Loyalty To Loyalty - Cold War Kids
User Score
8.0 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 22 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 22
  3. Negative: 2 out of 22

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  1. jeffj
    May 9, 2009
    9
    At first this album struck me as not as catchy and hook-heavy as their previous album but, I like that. A few listens allows the album to soak into you. Granted, there are a couple low points but, overall, this is an original album among the common cookie cutter albums that are abound. Also, Chris H. can I borrow your dictionary? Does it contain the words "verbose" or "pretentious?"
  2. ChrisS.
    Sep 24, 2008
    10
    This year has been full of very promising albums. First there was Death Cab's Narrow Stairs, and then there was Coldplay's Viva La Vida, among many others. I really liked both of those album's, especially Narrow Stairs, but they did not live up to their hype. At least not to their fullest. I have been waiting for this album for two years. Robbers and Cowards was amazing, and definatley had a unique sound. Loyalty to Loyalty has that same unique sound, but at something little extra. I love the bluesy roots in the album, and their lyrics have evolved into something worth talking about. The Cold War Kids are one album away from an instant classic with Loyalty to Loyalty. Don't judge the album by Something is Not Right With Me.… Expand
  3. KevinM.
    Sep 24, 2008
    10
    Attention to lyrics and detail. They bring meaning back to music. Like Robbers and Cowards, a perfect 10 in my book.
  4. JasonB.
    Oct 9, 2008
    10
    Their first album had several good songs. But this one has an overall structural and artistic integrity that the first one lacked. It's heavier on the drums and bass and generally has a more melancholly feel. This is a really compelling, really excellent album. These guys are artists in the truest sense.
  5. SpencerC.
    Oct 8, 2008
    10
    solid follow up. sure, it's a bit hard to listen to at first but it grows on you if you were a fan of robbers and cowards, check it out.
  6. NikolasP.
    Sep 27, 2008
    9
    I usually tend to agree when an album gets largely unfavorably or mediocre reviews, but I find myself a bit confused at the lower spectrum reviews for this one. I realize I'm going out on a ledge saying this so soon, but I really believe the album will be considered underrated in the future. The band shows great advancement in musicianship and a welcome sense of risk in their songs' structures. It is not as immediate as "Robbers," obviously, but there's something to be said for albums that take their time to invade you. I thoroughly enjoy this album, I am very pleased with the band, and I hope the critics' mostly lukewarm reception to the new album doesn't effect you from giving it a chance.… Expand
  7. MarkP
    Dec 18, 2008
    9
    Not as appealing as Robbers and Cowards at first but after a few listens, Loyalty to Loyalty defines Cold War Kids as the great Soul Rockers that they are.

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
66 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. New Musical Express (NME)
    70
    Almost in defiance of poor sales and cult following, CWK and their charming second album embody everything you hoped music might be.
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  2. Rolling Stone
    70
    Cold War Kids attack their songs with unusual intensity, infusing even the most noirish, unsettling songs--fractured narratives about hipster bohemia and suicide--with a feeling of enchantment.
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  3. The Guardian
    40
    Nathan Willett remains a technically proficient singer, with hints of Jeff Buckley, but much like his band's music, his voice is too drearily clean-cut to deliver a true emotional punch.
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