• Record Label: Wichita
  • Release Date: Oct 29, 2013
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 23 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 23
  3. Negative: 1 out of 23
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  1. Oct 29, 2013
    9
    I've only heard this a few times, but I really like it. It's a densely produced, high energy album with nice hooks and clever lyrics. Funny this was released on the same day as Reflektor; it owes a debt to early Arcade Fire.
  2. Oct 31, 2013
    9
    Full of intelligent, energetic, wry pop with huge melodies and an inherant humanism to everything they do. It'sa brilliant album and builds on their previous 4 albums, This is a huge step beyond the shouty twee-pop the band are known for.
  3. Nov 1, 2013
    10
    Los Campesinos! needed to demonstrate to the world that they were a band with room for improvement after the mixed reviews that their fourth album, Hello Sadness, received. And they definitely showed their maturation on No Blues, which is probably their best album to date. It might not be as lively as Hold On Now, Youngster... nor as atypical as the rest of their previous works. No BluesLos Campesinos! needed to demonstrate to the world that they were a band with room for improvement after the mixed reviews that their fourth album, Hello Sadness, received. And they definitely showed their maturation on No Blues, which is probably their best album to date. It might not be as lively as Hold On Now, Youngster... nor as atypical as the rest of their previous works. No Blues stands out thanks to its perfect balance between their most soft, 'pop-ish' sound and their more rough indie rock influence.

    In the same way, their lyrics sound much more mature despite the signature songwriting style of Gareth Campesinos!, and while they give a wink to the past in some occasions (probably on purpose though!) it's pretty clear that Gareth has taken a step forward.

    It must be noted that this album is not as straightforward as their previous albums, and it doesn't leave a strong impression after hearing it for the first time. However, it definitely gets better with a few listens and it ends up giving a stronger impression than anything the band has done before.

    All the mentioned attributes make No Blues not only the most harmonic Los Campesinos! record to date, but one of the most interesting albums of 2013.
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Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 18
  2. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. Magnet
    Dec 18, 2013
    60
    After a few tracks, you may find yourself seeking relief with your favorite method of self-obliteration. [No. 105, p.56]
  2. Q Magazine
    Nov 22, 2013
    80
    No Blues is their best album yet. [Dec 2013, p.109]
  3. Nov 14, 2013
    80
    The finest songs here are as solid as any other rock music you’ll find in 2013.