Living in Extraordinary Times
by James
User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 9 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 9
  3. Negative: 1 out of 9
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  1. 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... featuring songs that make this experienced heart both weep and beat faster.
  2. 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 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'    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 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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic 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.
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  2. The Observer (UK)
    Aug 6, 2018
    80
    Remarkably, this 15th album might be their best.
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  3. The Skinny
    Aug 3, 2018
    60
    Albums have come at a brisk pace in the last few years, but there have been some diminishing returns as the Manchester troupe try to find the balance between the big hitters and the bit between their teeth.
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