Shine A Light
by The Constantines
  • Record Label: Sub Pop
  • Release Date: Aug 19, 2003
Metascore
83

Universal acclaim - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. No Ripcord
    100
    There is a monumental feeling of strength and courage in their music that is impossible to deny.
  2. PopMatters
    90
    This is the kind of indie rock record you wait all year for.
  3. Splendid
    90
    Shine A Light is metallic, screamo-ing, ear-bursting, confused and chopping. And man, it's great.
  5. Billboard
    90
    "Light" is considerably harder-edged and less accessible than the poppier tunes of their fellow Canucks, incorporating bits of soul, blues, punk, noise and even avant-jazz, in dizzyingly fresh ways.
  6. AllMusic
    90
    A tautly crafted, thoughtful album, Shine a Light more than follows through on the promise of their debut, and proves that the Constantines have the ability to be both down to earth and dramatic within their grasp.
  7. The A.V. Club
    90
    The group frequently wanders into still valleys before chugging back up, properly balancing bounce and punch--Constantines may be the best band since Archers Of Loaf to marry intelligence and brute force.
  8. Pitchfork
    83
    Though not quite the slap in the face issued by their debut, even this album's very worst song shines a light on what's wrong with our landscape. Find it and follow.
  9. The Wire
    80
    Impressively raucous. [#240, p.68]
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  10. Logo
    80
    There’s no shortage of pogo anthems, reflective quiet and headspinning ideology, and never a dull moment.
  11. Delusions of Adequacy
    80
    Shine a Light doesn’t defy genres; it defies poseurs. It isn’t fashionable; it’s a staple.
  12. Outburn
    80
    Webb's hoarse vocals are filled with the sort of tortured earnestness that can't be faked. [#23, p.84]
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  13. Alternative Press
    80
    Tells the story of musicians creating something brilliant and new with the well-worn pieces of their punk-indie-hardcore legacy. [Oct 2003, p.124]
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  14. Stylus Magazine
    74
    Strongly, boringly decent.
  15. Mojo
    70
    An album ragged with last-ditch lunges of fuzz-noise and burnished vocals. [Feb 2004, p.99]
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  16. Playlouder
    70
    It’s just a shame that after seven plays, it’s still a bit tricky to remember what any of the tunes go like.
  17. Q Magazine
    70
    Reveal[s] a finely tuned pop ear setting them apart from the noisier kids in the punk playground. [Feb 2004, p.98]
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  18. ShakingThrough.net
    70
    Though trite lyrics too often undermine strong instrumentation, Shine a Light is a promising sophomore effort from a group that clearly has the chops to blaze even brighter.
  19. Uncut
    70
    A sinewy mix of punk, dub, soul, good tunes and classic guy-rock. [Mar 2004, p.87]
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Awards & Rankings

58
#58 Best Album of 2003

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 13 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 13
  3. Negative: 1 out of 13
  1. Scott
    Oct 12, 2004
    10
    best indie shit out there.
  2. wo
    May 3, 2004
    10
    This album does nothing but grow on you. As strong as it is the first few times you listen to it, it's far better after more. Also, this This album does nothing but grow on you. As strong as it is the first few times you listen to it, it's far better after more. Also, this is a band that is a must see. I had no idea the show would be as good as it was. The songs were even stronger live, leaving me pretty confident that it was the best show I've ever seen.… Full Review »
  3. JamieR
    Apr 23, 2004
    9
    Unreal...Fat bass licks mixed with good guitar riffs. The keyboard melodies although quiet is the key ingredient. Bry's Tom Waits-esque Unreal...Fat bass licks mixed with good guitar riffs. The keyboard melodies although quiet is the key ingredient. Bry's Tom Waits-esque makes you hurt yourself singing along, but singing along to a catchy album like this is something you cant control.… Full Review »
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