Oblivion With Bells
by Underworld
User Score
7.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 27 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 27
  3. Negative: 3 out of 27

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  1. MorganH.
    Jan 6, 2008
    9
    This is a new kind of Underworld, significantly better than the last new-kind-of-Underworld we saw on A Hundred Days Off. They smash together all of their sounds - combining the gritty dark beats of dubnobass with the bright, poppy synths of Beaucoup Fish and the weird, experimental work of their recent soundtracks and EPs. Is there a little Second Toughest in there as well? Holding The This is a new kind of Underworld, significantly better than the last new-kind-of-Underworld we saw on A Hundred Days Off. They smash together all of their sounds - combining the gritty dark beats of dubnobass with the bright, poppy synths of Beaucoup Fish and the weird, experimental work of their recent soundtracks and EPs. Is there a little Second Toughest in there as well? Holding The Moth (which attentive followers of UW will know as Globe) harks back to those days. Boy Boy Boy might be my favourite track, although it's hard to pick one; it's a kind of synthesis of previous sounds with something new, and it comes out rocking and thumping and everything you wanted. You were let down, perhaps, by A Hundred Days Off, and the four year gap that followed it. If, like me, you were thrilled to hear Crocodile for the first time, to hear that return to their original thumping beats and glorious harmonies, you're going to love this album.… Expand
  2. JamesJ.
    Dec 3, 2007
    3
    It's sad but underworld has fallen off. I almost wish I didn't even give it a listen but it still can't diminish their past brilliant works.
  3. Rub
    Nov 29, 2007
    9
    I think this album is quite good. pleasantly surprised.
  4. RadeD.
    Nov 7, 2007
    9
    Probably the most underrated albums this year. Not masterpiece, but definitely not a disappointment.
  5. DoloresC.
    Nov 3, 2007
    9
    Beautiful Burnout, Crocodile and Glam Bucket inspire and work really well live as well ! Is Boy, Boy, Boy new single?
  6. ZimaF.
    Nov 1, 2007
    9
    much better then the last album. on the way to the greatness of classics.
  7. BryanD.
    Oct 28, 2007
    9
    This album isn't getting proper attention. I almost gave up on it myself -- I've been skeptical since Beaucoup Fish disappointed, and Hundred Days Off was bad. Initially I was disappointed with this one as well; but after giving a few more listens, my opinion has changed 180 degrees, and I now think it's right up there with Second Toughest. Not as consistently good as This album isn't getting proper attention. I almost gave up on it myself -- I've been skeptical since Beaucoup Fish disappointed, and Hundred Days Off was bad. Initially I was disappointed with this one as well; but after giving a few more listens, my opinion has changed 180 degrees, and I now think it's right up there with Second Toughest. Not as consistently good as dubnobasswithmyheadman, but something Underworld seemed to have lost for good on Hundred Days is back here. Sounds a little different without Emerson, but they do have the funk back, and the beauty as well.… Expand
  8. StuartG.
    Oct 23, 2007
    9
    If your a fan this album delivers all you desire.
  9. MikeS.
    Oct 22, 2007
    9
    The soundscapes within this album are glorious. Somewhat like Trentemoller's The Last Resort it works best when you approach it without expectation and just let it wash around you.
  10. MeyerM.
    Oct 21, 2007
    5
    Sadly, Oblivion just provides more proof that the magic left with the departure of Darren Emerson. For a band that was a seminal force a decade ago in electronic music, little on this album comes close to touching anything on Skyscraper or SecondToughest.
  11. JayB.
    Oct 19, 2007
    9
    Except for a couple missteps, this album is pure Underworld and is one of the best albums of the year. You will not be disappointed!
  12. FrankB.
    Oct 18, 2007
    9
    I've followed Underworld since the days of Lemon Interrupt, and this is their finest work to date. Those who still associate the band purely with Born Slippy won't see past the first two tracks; anyone looking for something that rests between Hybrid and latter Radiohead will be pleasantly surprised.
  13. SteveR.
    Oct 18, 2007
    9
    A strong effort. Underworld being Underworld. Great production and addictive grooves. What's not to like?
  14. MattC.
    Oct 18, 2007
    6
    I love Underworld, I really do and there are some storming moments on this album, but Karl Hyde really needs to stop writing lyrics that sound like he's borrowed them off The Mighty Boosh.
  15. kelly
    Oct 17, 2007
    9
    Some very good songs. The last cut is worth the album alone would listen to more of it had 'in rainbows' not monopolized my headphones.
  16. BitBurn
    Oct 17, 2007
    7
    As excited as I was getting my hands on this new album I must say though I was a little bit disappointed when I first heard the whole thing. It

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. AllMusic
    60
    Underworld never sound particularly tired on Oblivion with Bells. Granted, the music is less innovative than before, and also more quiet, which makes Hyde's vocals more critical than they've ever been.
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  2. Amazon.com
    70
    The best tracks on Oblivion with Bells are also the most ambitious....But after that pair of opening tracks, you have to wait until the very last piece, a long, trancey bit of psychedelic drift called 'The Best Mamgu Ever,' to hear something more than unformed melodies and unstrung ideas.
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  3. musicOMH.com
    50
    Some thrills and spills, then--like West Ham--and the first fifteen minutes are as good as you could hope for from a band coming back to life after an extended period on the sidelines.
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