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The Bones of What You Believe Image
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 39 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 241 Ratings

  • Summary: This is the debut full-length studio release for the Scottish synth-pop trio.
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  • Record Label: Glass Note
  • Genre(s): Pop/Rock, Alternative/Indie Rock, Alternative Pop/Rock, Punk/New Wave, Synth Pop
  • More Details and Credits »

Top Track

Gun
You had better run from me With everything you own ‘Cause I am gonna come for you With all that I have I am gonna break you down To tiny, tiny... See the rest of the song lyrics
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 39
  2. Negative: 0 out of 39
  1. Sep 24, 2013
    100
    She, Doherty, and multi-instrumentalist Iain Cook have crafted one of the year’s best albums, which means that buzz won’t be dying down any time soon.
  2. Alternative Press
    Sep 12, 2013
    90
    Even more devastation stems fro Iain Cook and Martin Doherty's sophisticated and catchy layers of synthesizers and vocal loops. [Oct 2013, p.82]
  3. 83
    CHVRCHES have constructed a debut record that will not lose its luster with each successive spin, and proven that they have the substance to remain aloft as their cosmic kin come crashing down to Earth.
  4. Sep 18, 2013
    80
    There’s no denying that the band has released a fully coherent statement.
  5. Entertainment Weekly
    Sep 27, 2013
    75
    While their debut doesn't always maintain those kinds of highs [as singles Recover or Lies], it still provides plenty of charmingly straightforward indie-disco pleasures. [4 Oct 2013, p.64]
  6. Sep 24, 2013
    70
    The songs here are cohesive but never awkwardly uniform.
  7. Sep 27, 2013
    40
    It’s merely average, one likely to fade into memory once the buzz dies down and the fire goes out.

See all 39 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 20
  2. Negative: 1 out of 20
  1. Sep 10, 2016
    10
    I just wanna ask a question, is it possible not to like this album? This is a fresh start for the synth pop trio CHVRCHES, who were able toI just wanna ask a question, is it possible not to like this album? This is a fresh start for the synth pop trio CHVRCHES, who were able to show so many different sides in a strong, consistent and phenomenal debut. Expand
  2. Oct 26, 2014
    10
    This album is great. The perfect blend of the pop, electronic, and synth music genre. You can tell the band was influenced by some 80s musicThis album is great. The perfect blend of the pop, electronic, and synth music genre. You can tell the band was influenced by some 80s music by the sound of some songs. The band sounds just as good live as they do on the album. A must have in my opinion. Science/Visions is my personal fave Expand
  3. 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. Expand
  4. Sep 26, 2013
    9
    About the most fun an album can be one of the critics on the right said that even the most jaded people would enjoy it, and I completelyAbout the most fun an album can be one of the critics on the right said that even the most jaded people would enjoy it, and I completely agree with that statement. It was preceded by a few really good singles as well, so the band obviously had potential, and it's good to see that can put together an entire album of solid songs. That being said, this music will get old unless they start to get somewhat experimental on their next few albums, and ideally they won't submit to pop and digress into simple, brain numbing synths. Expand
  5. 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. Expand
  6. Sep 29, 2013
    7
    The entire album seems to be influenced by the sound of 80s pop, which is a great thing. I just wished that the rest of the tracks are asThe entire album seems to be influenced by the sound of 80s pop, which is a great thing. I just wished that the rest of the tracks are as fantastic as Gun, undeniably the best one on the album, and one of the best that i listened to in quite some time. Really breathtaking. Also, The Mother We Share, We Sink and By The Throat are great tracks. Collapse
  7. Nov 25, 2013
    0
    This is chvrches' repetitive electronic "song" has been an an advertisement at the beginning of youtube videos for months and then it was onThis is chvrches' repetitive electronic "song" has been an an advertisement at the beginning of youtube videos for months and then it was on the radio and I cant stand for this bull****. The singer girl does have a great voice and its sad she spends her talent singing with guys pressing synth buttons. Expand

See all 20 User Reviews

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