Permission To Land
by The Darkness
  • Record Label: Atlantic
  • Release Date: Sep 16, 2003
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 80 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 68 out of 80
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 80
  3. Negative: 8 out of 80

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. drlowdon
    Feb 6, 2014
    8
    Genre: Rock
    With the over the top 70's style it is easy to misjudge The Darkness as a bit of a joke but they back up their excess by belting out some cracking old school rock tunes.
  2. Cubbykovu
    Aug 14, 2012
    10
    permission to land is bombastic loud rock album of legendary status the songs are loud catchy and sing alongy . the guitar laying is brilliant the drums bash and it is quite simply and album made to make you feel good and sing along too there should be more albums like this. It is also a fit of a larf with some impressively rediculous vocals that soar. Super album Super band
  3. Wolfmother
    Aug 11, 2010
    10
    Glam rock gods. Overrated? Barely anyone knows who they are. Overrated is incredibly ironic. Justin Hawkins and Dan hawkins are like Queen + Ac/dc. The hooks and uniqueness of Queen with the generic rock sounds of Ac/Dc. A shame they broke up. They could have been gods.
  4. WillH
    Sep 21, 2003
    10
    Ace!
  5. robm
    Jun 14, 2004
    10
    ok, for one thing this album is a 10 even if you dont go to their show, but I did and you can then only appreciate their love for rock n' roll. great song writers, amazing guitarists...and what is great is that it brings the fun back in rock!
  6. TomI
    Oct 1, 2003
    9
    Don't let the name fool you. The Darkness are not a punk rock band which their nam emight suggest, but are a brilliant and entertaining rock bandwiht great songs. 'I believe in a thing called love' is fantastic and if their is any justice in the world it should get to No.1. They have been compared to Queen and you can see why - they're going to be huge!!
  7. DaveZ
    Oct 7, 2003
    10
    A beast.
  8. MichaelD
    Sep 15, 2003
    10
    Rock on baby !!!
  9. Kris-say!
    Oct 23, 2004
    9
    I wouldn't know much about old school rock, considering I'm only 16, but, for some reason... they just appeal, and you can tell they really know what they're doing... the guitar is amazing and I just get in the feel of it every time I listen... he he, it's great runway practice music... :D
  10. AndrewE
    Mar 18, 2004
    10
    I'm going to guess that stylus magazine gave "Justified" 5 stars cause evidently they don't know shit about music. The Darkness might de-throne The White Stripes as the current gods of rock and roll.
  11. leahr
    Mar 19, 2004
    10
    the best cd in the world I love the darkness so much their doing very well keep it up boys
  12. FraserD
    Jul 5, 2004
    10
    This is honestly one of the greatest albums that I have experienced in a long time. When you're looking to loosen that tie, shake the head, pump the fist, sing to the heavens and rock out - this is the album. I can't help but have a massive grin on my face everytime I hear any of these tracks. And for those of you who've caught them live... well... words can't describe
  13. nilso
    Mar 28, 2006
    10
    god!
  14. katie
    Nov 4, 2003
    10
    fkin mint cd-buy it for eve1
  15. joeb
    Sep 16, 2003
    10
    this album will rock ur world hear it before evryone else because these are going to be the biggest thing out of britain since the beatles - i tell no lie
  16. NickC
    Sep 19, 2003
    8
    Zero originality, but highly entertaining 80's style rock. The Darkness have become huge in the UK, and it's easy to see why - not many larger than life bands around at the moment.
  17. TheElusivePossom
    Jan 27, 2004
    10
    Easily one of the best albums ever created, with an all killer songlist compiled of hits that will make any party worth going to. A must have. "Stylus" magazine seem to be making a meal of sour grapes, for some reason, and "Susan W", who believes "anybody could have made this album", should perhaps give it a go herself. Call us when your famous Susan.
  18. Colleen
    Jan 29, 2004
    10
    A masterpiece! One of the only times ever when the hype about a disc is actually deserved!
  19. Alan
    Jan 3, 2004
    8
    its a fun album that makes u wanna get wasted and enjoy the rest of the night
  20. ShawnO
    Jan 4, 2004
    10
    although not an 11!!! Like spinal tap. hopefully this will mark an end of an era of monotone vocals and songs with no leads. thankyou Darkness, for firing the first shot to change rock for the better!
  21. MickV
    Feb 8, 2004
    10
    I love this album. This band is like Zepplin and Queen put in a blender. What really excites me about this album isn't how good it is, its that this band might get better and progress. This album just forced me to buy a Les Paul again and start a hard rock band. Thats how good it is.
  22. LocusD.
    Mar 5, 2004
    10
    STRONG & POWERFUL! I really don't miss the 80's, but this cd perfectly represents them.
  23. miwasangel
    Apr 19, 2004
    10
    the greatest rock album in the last 5 years.it makes you believe that with lps like this,the rock will live almost a thousand years more.it fucking rules!.
  24. louisg
    Apr 6, 2004
    10
    ithe album is awsome and the band is like led zeppelin and ac dc
  25. AndyL
    May 4, 2004
    10
    Wow, very impressed. A hark back to the rock of old with a touch of the new. For once a band that knows how to have fun and make great music simultaneously. Id hate to say so but it might even be better than Absolution
  26. JebI
    Jun 18, 2004
    10
    This album is an incredible compilation that would put a big grin on the faces of Def Leppard, Whitesnake and Judas Priest. The amthems ( I believe in a thing called love, Growing on me), and the power ballad Love is only a feeling, make this CD a must for all rock enthusiasts.
  27. AndyS
    Jun 23, 2004
    10
    Sheer greatness.
  28. JoonasL
    Jul 15, 2004
    9
    This is a wonderful album, finally MTV really plays something other than rap or girly teenbands. At first this didn't sound so good, so I just kept repeating on listening it because friend insisted on it and the good songs started to appear, now there's really no bad song on this album only a few not so good, but not bad either (Love on the Rocks with no Ice). If you're This is a wonderful album, finally MTV really plays something other than rap or girly teenbands. At first this didn't sound so good, so I just kept repeating on listening it because friend insisted on it and the good songs started to appear, now there's really no bad song on this album only a few not so good, but not bad either (Love on the Rocks with no Ice). If you're looking for a partying rock album then this is your choice along with Andrew W.K.'s I Get Wet.… Expand
  29. BaronS
    Sep 22, 2004
    8
    The genius of The Darkness is the perpetual joke they're playing that no one (in America anyway) gets. I feel very privliged that I do. Anyway, musically speaking this a thunderously talanted band and "Permission to Land" delivers unforgetable and sing along/play along melodies and guitar licks. Influences are noticable everywhere (from Cheap Trick to Queen to Van Halen) and each The genius of The Darkness is the perpetual joke they're playing that no one (in America anyway) gets. I feel very privliged that I do. Anyway, musically speaking this a thunderously talanted band and "Permission to Land" delivers unforgetable and sing along/play along melodies and guitar licks. Influences are noticable everywhere (from Cheap Trick to Queen to Van Halen) and each track seems to take you in a different direction. For those of you who don't "get" it...I feel sorry for you. For those that do, The Darkness takes us back to a more simple time in music history and leaves us with a smile on our faces.… Expand
  30. JoeB
    Dec 5, 2005
    9
    At first I was concerned, and didn't think that I'd like The Darkness, but I heard "I Believe in a Thing Called Love" and, well, loved it. The songs are campy and 80s knock offs, yes, but they're funny, entertaining, catchy, and admittedly poppy (the only good kind). Yes, Justin Hawkins voice is screeching, but it's funny, and not really annoying.
  31. JoshR
    Aug 2, 2005
    10
    it is one of the best albums i have heard in a longtime!!!!!
  32. SusanB
    Sep 13, 2005
    10
    At a time when rock has been watered down by dozens of trendy, yet uninspiring bands, The Darkness have put the fun back into rock and roll. This is classic hard rock at its best, a throw back to all that was good about the 80s, but with a contemporary twist. Must be seen live to be fully appreciated
  33. j1imb
    May 27, 2006
    9
    excellent album. The best rock cd in a decade!
  34. Speedy
    Nov 25, 2003
    8
    Energetic and fun rock that really grows on you after the first few listens. I have to admit, thought, the first time I heard "I Believe. . ." it made me think of Liu Kang from Mortal Kombat fronting an 80's hair metal band.
  35. NikkiR
    Oct 21, 2003
    9
    AWWWWW! Yeah. Permission to land Rawks with a capital R. Seriously, this album is amazing, and quite frankly, worthy of the hype. Easily the most fun album (with the exception of the Junior Senior rec.) to be released in 2003. You owe it to youself to buy this, put it on...LOUD! and start pumpin' that fist!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  36. TommyT
    Oct 21, 2003
    10
    unbelievably good, the Darkness should have released this album like 4 years ago. Its the best thing since sliced bread! Which is nice. The unbeateble vocals of a british freddy murcury really take the cake!
  37. KevinF
    Dec 26, 2003
    10
    wonderful cd and a kick in the teeth to modern pop music fashions
  38. Mark
    Feb 15, 2004
    10
    THE DARKNESS ROCKS! this cd is frickin aweomse and you can't stop your self from trying to hit those high notes.
  39. oldskoolrocker
    May 24, 2004
    10
    Damn in between the epic guitar solos and the vocals the only thing not to like in the album is when u listened to it all!
  40. AdamH
    Mar 31, 2005
    10
    The Darkness have done something unbelieveable. They have successfully blended the best rock ever, from the 70s and the 80s. They also carry with them the badass attitude that is essential to any great rock band. They also have put their own spin on rock. Never before has anyone welded the superb vocals of Queen with the sounds of Zepplin, AC/DC, Def Leppard, and other great bands. Their The Darkness have done something unbelieveable. They have successfully blended the best rock ever, from the 70s and the 80s. They also carry with them the badass attitude that is essential to any great rock band. They also have put their own spin on rock. Never before has anyone welded the superb vocals of Queen with the sounds of Zepplin, AC/DC, Def Leppard, and other great bands. Their vocals and music complement each other flawlessly. The best song on this album, despite popular belief, is not I Believe in a Thing Called Love, but Love is Only a Feeling. If you listen to it, the guitar work is amazing and the solo is one of Dan's best on the album in the way that it fits seamlessly into the rest of the song.… Expand
  41. jonb
    Nov 19, 2006
    10
    The only real rock band!!! mark is talkin balls the darkness r not copyin queen they r there own music and just b acuse they r 80's rock it dosent mean they r copyin queen the guitar solos and justins voice complement each other and the new album received bad reveiws b cause the reviewers r all nobs!! the new album is loads betta i feel.
  42. jenniferc
    Sep 26, 2006
    9
    the darkness is one of my favourite bands and like their album Permision To Land i like all the songs on the record and like the beats and rythms of the guitar, bass and drums. i like justins voice on the record and love his voice and think it is different than any other voice from a man and like it. i recomend this album to all the darkness fans and think you will like it.
  43. HRob
    Feb 25, 2008
    9
    Great album, with some top quality songs.
  44. JohnV
    Dec 11, 2003
    10
    Sylus Magazine , 10 ? Give me a fucking break , this album kicks ass.
  45. ryanz
    Nov 13, 2005
    9
    There's something indescribable about this album. Maybe it's the band's sheer joy in playing bad 80's metal. Maybe it's the leapord skin unitards and handstand splits. Or maybe it just rocks. The point is, I was addicted to Permission to Land for three weeks straight (it never left my cd player). I'm eagerly anticipating the follow-up, but i hope it wont There's something indescribable about this album. Maybe it's the band's sheer joy in playing bad 80's metal. Maybe it's the leapord skin unitards and handstand splits. Or maybe it just rocks. The point is, I was addicted to Permission to Land for three weeks straight (it never left my cd player). I'm eagerly anticipating the follow-up, but i hope it wont reach into Spinal Tap territory, with songs like "Knockers" and "Bald".… Expand
  46. Paxster
    Oct 19, 2010
    7
    This album has to be taken with a touch of humour. At points I was in fits of laughter at certain songs which were so stereotypical and funny. Glam rock has never been so generic and still succeeded to be mildly good.
  47. mrjeffsir
    Mar 27, 2012
    10
    This album is just sensational, fun, musically brilliant, camp (but in a good way), flamboyant and exciting. The Hawkins brothers have rocked up a storm here, great intertwining guitars and fantastic vocals on these brilliant pop rock tunes make it one of the best albums, not only of the last few years but of all time. It's stunning!
  48. Screenager
    May 20, 2013
    9
    Its cheesy 80s inspired glam rock with a frontman who has a ridiculously high voice that constantly seems to grab his crotch. By this description, you would assume they are a joke. Your choice. If they are a joke, they're a bloody good one. If they aren't, then they have a vulgar sense of humour but who cares when they make music inspired by everything you love about Bowie, Def Leppard, T.Its cheesy 80s inspired glam rock with a frontman who has a ridiculously high voice that constantly seems to grab his crotch. By this description, you would assume they are a joke. Your choice. If they are a joke, they're a bloody good one. If they aren't, then they have a vulgar sense of humour but who cares when they make music inspired by everything you love about Bowie, Def Leppard, T. Rex and actually do a brilliant job of it?… Expand
  49. Alfie18
    Feb 5, 2023
    9
    Fantastic Album. I Believe In A Thing Called Love is one of the best songs of all time. Friday Night, Love Is Only A Feeling and Givin' Up are other notable highlights. Holding My Own is the only song on the album i have not listened to that much.

Awards & Rankings

23
#23 Most Discussed Album of 2003
70
#70 Most Shared Album of 2003

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 19
  3. Negative: 1 out of 19
  1. Austin Chronicle
    78
    Campy? To be sure. Derivative? Absolutely. But cock-rock of this sheer magnitude and pomposity has been dormant at least since "Smells Like Teen Spirit" washed away "November Rain," so who really cares?
    Read full review
  2. Q Magazine
    70
    They might have a shelf life shorter than a pint of milk but, with a good tune underpinning each over-egged slice of rock pudding, are all the more thrilling for it. [Aug 2003, p.104]
  3. New Musical Express (NME)
    70
    Just because it’s essentially heavy-metal karaoke, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy it.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »