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Strangers
by
Strangers Image
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 10 Ratings

  • Summary: The English singer-songwriter returns with his fourth album in four years.

Top Track

Running Through My Head
Yea though I walk through the strip mall In chains of iron Thrown to the lions, hunted by sirens. Can't you hear them screamin' like so many... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. Under The Radar
    90
    Perhaps Harcourt's strongest asset is in making the hackneyed sound fresh. [#8, p.106]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. Splendid
    90
    It's the sound of a man in perfect harmony with himself.
  3. Dot Music
    80
    If relationships were straightforward they’d be no need for albums like this. Thank god they aren’t.
  4. The A.V. Club
    70
    There's little rhyme or reason to it, and the whole doesn't equal the sum of its parts. But many of the parts are worth noting.
  5. Playlouder
    70
    This is probably the record that everyone who bought the Keane album should buy.
  6. Tiny Mix Tapes
    60
    Harcourt's piano proficiency separates him artistically from guitarists who tinker with mere chord-banging to accompany lyrics. There are a few misshapen puzzle pieces on this one, though.
  7. Austin Chronicle
    50
    Suggests that he's finally coming into his own, albeit gradually and grudgingly.

See all 19 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. OldY
    Jan 26, 2005
    9
    It beggar's belief that more people don't buy Harcourt's records - strong tunes and a great voice! Just buy people, before he It beggar's belief that more people don't buy Harcourt's records - strong tunes and a great voice! Just buy people, before he gets dropped from his label!… Expand
  2. matta
    Jul 18, 2005
    9
    I'm just glad that the pitchfork review isn't included because I'm sure they railed on it (although we still have to deal with I'm just glad that the pitchfork review isn't included because I'm sure they railed on it (although we still have to deal with the poor taste of Mojo and Q). Beautiful album. Just barely below his last CD in my opinion, but it's hard to really say because the two cd's are so different and he was obviously going for something new, something happier than the gorgeously dark From Every Sphere. His first cd may have been a mixed bag (with at least two classics in Hanging with the Wrong Crowd and Apple of My Eye) but his last two efforts have been all around solid and he has defenitely cememted himself has one of the most vital voices in british music right now.… Expand
  4. MrO
    Feb 4, 2005
    9
    Better than all of the overly sincear piano junk that seems to have caught on lately and far less poular. Strangers features some of Better than all of the overly sincear piano junk that seems to have caught on lately and far less poular. Strangers features some of Harcourts best songs in the fom of 'Lonliness' and 'The music box' to name a few. The only thing preventing it from getting 10 for me is the dodgy lyrics in the title track and the god awful 'kids (rise from the ashes)' but that's what the skip button was made for right? Lyrically Harcourt kicks the ---- out of most other artists and this, along with a charming oddness, is what really sets him apart. However you read the lyrics there's always something you connect with in either the music or the words. Be warned though... he is a very angry man... with cool hair.… Expand
  5. MusicGuy
    Feb 11, 2005
    9
    The power of Ed's imagination and musicial skill always amazes on every CD he puts out. You honestly never know what he is going to sing The power of Ed's imagination and musicial skill always amazes on every CD he puts out. You honestly never know what he is going to sing about or the arrangments he will use. This makes him one of the most talented and exciting talents out right now. He is unfortunately unknown to a lot of people because he really can't be tagged with an easy label. Fans of real singer/songwriters would do themselves a favor by picking this up.… Expand
  6. DavisW
    May 4, 2005
    8
    Ed makes some of the best pop songs today and this album brilliantly showcases his importance to music with incredibly beautiful music. Ed makes some of the best pop songs today and this album brilliantly showcases his importance to music with incredibly beautiful music. "Loneliness" is easily one of the best songs in years.… Expand

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