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. New Musical Express (NME)
    90
    A masterpiece.
  2. Dot Music
    80
    A... winning blend of seemingly spontaneous, humanised warmth and brooding, existential contemplation.
  3. No Ripcord
    80
    Endearingly sorrowful without descending into outright misery, Leaders Of The Free World is exactly what we the listeners should expect from a band's third album.
  5. Pitchfork
    62
    Why, pray tell, did Elbow decide to start sounding less like Radiohead rip-offs and more like midlife-crisis Travis?
  6. Playlouder
    100
    Few albums are this evocative, and 'Leaders of the Free World' is a thing of rare beauty indeed.
  7. AllMusic
    80
    Leaders of the Free World is a bit more rock & roll than not, with guts and heart, because Elbow have finally embraced their powerful, surrounding space this time out.
  8. The Guardian
    80
    Retains Elbow's best qualities - embittered romanticism and pretty, twisty melodies - while infusing them with hooks galore.
  9. Tiny Mix Tapes
    70
    It's probably the worst Elbow album yet.
  10. Stylus Magazine
    91
    Right now Elbow are hitting an emotional pitch no one else is managing; one more personal and more potent than those that might be considered their competition.
  11. PopMatters
    80
    Leaders Of The Free World is an ambitious and beautiful album that confirms Elbow as one of the bands of our generation.
  12. Lost At Sea
    75
    A mostly brilliant, though occasionally lackluster, album.
  13. The A.V. Club
    91
    Leaders Of The Free World contains songs as heavy and epic as the neo-prog of Elbow's first two albums, but it's strongest at its quietest.
  14. Under The Radar
    100
    Elbow have always been the most intelligent band in Britain. Now they're the most exciting, too. [#12, p.91]
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  15. Mojo
    80
    [A] deft combination of emotional intimacy and musical ambition. [Oct 2005, p.108]
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  16. Blender
    80
    Elbow's lifeblood is equal parts rain and alcohol. [Mar 2006, p.111]
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  17. Q Magazine
    80
    This is certainly no party album, and its colours are almost exclusively monochrome, but its majesty reigns supreme. [Sep 2005, p.112]
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  18. Paste Magazine
    70
    Leaders Of The Free World would seem by-the-book Brit rock, if it weren't for Guy Garvey. Gruff but generous, with a voice like Peter Gabriel minus the ego, Garvey masters the role of sensitive frontman by staying grounded. [Feb/Mar 2006, p.104]
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  19. Entertainment Weekly
    91
    The gloom-rock tunes are as sophisticated as ever. [24 Feb 2006, p.64]
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  20. Spin
    91
    Rife with acid-burn guitars, levee-breaking drums, and vocals that recall Peter Gabriel at his wooziest. [Feb 2006, p.87]
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Awards & Rankings

80
#80 Most Discussed Album of 2006

User Reviews

All reviews »
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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