Metascore
68

Generally favorable reviews - based on 6 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 6
  2. Negative: 0 out of 6
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  1. Q Magazine
    Aug 8, 2011
    40
    The album's late lurch into electro and stadium rock is plain bizarre. [Aug. 2011, p. 119]
  2. Jul 12, 2011
    60
    Basically, fans of In Flames' last four albums are sure to find plenty to enjoy on Sounds of Playground Fading as it is easily better than a lot of what they've done recently, but it could have been so much more if the vocals could be anything more than adequate.
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 30 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 30
  2. Negative: 1 out of 30
  1. Dec 8, 2011
    10
    Quite simply, this is the best In Flames has ever been. I really like where they are going with the new record, Anders' vocals are top notch,Quite simply, this is the best In Flames has ever been. I really like where they are going with the new record, Anders' vocals are top notch, it has a darker, heavier feel to it then past efforts. I really hope they can continue the amazing quality of this album with their next release. Full Review »
  2. Nov 11, 2012
    6
    The album opener "Sounds of a Playground Fading" is just amazing, no other way to put it. "Deliver us" also delivered, despite not beingThe album opener "Sounds of a Playground Fading" is just amazing, no other way to put it. "Deliver us" also delivered, despite not being anywhere near the opener. But then again, few songs can get close to it. However, after that it all goes downhill. While the occasional good song does pop up, I had to put up with a lot of songs that I didn't enjoy. A lot of them also felt like they were fillers too (Jester's Door in particular) Overall, it was a good album. But it was let down by a few songs Full Review »
  3. Dec 5, 2019
    10
    Fear is the Weakness and Sounds of a Playground Fading are my absolute favourites. In Flames never disappointed me, and this album has been onFear is the Weakness and Sounds of a Playground Fading are my absolute favourites. In Flames never disappointed me, and this album has been on my Top 3 since it came out. Full Review »