Ten New Messages
by The Rakes
  • Record Label: V2
  • Release Date: Mar 19, 2007
Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. Dot Music
    60
    The problem is not that The Rakes haven't sought to evolve; it's that they've done so too self-consciously and slipped out of their depth.
  2. Hot Press
    40
    We’re treated to less-interesting takes on the work of Bloc Party and The Libertines, low on hooks and utterly devoid of interesting production quirks.
  3. Mojo
    60
    In a crowded space, The Rakes have a place to call their own. [Apr 2007, p.96]
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  5. New Musical Express (NME)
    50
    Ultimately, 'Ten New Messages' is too myopic to see beyond its own concrete cynicism.
  6. Observer Music Monthly
    80
    While not everything hits the mark... there's enough here at least to draw comparisons with the aforementioned Britpop mainstays and keep them among the forefront of 2007's elite.
  7. Playlouder
    70
    With 'Ten New Messages' The Rakes have pulled off the knack of being able to deliver a series of songs that are longer and deeper but equally as memorable as the spiky missives spat on their debut.
  8. Q Magazine
    80
    This new-found worldliness comes in tandem with a noticeable musical maturity. [Apr 2007, p.118]
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  9. Stylus Magazine
    58
    There is an immediacy and zest to the Rakes’ latest effort that is commendable, but it’s not that memorable.
  10. The Guardian
    80
    Their songs are longer and, in a move that is bound to set some fans' teeth on edge, their brash post-punk edge has been smoothed away to a polished pop finish.
  11. Uncut
    40
    Largely, this one is a case of nice threads, shame about the songs. [Apr 2007, p.115]
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  12. Drowned In Sound
    80
    Ultimately, The Rakes have softened their blunt and focused their attention to detail. This is a far more cohesive record but at the expense of the brutal urgency so prominent in their debut.
  13. Pitchfork
    59
    With keen observations and piles of swagger tucked away somewhere for the time being, the Rakes could still be the soundtrack to plenty of lives-- or at the very least, daily commutes-- if only they could find the strength to muster a smirk.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 16 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 16
  3. Negative: 1 out of 16
  1. ChrisS.
    Jul 3, 2007
    8
    Every track is memorable in some way, catchy melodies and lyrics make up a far more complete album than their first effort Capture / Release.
  2. cruq
    Jun 27, 2007
    10
    This album isn't as catchy as 1st one, but it is far more mature and it has got 10 really solid songs full of irony and positive cynism. This album isn't as catchy as 1st one, but it is far more mature and it has got 10 really solid songs full of irony and positive cynism. Opening song is just stunning. And how it is possible to understand NME? They try to destroy every band that goes mature...… Full Review »
  3. MarkJ.
    May 23, 2007
    4
    Their first album was fresh, raw and very catchy, the second is rock pop at its worst.
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