for a product you have to be objective not subjective... :)… Expand
  5. PhilipH.
    Oct 3, 2009
    9
    I think it's easy to underestimate this album which has a simple theme and is quite poppy, but La Roux should be praised for producing a I think it's easy to underestimate this album which has a simple theme and is quite poppy, but La Roux should be praised for producing a hugely enjoyable first offering. It isn't stunning, but it's fun, and I love it. I think the sound is progressive too, and although clearly influenced by the 80's, it gives us all something unique to enjoy.… Expand
  6. DP922
    Mar 17, 2012
    8
    La Roux's debut is an ode and revival to the 80's synthpop. Fans of Lady Gaga or Robyn will be insanely addicted to these killer beats it'sLa Roux's debut is an ode and revival to the 80's synthpop. Fans of Lady Gaga or Robyn will be insanely addicted to these killer beats it's worth repeating over and over again.

    Key Tracks:
    "Reflections Are Protection"
    "As If by Magic"
    "In for the Kill"    … Expand
  7. ZoeS.
    Nov 27, 2009
    8
    If you don't like electro pop like Gabe C. and Mike L. clearly do not, don't rate albums of this kind!! If you do like pop electro If you don't like electro pop like Gabe C. and Mike L. clearly do not, don't rate albums of this kind!! If you do like pop electro fun then get this album!… Expand
  8. GabrielC.
    Oct 3, 2009
    0
    Horrible album no more words to say.

See all 21 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

62
#62 Most Discussed Album of 2009

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