The Back Room
by Editors
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 112 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 97 out of 112
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 112
  3. Negative: 3 out of 112

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  1. DJ
    Apr 8, 2007
    10
    Truly beautiful record by this band. They dp everything right and the end product is truly mesmerizing and uplifting. One of the best albums in the last 10 years, which is saying alot.
  2. BLJay
    Jun 11, 2007
    10
    The best British album since the Stone Roses brilliant debut.
  3. sirtoli
    Oct 29, 2005
    10
    very great
  4. GarryK
    Oct 19, 2007
    10
    Brilliant album. All the songs are catchy, modern and unforgettable. They remind me of a 21st century version of joy division.
  5. Roco
    Apr 20, 2007
    10
    Solid album by this british band. This album is powerful, epic, and very uplifting. I highly recommend.
  6. ThompsonT
    May 8, 2007
    10
    Electrifying. Poetic. Terrific. A must buy!
  7. Steve
    Aug 19, 2005
    10
    This is no Interpol copy. I appreciate Interpol for what they do, but honestly there is no magic to their music, sometimes I think they're quite dull. On the other hand, when I first heard this album it blew me away. This band is special. I am very picky and these days I feel most bands have no quality to them. I get bored listening to the same thing over and over again, even though This is no Interpol copy. I appreciate Interpol for what they do, but honestly there is no magic to their music, sometimes I think they're quite dull. On the other hand, when I first heard this album it blew me away. This band is special. I am very picky and these days I feel most bands have no quality to them. I get bored listening to the same thing over and over again, even though I may have only heard it for the first time. I didn't feel this way with Editors. If anyone deserves the honor of being dubbed a new Joy Division band, Editors do it proudly.… Expand
  8. BertD
    Apr 30, 2006
    10
    It's just one of the best alternative rock albums atm! Really good variation of songs that just does the trick for me !
  9. [Anonymous]
    May 17, 2006
    10
    for an original new waver & alternative rocker (back when it was actually ALTERNATIVE), i love the editors. their music is rich & layered; their lyrics are heart-felt prose. overall, brilliant. the joy division comparison is far too overplayed. consider depeche mode instead. for the younger fans of panic! at the disco, franz ferdinand, the killers, the bravery, et. all., you owe it to for an original new waver & alternative rocker (back when it was actually ALTERNATIVE), i love the editors. their music is rich & layered; their lyrics are heart-felt prose. overall, brilliant. the joy division comparison is far too overplayed. consider depeche mode instead. for the younger fans of panic! at the disco, franz ferdinand, the killers, the bravery, et. all., you owe it to yourself to have a go at editors. it'll be 'love at first track,' i'm sure. the lead singer's voice is emotionally husky & dark; reminds me of the guy in dead can dance. as for the musical structure, consider bel canto. certainly hope they'll passby close enough for me to see them in concert. i believe they'll be as good live as they are in the studio.… Expand
  10. MikeL
    Sep 28, 2006
    10
    One of the best albums I've heard in quite a while. I really enjoy it.
  11. TrekD
    Feb 27, 2007
    10
    Love this album! Clearly, one of the best debuts ever.
  12. Frank
    Apr 20, 2007
    10
    The Best album of 02 and the best album in the last 10 years.
  13. Edgar
    Apr 30, 2007
    10
    Truly spectacular!
  14. Smith
    May 23, 2007
    10
    Probably the best debut by anyone since Arcade Fire's The Funeral.
  15. Drake
    Aug 5, 2007
    10
    Beautiful music!
  16. kayt
    May 17, 2006
    10
    editors are brilliant musicians & lyricists. the sensual & dark tracks are much more complex & haunting than many of the current 'new retro' groups. the constant comparison of editors to joy division are uninspired &, frankly, far too simple. in terms of rhythm, excitement, & emotion, the editors are consistently passionate track after track. what's more, the singer's editors are brilliant musicians & lyricists. the sensual & dark tracks are much more complex & haunting than many of the current 'new retro' groups. the constant comparison of editors to joy division are uninspired &, frankly, far too simple. in terms of rhythm, excitement, & emotion, the editors are consistently passionate track after track. what's more, the singer's voice is rich & haunting (think peter murphy, dead can dance, depeche mode). truly a bloody amazing group well-worth the listen & the accolades.… Expand
  17. DEE
    Apr 23, 2007
    10
    A brillaint debut.
  18. ShayG
    Apr 27, 2007
    10
    Definitely a modern masterpiece. Beautiful grandeur's songs throughout. I don't how this only has a 76 with critics, it deserves alot higher. But besides that this one of those albums that can change your life.
  19. tigerskin84
    Oct 13, 2016
    10
    The best indie rock album i've ever heard in my life, those sharp guitars in contrast with tom smith loud voice
    are delightfull, those double time hi hats/drums keep it going, awesome album!
  20. BertR
    Aug 12, 2005
    9
    A true grower. take your time. When In doubt: listen to 'munich' and 'fall'... a fine album.
  21. Eneas
    Aug 17, 2005
    9
    Great album. Almost perfect. As good as "Antics" and far better than "turn on the bright lights" althougth they have their own sound.
  22. JC
    Aug 19, 2005
    9
    Jesus christ, what a dumb ass remark, Kreshnak. Ever heard of joy division or echo and the bunnymen? Or do you think that interpol had discovered this kinda music?
  23. PiotrD
    Aug 23, 2005
    9
    Really good album. Been hearing it over and over again for 2 days now - can't remember last time a new album got to me that way. About the comparing them to Interpol, well some places the influence is clear, but if you listen to the whole album you find much more than the "Interpol-sound" - absolutely recommended!
  24. TomR.
    Sep 13, 2005
    9
    You know, Editors is like Interpol (which is my fav.band) but who cares. It's a band with fantastic lyrics, good songs, a great guitar sound... So what else could you want?
  25. WWalinski
    Mar 30, 2006
    9
    Interpol comparisons are a bit unfounded. Only in mood (which does remain consistent over the course of the record) is there a logical resemblence; otherwise Editors have far stronger song-writing capabilities providing some of the most lush and beautiful tunes to come out of any band in the past couple years. Excellent live too, they have a great energy.
  26. AlC
    Aug 4, 2006
    9
    Because the path of least resistance to the new is often through the familiar, people will, generally compare Editors to Interpol, Joy Division, etc. While this might be a helpful categorization, it is simply a point of reference. This is truly a ground breaking album that after a few listens emerges as unique and groundbreaking in its own right.
  27. DavidH.
    Nov 17, 2007
    9
    class music! only song not too fussed on is camera and maybe distance, they r by no means bad songs, just not as good as the rest, which are all excellent. It is a solid album, that is exceptionally well-made, wat an exciting debut! best songs- lights, munich, blood, all sparks, fingers in the factories, someone says and open your arms, which is pretty much all of them!
  28. AC
    Jan 26, 2007
    9
    A terrific debut from these Birmingham boys. So, many excellent tracks to choose from (Blood, Bullet, Colors, Lights, Munich, & Release) but my favorite is All Sparks, Wow! just amazing to listen to. Really looking forward to there follow-up.
  29. edyg
    Oct 13, 2005
    9
    This band is awesome. The only problem is that they sound alot like Interpol. But that's okay, because no band is totally original. This is the album Interpol should've followed 'Turn On the Bright Lights with.
  30. Dave
    Oct 29, 2005
    9
    Stunning debut!
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Awards & Rankings

43
#43 Most Discussed Album of 2006
49
#49 Most Shared Album of 2006

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. Q Magazine
    70
    As much as The Back Room is a victory for style, it also strikes a blow for substance. [Aug 2005, p.135]
  2. Dot Music
    70
    "The Back Room" is, principally, a triumph.
    Read full review
  3. Drowned In Sound
    90
    It’s how Interpol would sound like if they dealt with universal themes and reflection rather than singing about fellatio fantasies with Stella, or their length of loves.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »