Machineries of Joy
by British Sea Power
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
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  1. PopMatters
    May 8, 2013
    60
    Though there are certainly more misses than hits on Machineries of Joy, its not for lack of trying, and those hits soar.
  2. Filter
    Apr 5, 2013
    50
    Unfocused and uninspired, Machineries lacks the sprawling majesty and well-forged hooks of earlier efforts.
  3. Pitchfork
    Apr 3, 2013
    58
    Machineries of Joy lacks the kind of crucial equalizers that appeal to all levels of education--big hooks, convincing physicality, legible emotions.
  5. Consequence
    Apr 2, 2013
    60
    Between Abi Fry’s lilting viola and Wilkinson’s cogent, sentimentalist vocals, BSP sails through Machineries of Joy without any fatal blunders.
  6. Drowned In Sound
    Mar 29, 2013
    60
    Machineries of Joy is an improvement on its predecessor but far from a dramatic leap forward.
  7. The Independent (UK)
    Mar 29, 2013
    60
    Valhalla Dancehall found British Sea Power somewhat becalmed, but Machineries Of Joy gets them moving again, albeit in a variety of directions.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 14 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. Ricko
    Oct 31, 2014
    6
    It is clear that alot of work went into making this album. When you listen to the album closely you can hear the intricate details layeredIt is clear that alot of work went into making this album. When you listen to the album closely you can hear the intricate details layered onto each song and the time and effort put in to the songs is obvious. The thing is, unfortunately the raw material (i.e. the songs) just isn't as potent or precious as was previously the case. The band do their best to mold as much melody and beauty from what they have to work with and the results are impressive enough when you consider how standard the basic songs actually are. There are some great moment but they are sparse and for the most part the album stays in the shadows of the bands best days. Album opener "Machineries of Joy" and closer "When a warm wind blows through the grass" are the album highlights. Its too easy to get distracted on the journey in between.… Full Review »
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