Leaders Of The Free World
by Elbow
  • Record Label: V2
  • Release Date: Feb 21, 2006
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 25
  3. Negative: 1 out of 25
  1. Uncut
    60
    It's certainly more assured and less wilfully angsty than Cast Of Thousands. However, it still lacks the special unified mood or thread of Asleep. [Oct 2005, p.110]
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  2. Rolling Stone
    40
    What it lacks are top-quality tunes.
  3. Slant Magazine
    60
    The album is a reverb-laced dirge, a slow-motion version of "you're prettier after three beers." Unfortunately, Elbow's lyrics--while plenty fatigued, especially coming from the disinterested vocal cords of lead singer Guy Garvey--are pretty sober.
  5. Prefix Magazine
    60
    Presenting four or five great songs on any fifty-minute album is a rare gift, and on Leaders of the Free World, these bittersweet Brits prove to be worthy rainy-day companions.
  6. ShakingThrough.net
    60
    The back end of the album trundles along, failing to rival the opening energy or offer anything as interesting as the non-anthemic detours.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 72 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 66 out of 72
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 72
  3. Negative: 4 out of 72
  1. Ricko
    Dec 7, 2012
    8
    This record fits in neatly with the rest of Elbow's back catalogue. Not much on it to distinguish it from their others but as usual theThis record fits in neatly with the rest of Elbow's back catalogue. Not much on it to distinguish it from their others but as usual the quality of the songwriting is excellent. Because their records are all pretty similar, it's hard to pick my favourite/least favourite, but I think "The Seldom Seen Kid" is really the place to go if your looking to get into this band.… Full Review »
  2. jfred7
    Apr 27, 2011
    6
    Elbow is consistently very good, but this is easily their weakest album. It's not without its share of great songs, though. "GreatElbow is consistently very good, but this is easily their weakest album. It's not without its share of great songs, though. "Great Expectations" is gorgeous, one of the band's most beautiful pieces, but it can't save the album from feeling a bit off. The band aims for a more upbeat vibe, but their success is mixed. Fortunately, they end up getting it right on the Seldom Seen Kid.… Full Review »
  3. glynw
    Aug 2, 2009
    10
    When bush and bliar are held to account for war crimes,and sentenced,michael moors makes the film.and the title track--leaders of the free When bush and bliar are held to account for war crimes,and sentenced,michael moors makes the film.and the title track--leaders of the free world'then we are cleansed.… Full Review »
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