Make Up The Breakdown - Hot Hot Heat
Make Up The Breakdown Image
Metascore

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critics What's this?

User Score

Universal acclaim- based on 22 Ratings

  • Summary: This Sub Pop debut for the British Columbia band falls into the 80s/punk revival category occupied by the likes of French Kicks and Radio 4, although Cure comparisons are more likely (since lead singer Steve Bays' voice sounds, at times, almost identical to Robert Smith's).
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 23
  2. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. Despite all this seemingly new wave-laden, impeccably cool, retrograde influence, 'Make Up The Break Down' is indisputably now.
  2. Amazingly, the entire package coalesces without sounding tacky, no matter how funhouse-quirky the instrumentation gets.
  3. Splendid ramshackle pop corniness. [Dec 2002, p.81]
  4. 60
    When on their game -- about two-thirds of this to-the-point-set -- Hot Hot Heat are too breathlessly enjoyable to refuse. [Apr 2003, p.98]

See all 23 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 18
  3. Negative: 2 out of 18
  1. AshlieW.
    10
    I rate this album a 10 because it never gets old and I can listen to it over and over without ever getting tired of it. It is catchy and melodic, with fun tunes so no matter who you are, you'll want to sing along and maybe even dance some. I cannot even pick a favorite from this album, mostly because every song is so fun and unique and has a different reason for being well-liked. Talk to me, Dance with me will have you dancing and smiling with great instrumental solos and everything. Oh Goddamnit is a fun song that is many fans' favorite song. All in alll the album is great, I would recommend it to all over my friends and peers and it makes me happy to hear that someone new is listening to it! Expand
  2. KessT
    8
    This was a very entertaining and overall happy album. It is a major change from all of the dark and depressing music that has been popular these days. If you are looking for something to have fun with check it out. It is definitly worth it. Expand
  3. TimB
    6
    There's nothing wrong with this album, but I can't shake the feeling that I'm listening to a slightly cooler version of Sugar Ray. I can't verbalize any complaints other than that it doesn't leave me with anything I didn't have before I heard it -- it's a vague combination of "I've heard this before" and "I haven't quite heard this before, but who cares?". It's fun listening but (to me) largely uninspired and bound for only a few repeat visits to the CD player in the coming years. Is it bad music? Absolutely not. I just haven't yet made it through the entire album without turning to something a bit more substantial. Expand
  4. briana.
    0
    it sucked so bad i threw it out the window

See all 18 User Reviews