Red Yellow & Blue
by Born Ruffians
  • Record Label: Warp
  • Release Date: Mar 4, 2008
Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. AllMusic
    60
    At times, it's hard to hear much unique about them. Then again, the boldness of Red Yellow & Blue--both the colors and the album--can't be denied, and Born Ruffians' energy does spark something special occasionally.
  2. Spin
    60
    The Ruffinas are far better the less seriously they take themselves. [Mar 2008, p.97]
  3. Alternative Press
    60
    The effortless pop smarts are appealing, but the Ruffians will need to vary the delivery if they're expecting a career. [Mar 2008, p.144]
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  5. Drowned In Sound
    60
    It’s a frustrated listen, thanks to unrealised ideas and a potential that you sense has yet to fully unlocked, but there are enough good songs and great moments studded amongst the mire to make Red, Yellow and Blue both a worthwhile purchase to cherry-pick the best from as well as an indicator of good things to come from the Canadian trio.
  6. Uncut
    60
    A confident melodic sensibility ensures such self-conscious quirkiness stays just the right side of irritating. [July 2008, p.90]
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  7. Q Magazine
    60
    With the exception of 'Hummingbird,' they indulge in far too many sixth-form mioments. [July 2008, p.98]
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  8. NOW Magazine
    40
    Over the course of an 11-track album like Red, Yellow And Blue, all the unison way-hoo-hay-oohing gets very annoying, especially when it comes bracketed by earnest yelping and long strummy passages that go nowhere in particular.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 11 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 11
  3. Negative: 1 out of 11
  1. ChadS.
    Apr 1, 2008
    7
    Sometimes they sound like a muscular Vampire Weekend. The vocalist bears an atonal resemblance to the guy from Clap Your Hands, Say Yeah! Sometimes they sound like a muscular Vampire Weekend. The vocalist bears an atonal resemblance to the guy from Clap Your Hands, Say Yeah! That is, when the band isn't busy sounding like Built to Spill and Modest Mouse. They're not terribly original, but they steal from the best. "Hedonistic Me" rocks the Camry each night I drive home from work at four in the morning.… Full Review »
  2. M-m-m-mattTrocchi
    Mar 14, 2008
    10
    These guys are slowly taking over the Canadian music scene. just you watch: Born Ruffians, Tokyo Police Club, they will rule the airwaves. These guys are slowly taking over the Canadian music scene. just you watch: Born Ruffians, Tokyo Police Club, they will rule the airwaves. This is an amazing disc, soooooooooo good.… Full Review »
  3. JamesB.
    Mar 12, 2008
    8
    Lets be honest, this is a very endearing album, great pop sound with fun lyrics. think Vampire Weekend but a bit more up tempo and creative
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