The Bones of What You Believe
by Chvrches
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 39 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 39
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 39
  3. Negative: 0 out of 39
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  1. PopMatters
    Sep 23, 2013
    60
    It is powerful but blunt electronic pop; hooks always aimed to tear, melodrama at an uncomfortable volume. Still it often works.
  2. Slant Magazine
    Sep 23, 2013
    50
    While the album has its fair share of sweet spots, the handful of capable melodies never quite balances out its bizarre impulses or the utter lack of thematic unity.
  3. Dusted Magazine
    Dec 17, 2013
    50
    The Bones of What You Believe loses steam quickly, leaving nothing new that approaches the promise of the group’s early releases.
  5. No Ripcord
    Oct 11, 2013
    60
    These singles are still some of the best music being put out today, but the filler songs are so forgettable that it's hard to see the forest through the trees.
  6. The Observer (UK)
    Sep 23, 2013
    60
    There's enough crunch to their hooky electropop to dispel accusations of unwarranted hype.
  7. Blurt Magazine
    Sep 27, 2013
    40
    It’s merely average, one likely to fade into memory once the buzz dies down and the fire goes out.
  8. The Fly (UK)
    Sep 20, 2013
    50
    It is hard to care too much about something this safe.

Awards & Rankings

72
#72 Most Discussed Album of 2013
68
#68 Most Shared Album of 2013

User Reviews

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User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 241 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 225 out of 241
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 241
  3. Negative: 6 out of 241
  1. Polaxk
    Sep 26, 2013
    10
    This is really one of the most accessible albums I've heard this year. You really can't fault well-crafted pop albums for sticking to theThis is really one of the most accessible albums I've heard this year. You really can't fault well-crafted pop albums for sticking to the genre; I find it a complete buzzkill to speculate on the possible future when they've released one album. Every song on this is a pretty perfectly crafted pop song, in the best sense.… Full Review »
  2. WadeVS
    Sep 24, 2013
    7
    Crystal clear vocals, flawless production and a sound which is both familiar and fresh this is a band who puts their best foot forward. "TakeCrystal clear vocals, flawless production and a sound which is both familiar and fresh this is a band who puts their best foot forward. "Take no chances" Lauren sings on 'Tether', and to some degree they take their own advice. This might not have been the adventurous debut many had anticipated, but they do what they do best, which is upbeat, likeable electronic pop. This is a strong showing, but I fear in coming years it will not be too memorable.… Full Review »
  3. Copeland
    Sep 26, 2013
    10
    Hands down album of the year, an absolute blast from start to finish, Lauren Mayberry's vocals are absolutely perfect and the instrumentationHands down album of the year, an absolute blast from start to finish, Lauren Mayberry's vocals are absolutely perfect and the instrumentation supports it to a tee. My only real problem with the album is that they play it safe for certain, but I can let that go due to the fact that it's their first album and I'm sure there is experimentation left to come.… Full Review »
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