Return To The Sea
by Islands
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 44 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 37 out of 44
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 44
  3. Negative: 1 out of 44

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  1. ChristianG
    Apr 17, 2006
    5
    Look, there are moments of strength here. The arrangements are creative, the music inspired and decently inventive, but lets be serious, indie needs to get honest with itself. If the vocals are terrible is not going to be a classic record. Not that unique vocals can't work, there are tons of example (Spencer Krug, Will Sherrif, Dan Bejar, Will Oldham) but come on people! Purely off Look, there are moments of strength here. The arrangements are creative, the music inspired and decently inventive, but lets be serious, indie needs to get honest with itself. If the vocals are terrible is not going to be a classic record. Not that unique vocals can't work, there are tons of example (Spencer Krug, Will Sherrif, Dan Bejar, Will Oldham) but come on people! Purely off key singing with no engaging quality just ruins the entire thing!… Expand
  2. Kdevilh
    May 15, 2006
    6
    A masterful and perhaps unwitting cover of some of Billy Joel's greatest melodies... Rough Gem completely captures (if not out and out borrows) "we didn't start the fire." i
  3. mikes.
    Jun 26, 2006
    5
    When I first heard this band I thought they really sucked. But after I listened to the album they too have good songwriting. problem lies in that the songs are too long, production is horrible, singer suxxx vocally, band is sloppy. Not for everyone, an aquired listen
  4. ChrisW
    Jun 18, 2006
    4
    A Little too adventurous, it's like they are trying too hard to find their niche. Track #10 is horrible! Others pass by questioning... Why?

Awards & Rankings

63
#63 Best Album of 2006

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. AllMusic
    90
    A rich, exciting, and emotionally deep sounding album that carries on the freewheeling spirit and sound of the Unicorns as well as that of the Elephant 6 bands of the late '90s.
    Read full review
  2. cokemachineglow
    80
    Those who felt like maybe they were starting to get Who Will Cut Our Hair When We’re Gone? only to be left out by Unicorns’ sudden dissolution should be reassured that Return to the Sea is a more rooted and confident effort.
    Read full review
  3. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    The Frank Zappa/Neutral Milk Hotel/Muppet Show vibe doesn't always jibe, but that's half the fun. [7 Apr 2006, p.63]
See all critic reviews »