Songs of Praise
by Shame
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 74 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 60 out of 74
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 74
  3. Negative: 4 out of 74
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  1. gizem
    Jan 14, 2018
    10
    Two weeks into 2018 and I'm sure this album will be one of my favourites of the year. Best post-punk release I've heard in a long time.
  2. aleppo
    Jan 14, 2018
    7
    Songs of Praise doesn't offer up any real surprises, but that's not to say the band doesn't know how to rock. This debut sees Shame successfully replicating the formula of classic British punk groups, boasting loud, aggressive guitars and anti-establishment sentiments. While these guys aren't saying anything that hasn't been said before in music, their lyrics are clever and incisive enoughSongs of Praise doesn't offer up any real surprises, but that's not to say the band doesn't know how to rock. This debut sees Shame successfully replicating the formula of classic British punk groups, boasting loud, aggressive guitars and anti-establishment sentiments. While these guys aren't saying anything that hasn't been said before in music, their lyrics are clever and incisive enough to draw intrigue from listeners; with that being said, I'm interested to hear what Shame does next artistically.

    Highlights include 'One Rizla,' 'The Lick,' and 'Gold Hole'.    … Expand
  3. crixalis
    Jan 13, 2018
    10
    Solid, consistent and full of political and social messages. A post-punk blast that will never fail to grab your attention a single minute, especially if you're a fan of rock music
  4. don_Lorenzi
    Jan 29, 2018
    10
    One of the best post-punk albums releases in recent years. A masterpiece made perfectly above all in the sound and also the social and political messages are good mixed with the usual grit and classic aggression of the british punk bands. This album will be one of the higlights of this 2018.
  5. Ricko
    Sep 30, 2018
    8
    The whole punk rock genre has properly been done to death. Anytime I check out a new band branded as "punk" I'm pretty much always left disappointed. "Songs of Praise" doesn't. The opening track "Dust on Trial" is like a petrol bomb thrown from your speakers. The rest of the album isn't quite as vitriolic and it's probably more post punk than the pure substance but these lads areThe whole punk rock genre has properly been done to death. Anytime I check out a new band branded as "punk" I'm pretty much always left disappointed. "Songs of Praise" doesn't. The opening track "Dust on Trial" is like a petrol bomb thrown from your speakers. The rest of the album isn't quite as vitriolic and it's probably more post punk than the pure substance but these lads are definitely from the traditional punk school, no doubts about it. "One Rizla" is a (successful) stab at radio play only to be followed up immediately by "The Lick" with the screams of "bath me in blood" finishing this particular number. The rest of the album is bursting with highlights, songs full of licks and riffs all the while being driven by snarling, spat out lyrics. This is one of the true albums of the year, delivering on a multitude of levels.… Expand
  6. Leeham
    May 29, 2018
    8
    Solid debut that is unlikely to stick in the memory beyond being one of the first good cabs off the rank in 2018.
  7. charliequaker
    Feb 23, 2019
    10
    The debut studio album from this South London band is a passionately fierce affair that attacks with slabs of powerful, degenerate chaos (think Jesus Lizard, Sonic Youth, Birthday Party) and darkly soaring melodies (think Megaphonic Thrift, Manic Street Preachers, British Sea Power), plus bits of the slightly crazed and vigorously strange (think Fat White Family, The Fall, TheThe debut studio album from this South London band is a passionately fierce affair that attacks with slabs of powerful, degenerate chaos (think Jesus Lizard, Sonic Youth, Birthday Party) and darkly soaring melodies (think Megaphonic Thrift, Manic Street Preachers, British Sea Power), plus bits of the slightly crazed and vigorously strange (think Fat White Family, The Fall, The Moonlandingz). The songs are raw and sincere with a raucous intensity and an authentically fervent spirit. On first listen, it can be abrasive, in-your-face. On second listen, the strength of the songs and delivery starts to sink in, take over. On the third listen, you begin to understand, to feel why “Songs Of Praise” has such a powerful effect. I expect the fourth listen to reveal dark secrets that will change the world. Recommended.… Expand
  8. lovezero
    Feb 27, 2018
    10
    One of the best post punk albums in recent years. joy division, the fall, sex pistols, the clash roots are apparent in their music but yet they are a new lease on music!
  9. af42
    Jun 19, 2018
    10
    Without a doubt one of the most enjoyable and energetic albums to come out of the UK scene in a long time. Shame provide a breath of fresh air for post-punk and rock alike, with a record throbbing with power throughout. Songs of Praise is a tongue-in-cheek name for an album whose lyrics serve their purpose as a sour commentary on the state of society and the state of the political sphere,Without a doubt one of the most enjoyable and energetic albums to come out of the UK scene in a long time. Shame provide a breath of fresh air for post-punk and rock alike, with a record throbbing with power throughout. Songs of Praise is a tongue-in-cheek name for an album whose lyrics serve their purpose as a sour commentary on the state of society and the state of the political sphere, from the frantic ramblings of 'Concrete' to the spitting disapproval of a sexual affair in 'Gold Hole'. A ride from start to finish, not one to be missed, perhaps the album of the year, and all in a debut record, making it all the more exciting.… Expand
  10. SKSK
    Jul 23, 2018
    8
    Songs of Praise has a good post-punk essence. An album full of energy and with a lot to offer.
  11. bartewing
    Aug 21, 2019
    10
    Was my album of the year for 2018. It's powerful and authentic. There are a lot of Post Punk bands coming out - some of them pretty fake (Idyls) some pretty amazing -these guys and Fontaines DC- for me, the difference is in an ability to write and to believe in what you do write not play dress-up

Awards & Rankings

99
#99 Best Album of 2018
94
#94 Most Discussed Album of 2018
76
#76 Most Shared Album of 2018

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
83

Universal acclaim - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. Austin Chronicle
    Oct 5, 2018
    67
    If the post-punk revival needs a poster child, Shame is a good choice.
    Read full review
  2. Tiny Mix Tapes
    Feb 20, 2018
    50
    Despite Shame’s lyrical foibles, they evince a prodigious adeptness for musicianship, and though Songs of Praise isn’t the most arresting debut by a garage band, there are far worse places to start.
    Read full review
  3. Under The Radar
    Feb 20, 2018
    80
    Songs of Praise is a modern, sneering punk explosion that adds up to more than a sum of its parts.
    Read full review
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