• Band Name: Gomez
  • Record Label: Virgin
  • Release Date: May 18, 2004
Metascore
71 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 19
  2. Negative: 1 out of 19
  1. Think of it as more of a mix tape because the British quintet's jam-band explorations dip into everything from Beatles-esque pop and Delta-blues-influenced ballads.
  2. In Split the Difference, Gomez has not lived up to, but surpassed, their initial success.
  3. For those who have been waiting for Gomez to come up with something that truly rivals their amazing debut Bring It On, wait no longer. This one is great.
  4. In looking beyond pure innovation, Gomez have poured some heart into their blues.
  5. 80
    Rather than trying to funk up and freak out the tunes with oddball sonic contributions, the fivesome rely heavily on the strength of their three-part harmonies and the head-bouncing guitar hooks. [#10, p.90]
  6. The British answer to Fountains of Wayne.
  7. They're such a pleasure to listen to because they hear the past and thrive on it, learning from what musicians did before them, and not repeating all of the same mistakes.
  8. If only all stupid rock music could be this intelligent.
  9. While the hooks could be sharper, [Tchad Blake's] hand clearly makes the Difference. [28 May 2004, p.124]
  10. As an album it’s so random and erratic that it’s neither a brave step forward nor a disastrous wrong turn; just an entertaining detour while they workout where they’re actually going.
  11. On most of Split The Difference... Gomez pour on the punch that makes their live shows such a gas. [27 May 2004, p.82]
  12. Split The Difference isn't as strong as In Our Gun, but it does show Gomez continuing to explore relaxed, earthy songwriting, with fruitful results.
  13. Split the Difference simply isn't very engaging.
  14. 60
    Tracks such as "Where Ya Going?" and "Chicken Out"... make them sound like Southport's answer to ZZ Top. But there's plenty more going on that doesn't involve such dumbing-down. [Jul 2004, p.107]
  15. Unusually direct. [Jun 2004, p.98]
  16. If you've enjoyed Gomez's musical direction in the last six years, you're sure to take pleasure in listening to Split The Difference.
  17. So Split the Difference is an opportunity missed, with Gomez settling into a safe, well-worn ocean colour scene at a time when an adventurous indie/jamband hybrid might've clicked with Lollapaloozers.
  18. 40
    Unfortunately, whereas sounding out of place in the late 90s worked in their favour, in the mid-noughties the lack of pretty faces, Converse Allstars and - perhaps most important of all - any half-decent tunes is unlikely to bring Gomez first prize even in their local pub’s battle of the bands.
  19. 30
    By stripping away the symphonic, avant edge... [Gomez] loses much of what made it unique in the first place. [#64, p.96]
User Score

Universal acclaim- based on 13 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. Album is actually a lot of fun. A must-buy if only for the songs "Sweet Virginia" and "We Don't Know Where We're Going". MIssing some of the elements that made Liquid Skin so great, but overall an awesome listen Full Review »
  2. time
    10
    Their finest work to date. One of the best albums of the decade. :-)
  3. AshB
    10
    Gomez at their best. Dig these songs... Catch Me Up, Do One, These 3 Sins