Long Gone Before Daylight
by The Cardigans
  • Record Label: Koch
  • Release Date: May 25, 2004
Metascore
65

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. Blender
    60
    Persson does sadness the way Eminem does anger: with a conviction that takes the breath away.
  2. AllMusic
    50
    [It is] over-produced to within an inch of its artistic life, and lacks the quality songs and exquisite productions that the group had made a hallmark.
  3. Drowned In Sound
    40
    Music is supposed to be a form of entertainment, but ‘Long Gone Before Daylight’ feels like a collection of aimless lullabies.
  5. Tiny Mix Tapes
    40
    The songs all sound pretty much the same; this could be Avril Lavigne, Sheryl Crow; hell, it could be Christian Contemporary.
  6. The A.V. Club
    60
    Fans who enjoyed The Cardigans' evolution toward the challenging art-disco of Gran Turismo will likely be disappointed by Daylight, which at least superficially sounds like the kind of easygoing roots-lite better associated with Sheryl Crow or Bonnie Raitt.
  7. Dot Music
    40
    Frequently, it sounds like the band have spent most of that time labouring to make their fifth album as monumental as possible. Where once they swung, however ironically, now they plod. Slowly. Ponderously. In expensive lead boots.
  8. Q Magazine
    60
    Although this is certainly flawed, the Cardigans deserve kudos for recognising their faults, trying with all their might to rectify them. [Apr 2003, p.103]
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  9. Rolling Stone
    60
    Daylight's rich, delicate instrumental work demands attention. [24 Jun 2004, p.174]
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  10. Uncut
    40
    This is the sound of dashboard-tapping, local radio MOR. [Apr 2004, p.108]
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User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 27 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 27
  3. Negative: 2 out of 27
  1. Ricko
    Apr 12, 2020
    7
    Growing up in the 90's, The Cardigans were always on my radar. Outside of their global superhits, I was aware of many of the band's singlesGrowing up in the 90's, The Cardigans were always on my radar. Outside of their global superhits, I was aware of many of the band's singles but only recently listened to an actual album of theirs after a friend recommended "Long Gone Before Daylight". It's certainly not what I expected in that it is quite mellow and mature sounding, leaning closer to country and folk although it still undeniably has pop roots. The album has an exquisite vocal performance, the recording and production are slick and lend themselves well to the grand nature of the songs. All 11 songs are worthy of their place and sound better with repeated listening which is always a very good sign. Despite it's melancholic air, it's an album full of catchy choruses and melodic verses.… Full Review »
  2. JeebsV
    Jan 11, 2007
    10
    A more mature yet great cardigans album
  3. MarkC
    Oct 27, 2005
    10
    Probably there best album even better than Gran Turismo (and i thought that was a great album) I think they matured a bit with this one Probably there best album even better than Gran Turismo (and i thought that was a great album) I think they matured a bit with this one lovely melodies and lovely lyrics when you listen it really gets to you makes you think but not all songs are mellow there a some great upbeat guitars tracks included aswell. Definately Buy it. This is a band that is so underestimated by the media and radio stations its as if they have been cast a side. THE CARIDIGANS Probably the Best Thing to Come out of Sweden for Ages… Full Review »
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