- Critic score
- Publication
- By date
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As it is, Now or Heaven is good enough but too derivative and uneven to be seen as anything other than a mild disappointment.
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Given the far sunnier cast of the group's debut, it's fair to say Now or Heaven is a document of growing pains.
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The biggest problem for the Broken West may be that in polishing up their sound they’ve emerged sounding like a wannabe Coldplay.
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Under The RadarThere are some strong moments, especially 'Gwen, Now And then,' 'Auctioneer,' and 'Perfect Game,' but those high points are surrounded largely by filler. [Fall 2008, p.79]
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More importantly, the songwriting is better this time around, with sharp hooks that draw blood once they grab on.
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They're never slavish imitators, and when they goose the velocity--those comparisons gradually fade into classic, shimmery guitar pop. [Nov 2008, p.88]
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Maybe Now or Heaven isn’t an awful record, but it’s certainly one that strips away everything I felt was compelling about the band to begin with.
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It’s a step forward chronologically but a step backward in overall album success.
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FilterIt's no sophomore slump, but it's a little disappointing to see a band embracing city life, backing chugging electric guitars with metered, occasionally mechanical rhythms. [Fall 2008, p.105]