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Puzzles Like You
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  • Record Label:
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Puzzles Like You Image
Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 15 Ratings

  • Summary: Self-produced album number five for Neil Halstead & co. is a more upbeat affair than the norm, with Victor Van Vugt (PJ Harvey) handling the mixing.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 15
  3. Negative: 1 out of 15
  1. Billboard
    90
    Nothing they've done can match the pure pop beauty of "Puzzles Like You."
  2. Prefix Magazine
    80
    Mojave 3's new material isn't an abandonment of any strengths; it's an embrace of the simple pleasures of the classic '60s garage-pop style of songwriting.
  3. AllMusic
    80
    Regardless of tempo, these are some of the strongest, most involving songs the band has ever recorded.
  4. Dot Music
    70
    "Puzzles Like You" may not stay the distance but there's certainly enough here to gain Mojave 3 the wider audience they deserve.
  5. Paste Magazine
    70
    Puzzles' songs are accelerated to the point of whiplash. [Jun/Jul 2006, p.128]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. Uncut
    60
    Too lo-fi for its own good. [Jul 2006, p.102]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. Dusted Magazine
    30
    Puzzles Like You... is not at all Halstead's best work, and what has sounded simple and subtle before begins to feel simplistic and blunt; the songs here move with an energy that seems either forced or mocking, and on the whole embrace the kind of triteness they used to offset.

See all 15 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. petef
    Aug 5, 2006
    10
    I listened this album today at the bus on the way to the beach and I found myself crying of joy
  2. calvinhobbes
    Jun 29, 2006
    10
    One of the best album I heard this year. My real vote is 8 or 9 but I give it 10 only for the Uncut's score: I recently hate their reviews...).
  4. gernickk
    Jul 10, 2006
    10
    Who needs critics?? Uncut bangs on about the recording quality for god's sake. The album sounds warm and there's only a few niggles Who needs critics?? Uncut bangs on about the recording quality for god's sake. The album sounds warm and there's only a few niggles on my part. (man with his trousers shorter...?!). But Puzzles like youmakes me warm inside. Breaking the ice makes my weep with joy. To wield that kind o power with just some instruments means Mojave 3 (with or without Rachel, but hopefully soon with!) are near godlike geniuses. I love all there stuff but this is so precious to me now, i can hardly find the words.… Expand
  5. evans
    Jun 13, 2006
    9
    Certainly a very different sound for Mojave 3. More conventional pop-crafted songs. If one can accept that the days of Ask Me Tomorrow are Certainly a very different sound for Mojave 3. More conventional pop-crafted songs. If one can accept that the days of Ask Me Tomorrow are gone and go with the transition that Mojave 3 is making, they'll find a really well done, up-tempo album with that same twinge of melancholy that have defined the band.… Expand
  6. ryans
    Dec 7, 2006
    9
    i don't understand the reviews. normally i agree with the bulk of reviews but it seems critics missed the boat on this album. stop i don't understand the reviews. normally i agree with the bulk of reviews but it seems critics missed the boat on this album. stop harboring the its not slowdive angst and enjoy the barage of gorgeous 60's pop.… Expand
  7. JonL
    Sep 13, 2006
    9
    Absolutely incredible. Their best album yet by far.
  8. mikes.
    Jun 26, 2006
    7
    Great guitar pop album, a bit of a rip off of big star, but still good production and melodies, decent songwriting and a couple of singles Great guitar pop album, a bit of a rip off of big star, but still good production and melodies, decent songwriting and a couple of singles make this album stand out.… Expand

See all 9 User Reviews

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