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Shine A Light
by
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Shine A Light Image
Metascore
83

Universal acclaim - based on 19 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 13 Ratings

  • Summary: The Ontario, Canada band makes its Sub Pop (and U.S.) debut with this, their second LP, which mixes alternative rock with punk and soul.

Top Track

Sympathy For The Devil
Please allow me to introduce myself I'm a man of wealth and taste I've been around for a long, long years Stole million man's soul an faith And I... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

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. 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.
  3. Splendid
    90
    Shine A Light is metallic, screamo-ing, ear-bursting, confused and chopping. And man, it's great.
  4. 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]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. Delusions of Adequacy
    80
    Shine a Light doesn’t defy genres; it defies poseurs. It isn’t fashionable; it’s a staple.
  6. Mojo
    70
    An album ragged with last-ditch lunges of fuzz-noise and burnished vocals. [Feb 2004, p.99]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. Under The Radar
    50
    Shine has a nasty penchant for treading water instead of making any real artistic statement. [#5, p.100]
    All this publication's reviews

See all 19 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. TrevorP
    Sep 19, 2003
    10
    Oh boy. Oh boy. Seriously. Buy this album.
  2. Scott
    Oct 12, 2004
    10
    best indie shit out there.
  4. SethP
    Oct 1, 2003
    10
    Wow. This is a breath of fresh air.
  5. MitchB
    Dec 11, 2003
    10
    These songs are perfectly composed to emphasize the poetic lyrics and the intricate, yet intense melodies. The Constantines are prophets.
  6. 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.… Expand
  7. Amanda
    Sep 11, 2003
    9
    Wow. Once a year there's a CD that pumps me up so much that i find myself uncontrollably speeding as a drive around listen to it. Last Wow. Once a year there's a CD that pumps me up so much that i find myself uncontrollably speeding as a drive around listen to it. Last year, I received a speeding ticket while "jamming" to And You Will Know Us by the Trail of the Dead's Source Tags and Name Codes. And, this year, it was The Constantine's Shine a Light. Speeding tickets become my criteria for a top album of the year. Shine a Light is full of what music today was essentially missing. Poetic prose lyrics, driving guitar, and that raspy Springstein voice. Tempo changes, lovely bass lines, everything that encompasses a TIMELESS rock album. Well done, my friends to the north, well done.… Expand
  8. 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.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

58
#58 Best Album of 2003