Need Your Light
by Ra Ra Riot
  • Record Label: Barsuk
  • Release Date: Feb 19, 2016
Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
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  1. Exclaim
    Feb 17, 2016
    60
    Need Your Light is certainly a step up from Beta Love, but Ra Ra Riot are missing the orchestral edge that originally set them apart from other groups in their genre, making it feel inessential despite being quite likeable.
  2. Consequence
    Feb 17, 2016
    50
    The results are mixed, surely, but not anything other than what they are.
  3. PopMatters
    Feb 17, 2016
    50
    I Need Your Light clings stubbornly to a spotlight on songwriting and band format that others of their former cohort, like Vampire Weekend and Dirty Projectors, pursued exceptionally. Most tracks feel caught in between the two. Like some kind of indie pop puberty.
  5. Under The Radar
    Feb 17, 2016
    45
    Despite its slick, bouncy energy, it doesn't make much of a splash. [Jan/Feb 2016, p.58]
  6. DIY Magazine
    Feb 19, 2016
    40
    Following two discouraging albums, Need Your Light represents another stumble in the New Yorkers’ career. A disappointment.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 16 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 16
  3. Negative: 1 out of 16
  1. wrognibene
    Feb 26, 2016
    4
    Despite symphonic choruses and impressive orchestral accents (though severely underutilized), Need Your Light winds up sounding extremelyDespite symphonic choruses and impressive orchestral accents (though severely underutilized), Need Your Light winds up sounding extremely repetitive by the third or fourth song. "Water" is a great opening number that brings you right into the music with speed and blaring guitars, but it's all downhill from there, when those guitars just don't let up.… Full Review »
  2. arascic
    Feb 16, 2017
    5
    A decent album. Nothing too special, but there are good cuts on this record. I recommend the following tracks: Absolutely, I Need Your Light,A decent album. Nothing too special, but there are good cuts on this record. I recommend the following tracks: Absolutely, I Need Your Light, Instant Breakup, Bouncy Castle and Suckers.… Full Review »
  3. LsSiel
    Oct 21, 2016
    10
    A nice prove of light! This album is very good. "Call me out" is my favorite. The violin and Wes' voice it's very energic and empowering. AnA nice prove of light! This album is very good. "Call me out" is my favorite. The violin and Wes' voice it's very energic and empowering. An enjoyable album with a lot of great songs!… Full Review »
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