User Score
Universal acclaim- based on 112 Ratings
User score distribution:
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Positive: 97 out of 112
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Mixed: 12 out of 112
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Negative: 3 out of 112
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Dec 7, 2022a spectacular debut album but I feel that there are songs that are very similar to each other and can become repetitive but other than that this album makes me nostalgic in a dark environment but somehow emits chivalry
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Oct 13, 2016The 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! -
Nov 14, 2013
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Dec 6, 2011A great debut album from English Indie rockers. Every 2nd track is an anthem here and there is only one or two filler tracks here and even at that, these aren't that bad. It's very much influenced by Joy Division but the band do a good job of giving their own take on that dark/robotic rock here. Rifftastic - a great live band too.
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May 31, 2011What a fantastic way to introduce yourself into the music world. This album has a great anthem feeling, with absolutely fantastic tracks such as "Munich", "All Sparks" and "Blood", all of which could easily be repeated over and over. And really loud, too.
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DavidH.Nov 17, 2007class 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!
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GarryKOct 19, 2007Brilliant album. All the songs are catchy, modern and unforgettable. They remind me of a 21st century version of joy division.
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DrakeAug 5, 2007Beautiful music!
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AlunJul 19, 2007Okay album - sound is horrible though. No bass - tinny - a sonic assault and not in a good way. Somewhere under the awful clipping and over zealous mastering there might well be some good songs. Because the sound is so sh*te I can't be bothered to get to know them though.
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BLJayJun 11, 2007The best British album since the Stone Roses brilliant debut.
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SmithMay 23, 2007Probably the best debut by anyone since Arcade Fire's The Funeral.
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ThompsonTMay 8, 2007Electrifying. Poetic. Terrific. A must buy!
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plMay 3, 2007interpol is crap. while editors are a very promising band despite the fact that they are truly not too original. let's just wait and see how their upcoming album goes.
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EdgarApr 30, 2007Truly spectacular!
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ShayGApr 27, 2007Definitely 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.
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DEEApr 23, 2007A brillaint debut.
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RocoApr 20, 2007Solid album by this british band. This album is powerful, epic, and very uplifting. I highly recommend.
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FrankApr 20, 2007The Best album of 02 and the best album in the last 10 years.
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DJApr 8, 2007Truly 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.
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TrekDFeb 27, 2007Love this album! Clearly, one of the best debuts ever.
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HeyPeopleFeb 14, 20076.5 in fact. I think the Billboard review says it all: the counterfeit is so good that it sounds like the original. They are great, they just aren't quite original. I like it because the sound is pure, i hate electronic post-punk. And I love the guitars as well. They seem to hurt, don´t they?
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ACJan 26, 2007A 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.
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MikeLSep 28, 2006One of the best albums I've heard in quite a while. I really enjoy it.
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kikiAug 15, 2006I thought this was an overrated album, and people I have spoken to about it agree. I think it was quite pants.
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AlCAug 4, 2006Because 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.
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epixsaviorJun 25, 2006
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GaboSMay 31, 2006
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GlitchMay 28, 2006
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kaytMay 17, 2006
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[Anonymous]May 17, 2006
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BrendanMay 2, 2006
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BertDApr 30, 2006It's just one of the best alternative rock albums atm! Really good variation of songs that just does the trick for me !
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OtherJoeyApr 12, 2006I saw them last week with Stellastar, and they blew me away. This doesn't even come close to capturing the intensity of their live show. "The Back Room" makes them sound far more derivative and less interesting than they did in concert. It's still good, but disappointing.
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JamesLApr 4, 2006Its good i realy only like the songs munich and Fingers in the Factiories.
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WWalinskiMar 30, 2006Interpol 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.
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TheGoldenTigerMar 29, 2006
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dazMar 26, 2006a
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MisterThomYorkeMar 24, 2006How Antics should have turned out? Antics was fantastic. Back Room is not so much. These are just copies of copiers and not even half as talented. I'm not sure what that equals mathmatically but I'm saying its probably 2. If you loved this you probably get off to She Wants Revenge also. This is watered down crap.
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MeyaC.Mar 24, 2006This is pretty good. It's dark but fun, but i'm not so sure if i'd remain a fan.
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DanMar 21, 2006i saw these guys on KCRW's morning becomes eclectic. i was really bored 10 minutes into it. interpol comparisons aside, and i know they're earnestly trying to be a good band, but i just find it bland
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DanilioLFeb 3, 2006Anyone who said Interpol ripped of Joy Division will have a field day with Editors. The lead vocalist is actually trying to sound like Ian Curtis, without effect. Interpol haters, Editors are the band you should be slagging off
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RichardMDec 17, 2005Superb. How you wish 'Antics' had turned out. I offer one further snippet of advice: if possible seek out the 2cd edition with the 'cuttings' b-sides collection. 'Release', the b-side to 'Munich', is simply staggering and by far the best thing they've recorded to date, which given the quality of much of the album proper is really saying something.
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MarkRDec 3, 2005The Back Room strikes the middle-ground between Turn on the Bright Lights and Antics
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DaveOct 29, 2005Stunning debut!
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sirtoliOct 29, 2005very great
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edygOct 13, 2005This 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.
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RalphOct 5, 2005Great album. Echo and the Bunnymen seems to me the most clear influence but who cares if it's better or worst as long as it pleases some of us...
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PeteFOct 1, 2005
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JamesMSep 27, 2005Please don't buy this album expecting to hear anything original. Interpol are the most obvious reference and anyone who likes them will get on with Editors. All Sparks is almost the sound of an Interpol tribute band! A few low points but at least 5 or 6 belting tracks probably the best being the anthemic (almost U2 like) 'Bullets.' Top live band as well.
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BenW.Sep 14, 2005
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TomR.Sep 13, 2005You 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?
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JorisSep 9, 2005
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MusicMavenSep 7, 2005Yes, at times they sound like Joy Division. And other post-punk bands too. There seem to be a lot of bands sporting similar influences lately. But I rather like that kind of sound, and Editors are among the cream of the crop. If you like Interpol, definitely check this out as well. Search out the 2CD limited edition if you can -- the 6 extra songs are worth it!
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MattDSep 3, 2005Great album, which grows on you with each play. Some of the tracks do have a feeling that they may have been rushed, but excellent for a debut
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PiotrDAug 23, 2005Really 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!
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SteveAug 19, 2005
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JCAug 19, 2005Jesus 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?
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JennyAug 18, 2005Great album! Took a couple of listens for me to really get into it and the 2nd CD is good and shows a more upbeat sound to them
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EneasAug 17, 2005Great album. Almost perfect. As good as "Antics" and far better than "turn on the bright lights" althougth they have their own sound.
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KreshnakKrakeAug 15, 2005It's a great pity that Editors try to copy Interpol this bad. I think a band should have it's own style. And i'm pretty sure Editors would be creative and inspiring if they would try to develop their own style. But they don't. Too bad. This band doesn't inspire me at all.
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voodoocookieAug 12, 2005If you are sick of listening to the existing Interpol albums but still would like to hear some Interpol sounding music then listen to this. Overall, a decent album!
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BertRAug 12, 2005A true grower. take your time. When In doubt: listen to 'munich' and 'fall'... a fine album.
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BenJAug 12, 2005Rather than trying to copy Joy Division then seem happier aping Interpol. Altogether, a very poor cliched record.
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Awards & Rankings
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Q MagazineAs much as The Back Room is a victory for style, it also strikes a blow for substance. [Aug 2005, p.135]
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"The Back Room" is, principally, a triumph.
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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.