The Alternative To Love
by Brendan Benson
  • Record Label: V2
  • Release Date: Mar 22, 2005
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. Paste Magazine
    60
    Benson doesn't win any points for innovation, but his deft musicianship and confident vocal presence are sure to please those who never tire of a good tune. [Apr/May 2005, p.137]
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  2. Alternative Press
    60
    Unfortunately, everything is so finely polished on Alternative To Love that his brand of rock lacks any grit. [Apr 2005, p.124]
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  3. Dot Music
    60
    What he doesn’t have, but desperately needs, is a little of bit of grit.

Awards & Rankings

99
#99 Best Album of 2005

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 13 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. BenB
    May 21, 2006
    9
    Just give it a few spins see if you can resist.
  2. katieb
    Jul 2, 2005
    9
    Go buy it now, a well crafted alternative, rock, pop(but how pop should be) album. Very good record, has some flaws (wasn't sure of Go buy it now, a well crafted alternative, rock, pop(but how pop should be) album. Very good record, has some flaws (wasn't sure of Tchad Blake's mixing, but it gets better with more listens). Thought the songs sounded better when I heard them at an acoustic gig and they had more pace and the lyrics punched out. I was a bit disappointed when i heard the album initially. However it still a great record, he just sets unbelievably high standards. Lapalco, and One Missippi exceed it, they sound effortless (more like live brendan benson) and have a better pace.… Full Review »
  3. DanB.
    Jun 26, 2005
    6
    Not as good as the previous disc. :o/
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