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Set Free Image
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 5 Ratings

  • Summary: The sixth album for the Andrew Kenny-led band is their first for Canadian label Arts & Crafts.
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 20
  2. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. Set Free is a triumph, full of tunes that affect well beyond their modest means.
  2. It shimmers and sulks, adding a rich dimension to the group's already delicious sound.
  3. It remains to be seen whether this is the record for which American Analog Set's fans have been waiting a decade, but Set Free is definitely one of the most consistent, mature albums they've made to date.
  4. This is the most engrossing American Analog Set album in six or seven years.
  5. For existing fans, they'll either be happy to hear another assured rehash of the band's classic sound, or disappointed that it's just a rehash.
  6. Set Free’s singularity is also its greatest flaw, and a band that adheres to a formula as strictly as the AmAnSet does to its will never make a masterpiece, despite the fact that every track on this album is good.
  7. Uncut
    40
    Pleasantly discreet, resolutely unengaging. [Oct 2005, p.107]

See all 20 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. NickS
    Sep 25, 2005
    8
    Good album, much better than Promise of Love. I don't quite understand the comparison to Know by Heart however, if it sounds like any of Good album, much better than Promise of Love. I don't quite understand the comparison to Know by Heart however, if it sounds like any of their albums it would be the Golden Band. Loved the instrumental track especially, If you've listened to AmAnSet before, then you know what this album is like and you know that it will be good. Expand
  2. T-WiLL
    Oct 19, 2005
    8
    A consistent album on the whole that nicely compliments their back catologue. Slightly less hookier than their past album, "Know By Heart", A consistent album on the whole that nicely compliments their back catologue. Slightly less hookier than their past album, "Know By Heart", however, the single "She's Half" will be a fixture on many mixed cd compilations in the future. Expand