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Living in Extraordinary Times
by
Living in Extraordinary Times Image
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 9 Ratings

  • Summary: The 15th full-length studio release for the British rock band was produced by Charlie Andrew and Beni Giles.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. PopMatters
    Aug 21, 2018
    80
    Living in Extraordinary Times is an extraordinary album that finds James firing on all cylinders. Booth sings with confidence and vigor, the band providing both slippery grooves and explosive crescendos as second nature.
  2. Q Magazine
    Aug 1, 2018
    80
    They're sparkling again. [Aug 2018, p.111]
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  3. The Observer (UK)
    Aug 6, 2018
    80
    Remarkably, this 15th album might be their best.
  4. Uncut
    Aug 1, 2018
    70
    A record varied in tone and rhythm, capturing a band over 35 years in who are experimenting and sounding rejuvenated. [Sep 2018, p.32]
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  5. Under The Radar
    Aug 2, 2018
    70
    "Overdose" is somewhat overwrought but works as it moves along and further sounds join the vocal. "Trouble" is a shadow version of late-'80s/early-'90s James, more proof that a whole album, or at least an EP, of these three demos would be most welcome. As it stands though, Living In Extraordinary Times is a triumph for the band as their great songs continue to move to new territory.
  6. AllMusic
    Aug 2, 2018
    70
    it's a record that reflects how James always swing for the fences. As such, the album can be a little exhausting for those who aren't true believers--there is plenty going on in the songs and productions but no direct way inside--but can prove to be fascinating for the dedicated sort who choose immersion over skimming.
  7. Mojo
    Aug 1, 2018
    60
    Never quite hits that million-streaming sweet spot. [Sep 2018, p.86]
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See all 9 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. HughFran
    Sep 14, 2018
    10
    Even though this is the band's 15th album, they still manage to sound fresh and original with each record. While most bands wane after two orEven though this is the band's 15th album, they still manage to sound fresh and original with each record. While most bands wane after two or three albums (some after only one album), James seem to have an endurance and creativity that not many other bands possess.

    This album is no exception and it is arguably one of their best yet. The evolution from the melancholy of 'La Petite Mort' to the politically charged 'Living in Extraordinary Times' is astounding and while they deal with different topics, they both sound like James yet sound uniquely different and that is why they have been one of my favorite bands since the 90s.

    There are too many great songs on this album to single out any particular song but the title track alone could be considered one of the best songs James have ever recorded!

    This album is a must for any self-respecting James fan and is very accessible to non-fans also. 10/10    … Expand
  2. Jax_Vespa
    Aug 23, 2018
    8
    Thirty-five years, fifteen albums and a breakup and subsequent reunion later... a wonderful and underrated band releases a great album...Thirty-five years, fifteen albums and a breakup and subsequent reunion later... a wonderful and underrated band releases a great album... featuring songs that make this experienced heart both weep and beat faster.… Expand

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