Strangeland
by Keane
Metascore
60

Mixed or average reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 20
  3. Negative: 1 out of 20
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  1. Boston Globe
    May 9, 2012
    80
    Frontman Tom Chaplin continues to imbue it all with freshness and wonder making Strangeland an inviting place.
  2. The Guardian
    May 3, 2012
    80
    What Keane perfects in these stadium-swelling anthems is the meticulous yet ineffable melodic progression that goes straight for the emotional reflex.
  3. Entertainment Weekly
    May 10, 2012
    75
    These UK hitmakers reclaim their wimpy-wistful sweet spot in pretty piano-pop tunes. [11 May 32012, p.67]
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  5. Filter
    May 18, 2012
    70
    If you're looking for the quartet's usual twist in its sobriety, there's a Sondheim-ian feel to Keane's particularly ardent brand of complex pop melancholy this time out to go with its new sense of directness.
  6. AllMusic
    May 9, 2012
    70
    Strangeland never really lives up to its mysterious title, as there's nothing on it that doesn't feel willfully nostalgic, but like any good plate of comfort food it satisfies in a way that more adventurous meals never truly can.

Awards & Rankings

42
#42 Most Discussed Album of 2012

User Reviews

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User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 76 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 62 out of 76
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 76
  3. Negative: 4 out of 76
  1. MusicMan14
    May 10, 2012
    10
    BRILLIANT! absolutely exciting and refreshing from this boring pop/hip. Just about every track is single worthy. Keane have never failed toBRILLIANT! absolutely exciting and refreshing from this boring pop/hip. Just about every track is single worthy. Keane have never failed to produce quality music. The album is already #1 in the UK and several other countries and it totally deserves every inch of credit. You would be a fool not to check this album out! This is coming from a big metal/rock guy. Keane sure knows how to rock in their own unique way.… Full Review »
  2. bgrass13
    May 8, 2012
    9
    I wasn't thrilled with their Night Train EP, so to me, Strangeland is more of a return to form. I may not be as jaded and cynical as mostI wasn't thrilled with their Night Train EP, so to me, Strangeland is more of a return to form. I may not be as jaded and cynical as most reviewers seem to be. I really enjoy Keane's melodic pop sensibilities and look forward to seeing them live.… Full Review »
  3. TheDarkSoul
    May 15, 2012
    9
    Having always been a fan of Keane, I slightly distanced myself from them, not content with their new approach to Rock in Perfect Symmetry. SoHaving always been a fan of Keane, I slightly distanced myself from them, not content with their new approach to Rock in Perfect Symmetry. So I'm pleased to report Keane are back on form, with great new tracks like Disconnected and Silenced By The Night. Its good to have them back!… Full Review »
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