Moral Panic
by Nothing But Thieves
  • Record Label: RCA
  • Release Date: Oct 23, 2020
User Score
8.9

Universal acclaim- based on 56 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 53 out of 56
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 56
  3. Negative: 2 out of 56
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. Panicfallarctic
    Oct 26, 2020
    10
    Everything we need to get through the last of 2020. Cant stop listening and wont stop
  2. naletici
    Nov 24, 2020
    10
    I'm speachless! it's incredible how they can get better conor's voice sounds amazing like always. I'm in love with this album, it saved my year
  3. Ori14
    Jul 23, 2021
    9
    one of the best albums that were released in 2020. I really enjoy the entire album.
    I don't have a favorite track. every single track hit me in another way. but if I must choose my favorite it'll be " Can you afford to be an individual ". mostly because of the lyrics.
  4. migueleonef
    Oct 26, 2020
    10
    this is undoubtedly an album that predates the apocalypse lived in 2020. 'Is Everybody Going Crazy?' it preceded the pandemic (unfortunately) and in fact, we all went crazy. It is so satisfying to see an alternative rock band on their third album deliver so much quality, frantic beats, electric guitars and not to mention Conor's vocals, he sounds like an angel and yet manages to bethis is undoubtedly an album that predates the apocalypse lived in 2020. 'Is Everybody Going Crazy?' it preceded the pandemic (unfortunately) and in fact, we all went crazy. It is so satisfying to see an alternative rock band on their third album deliver so much quality, frantic beats, electric guitars and not to mention Conor's vocals, he sounds like an angel and yet manages to be aggressive when the music asks. It's a wonderful album and my second favorite of the year. They never disappoint.… Expand
  5. GhostGamer13
    Mar 6, 2021
    8
    I initially gave this album a 6. A "6"! It is so, so much more than a 6. I didn't misunderstand the lyrical content, but the music on the first few listens didn't really connect with me. But OH how much this has grown on me! Its almost as good as their previous two albums. Its powerful and meaningful. I will say there are more quieter songs on this album than the others but even then, mostI initially gave this album a 6. A "6"! It is so, so much more than a 6. I didn't misunderstand the lyrical content, but the music on the first few listens didn't really connect with me. But OH how much this has grown on me! Its almost as good as their previous two albums. Its powerful and meaningful. I will say there are more quieter songs on this album than the others but even then, most of them roar out towards the end and gives the emotion in the lyrics that much more impact.

    Songs like "Impossible", "Real Love Song" and "Can you afford to be an Individual?" are so emotional and powerful.

    "Phobia", "Before we drift away" and "There was sun" are the farthest from the typical style of music Nothing But Thieves make but even these have really grown on me and I really enjoy them now.

    At this point, I feel that there isn't a single bad song on this album. I only gave this album an '8' because few of the songs like I mention start of really slow, or sounds weird coming from this band and one sounds kinda similar to "Amsterdam".    … Expand
  6. Jessep69
    Oct 29, 2020
    10
    As an NBT fan, I thought this album was "OK" on first listen.
    But with every listen, the album gets better and better and better and better.
    These guys know how to write music with intricacy that with multiple listens you begin to truly appreciate. But once you get there....WOW!......the reward is exactly why we listen to music! The song writing, inspired by all varieties of musical    As an NBT fan, I thought this album was "OK" on first listen.
    But with every listen, the album gets better and better and better and better.
    These guys know how to write music with intricacy that with multiple listens you begin to truly appreciate.
    But once you get there....WOW!......the reward is exactly why we listen to music!
    The song writing, inspired by all varieties of musical styles is matched by brilliant lyrics and impeccable delivery and production.
    There is not one weak song on the album, which is amazing considering how many different styles are evident, and every song grows with every listen!
    Do yourself a favour and commit to multiple listens before you critique this brilliant offering!
    Clear 45mins in the diary, find a comfy chair, put the headphones on, sit back and get immersed in aural delight!    … Expand
  7. KingMaclean
    Nov 2, 2020
    9
    I hate that you can’t give ‘.5’ to a review. I enjoy the entire album, with Impossible being my favourite track. Amazing job! 9.5/10.
  8. dcg-vr
    Feb 27, 2021
    8
    "Moral Panic" is NBT's reactions to the social and political turbulence that both predated 2020 and escalated during the COVID-19 pandemic. The band continues to experiment with different sounds and evolves both musically and lyrically. "Is Everybody Going Crazy?" and "There Was Sun" are interesting takes on the recent trends of 80s dance-pop. "Free If We Want It" and "Impossible" are"Moral Panic" is NBT's reactions to the social and political turbulence that both predated 2020 and escalated during the COVID-19 pandemic. The band continues to experiment with different sounds and evolves both musically and lyrically. "Is Everybody Going Crazy?" and "There Was Sun" are interesting takes on the recent trends of 80s dance-pop. "Free If We Want It" and "Impossible" are emotional tracks that allow Conor Mason's expansive and soul-stirring vocals to shine. "Phobia" and "Can You Afford to Be An Individual?" draw from a wide range of influences like Billie Eilish, Queens of the Stone Age, and Rage Against The Machine, while tackling contemporary issues regarding social media and political discourse. While half of this album appears not too memorable and impressive for me, overall, this is a strong record that boldly incorporates different musical styles with excellent lyrical content.

    Highlights: Can You Afford to Be An Individual?, Impossible (also check out the Orchestral Version on Youtube), Free If We Want It, Phobia
    Rating: 7.5/10    … Expand
  9. DonldTrump_45Th
    Jan 26, 2023
    10
    These guys are beasts. They have a great style. Their songs are just too addictive. Be careful !
  10. crazybutter1
    Dec 1, 2021
    7
    A full, emotional roller-coaster, Moral Panic is an album which just wants to have fun. The punchy guitars in all of the songs accompanied by the great voice leave the listener feeling, musically, satisfied. My issue, however, is with the lyrics. They are often repetitive and slightly nonsensical at times, although mostly good. Finally, it feels like there are a few songs there as fillersA full, emotional roller-coaster, Moral Panic is an album which just wants to have fun. The punchy guitars in all of the songs accompanied by the great voice leave the listener feeling, musically, satisfied. My issue, however, is with the lyrics. They are often repetitive and slightly nonsensical at times, although mostly good. Finally, it feels like there are a few songs there as fillers rather than an actual part of the album, yet they work well.… Expand
  11. mw04
    May 13, 2022
    8
    Unperson: 9/10: arguably the chorus doesn't quite fit but the mood and production of the song is excellent
    Is Everybody Going Crazy: 7/10: very catchy but I think there are better songs
    Moral Panic: 6/10: Definitely the weakest song on the album but still decent I like the tempo shift Real Love Song: 7/10: great chorus but slightly annoying song Phobia: 10/10: unique song - nothing    Unperson: 9/10: arguably the chorus doesn't quite fit but the mood and production of the song is excellent
    Is Everybody Going Crazy: 7/10: very catchy but I think there are better songs
    Moral Panic: 6/10: Definitely the weakest song on the album but still decent I like the tempo shift
    Real Love Song: 7/10: great chorus but slightly annoying song
    Phobia: 10/10: unique song - nothing else like it
    This Feels Like The End: 8/10: probably the most basic song on the album but the spoken section really sums up the album well
    Free If We Want It: 9/10: doesn't seem like much at first but the more you listen to it it gets better. A cleverly written song and one of the band's favourites
    Impossible: 9/10: So much creativity - each verse is different and all great
    There Was Sun: 8/10: great groove but not quite as memorable
    Can You Afford To Be An Individual: 10/10 - the band's favourite and definitely my favourite. I don't even know how to describe it it's just so good
    Before We Drift Away: 7/10 - a good ending but unfortunately loses out because of how spectacular CYATBAI is    … Expand

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
68

Generally favorable reviews - based on 6 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. Classic Rock Magazine
    Nov 19, 2020
    70
    [Mike Crossey's production] effectively strips them of their core classicism. [Dec 2020, p.85]
  2. Sputnikmusic
    Oct 26, 2020
    90
    Moral Panic is simultaneously the most depressing and fun rock record of 2020, and that’s got to count for something.
    Read full review
  3. The Line of Best Fit
    Oct 23, 2020
    75
    Somewhere in the combination of the album’s dramatic, heavy riffs and revealing lyrics, there’s a depth to the artistry that depicts both the political criticisms that sit at its crux, as well as the band’s trademark alt-rock sound.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »