Radlands
by Mystery Jets
Metascore
67

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
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  1. Exclaim
    Jun 8, 2012
    50
    Sadly, despite flashes of brilliance, fourth record Radlands more often finds Mystery Jets operating on autopilot.
  2. Pitchfork
    Jun 7, 2012
    54
    The problem with Radlands is that, armed with the potential to go wild with a new bag of tricks, Mystery Jets often become as conservatively minded as parts of the state whose outline graces the album's cover.
  3. Beats Per Minute
    Jun 4, 2012
    45
    For everyone else, the predictable melodic twists and some truly awful lyrics will likely prove too much to endure.
  5. Uncut
    May 2, 2012
    50
    Pushing too hard, then or maybe not hard enough. [Jun 2012, p.79]
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  6. Drowned In Sound
    Apr 27, 2012
    60
    [There are no] outstandingly bad offerings, just several more forgettable ones than can be briskly ignored.
  7. BBC Music
    Apr 27, 2012
    50
    While no longer the carefree creatures of their early records, Mystery Jets sound as bracingly hit-and-miss as they've ever done on Radlands, and for that much alone we can be thankful.
  8. The Guardian
    Apr 27, 2012
    40
    The veneer of sepia-tinged retro-rock smothers the album, and it ends up lacking the bounce or charm of previous efforts.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 9 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. WeAreTheFilter
    Jul 1, 2012
    8
    In 2008, it looked like Mystery Jets were on the precipice of making it big. Sophomore album Twenty One had a decent-sized hit in the form ofIn 2008, it looked like Mystery Jets were on the precipice of making it big. Sophomore album Twenty One had a decent-sized hit in the form of Two Doors Down, and critics were hailing the band as one to watch. However, the hype never really translated into the success the band deserved, and follow-up album Serotonin saw a shift towards a more mainstream synth-pop sound which didn't resonate with fans - or any one else for that matter. The band disappeared to America and took stock of their situation, hoping that new surroundings would give them a fresh perspective. But it was too much for bassist Kai Fish who decided to leave the band to pursue the solo career he kick-started last year. Things looked dismal, but against all odds the boys have come back with Radlands - a somewhat career-defining album born out of the band's destabilisation and struggle to find a new identity....read full review here: wearethefilter.blogspot.com.au/2012/06/review-mystery-jets-radlands.html… Full Review »
  2. AlexxTrusc
    Jun 18, 2012
    6
    Undoubtedly, Mystery Jets certainly have the potential, which is even presented in the title track - nevertheless in the same compositionsUndoubtedly, Mystery Jets certainly have the potential, which is even presented in the title track - nevertheless in the same compositions reveals the biggest flaw of the album, which is the usual triumph form over content. So what that songs sometimes present haunting and easily memorable themes supported by the curious, a little "lethargic" vocals - if the band is not able to use that wisely and produces such boring songs like "You Had Me At Hello". Fortunately, not all of them should be omitted - for example, worth paying attention is indie rock "Someone Purer."… Full Review »
  3. icunn
    Jul 25, 2012
    4
    Mystery Jets' track "Dreaming of Another World" is one of my favorite songs of the last few years but everything else that I've heard fromMystery Jets' track "Dreaming of Another World" is one of my favorite songs of the last few years but everything else that I've heard from them has left me believing that they are just another one-hit-wonder.… Full Review »
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