The Courtneys II
by The Courtneys
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
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  1. Pitchfork
    Mar 27, 2017
    80
    The songs are viscerally anguished, but they don’t wallow. There’s an essential, breezy levity to the music; the parts require one another. The whole of II moves forward and on.
  2. Clash Music
    Mar 3, 2017
    80
    A record that raises as many smiles as it does questions, The Courtneys channel more wit, fun, humour, and intelligence into The Courtneys II than most bands manage in their entire discography. Go seek it out.
  3. No Ripcord
    Feb 21, 2017
    80
    Applied with both spunk and sophistication, The Courtneys II is a laudable follow-up that deftly captures their growing musical rapport.
  5. AllMusic
    Feb 21, 2017
    80
    They may not have broken the mold, but delivering a rock-solid album that plays well from front to back is no easy feat, and this second volume is a winner.
  6. Exclaim
    Feb 21, 2017
    80
    Well-crafted and delightfully infectious, The Courtneys II is a sequel that surpasses their already-great original.
  7. musicOMH.com
    Feb 21, 2017
    80
    Essentially this is an album packed with genuine nuggets of pop gold.
  8. Under The Radar
    Mar 2, 2017
    70
    The band rarely stray from their lane but the bottomless reserve of fuzz that II runs on ensures The Courtneys get to where they need to go.
  9. Record Collector
    Mar 2, 2017
    60
    In short, sharp bursts, this approach [bubblegum-flavoured power-pop enhanced by youthful, punky vigour] remains a winner, though as Courtneys II’s samey second side reveals, it can just as easily sound formulaic.
  10. PopMatters
    Mar 6, 2017
    50
    The Courtneys have grown up, but in the tradition of many sophomore releases, it is not enough.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 5 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. xtinalol
    Apr 14, 2017
    8
    The songs are viscerally anguished, but they don’t wallow. There’s an essential, breezy levity to the music; the parts require one another.The songs are viscerally anguished, but they don’t wallow. There’s an essential, breezy levity to the music; the parts require one another. The whole of II moves forward and on.… Full Review »
  2. Tom_Bombadil
    Mar 8, 2017
    8
    Nothing unexpected. Just melodic power pop. Still, I think most lovers of the style will treasure this one given how Jen Twynn Payne alwaysNothing unexpected. Just melodic power pop. Still, I think most lovers of the style will treasure this one given how Jen Twynn Payne always delivers refreshing hooks and how cheerful these progressions of power chords are. There's little talk and a lot of action. Listen to "Minnesota" to understand what I'm talking about.… Full Review »
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