Split The Difference
by Gomez
  • Record Label: Virgin
  • Release Date: May 18, 2004
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 19
  3. Negative: 1 out of 19
  1. E! Online
    91
    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. AllMusic
    90
    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.
  3. Stylus Magazine
    90
    In Split the Difference, Gomez has not lived up to, but surpassed, their initial success.
  5. The Guardian
    80
    In looking beyond pure innovation, Gomez have poured some heart into their blues.
  6. Filter
    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]
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  7. Billboard
    80
    The British answer to Fountains of Wayne.
  8. PopMatters
    80
    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.
  9. The New York Times
    80
    If only all stupid rock music could be this intelligent.
  10. Entertainment Weekly
    75
    While the hooks could be sharper, [Tchad Blake's] hand clearly makes the Difference. [28 May 2004, p.124]
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  11. Rolling Stone
    70
    On most of Split The Difference... Gomez pour on the punch that makes their live shows such a gas. [27 May 2004, p.82]
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  12. The A.V. Club
    70
    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. Dot Music
    70
    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.
  14. ShakingThrough.net
    68
    Split the Difference simply isn't very engaging.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 17 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 17
  3. Negative: 2 out of 17
  1. Cmurd23
    Apr 15, 2011
    7
    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 theAlbum 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
    Aug 9, 2006
    10
    Their finest work to date. One of the best albums of the decade. :-)
  3. AshB
    Apr 6, 2006
    10
    Gomez at their best. Dig these songs... Catch Me Up, Do One, These 3 Sins
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