The English Riviera
by Metronomy
  • Record Label: Because
  • Release Date: Apr 11, 2011
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
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  1. AllMusic
    Dec 7, 2011
    80
    The English Riviera is a challenging but ultimately rewarding effort which cements Mount's reputation as one of Britain's most intriguing pop mavericks.
  2. Consequence
    Jul 21, 2011
    70
    It has a sense of Englishness that people might associate with Pulp, The Kinks, early Pink Floyd and Blur, and maybe even The Beatles.
  3. The Independent on Sunday (UK)
    Apr 21, 2011
    70
    Tracks such as "The Bay" have enough to get heads nodding, but if you hear this on a dancefloor, it'll be courtesy of a seriously hard-working remixer.
  5. Pitchfork
    Apr 19, 2011
    64
    Almost all of the songs on The English Riviera sound great, yet few of them really emotionally or physically involve the listener, and there's little to take away besides an appreciation of that effortlessly attractive sheen.
  6. New Musical Express (NME)
    Apr 15, 2011
    90
    Everything about this album boils down to escape.
  7. The Guardian
    Apr 14, 2011
    80
    Their nu-rave past is revisited on The Look and Loving Arm, and sits surprisingly easily alongside the FM radio feel of the rest of the record, probably thanks to the charm that permeates every last moment of this album.
  8. The Telegraph (UK)
    Apr 14, 2011
    80
    Inspired by his hometown of Torquay and musically taking a leaf from Steely Dan and Fleetwood Mac, swapping his computer for the studio seems to have paid off with these brilliant, sunset funk songs.
  9. Drowned In Sound
    Apr 14, 2011
    90
    Possibly a little early to be wheeling out 'album of the year'-type assertions, but with The English Riviera Mount has set the bar nice and high.
  10. BBC Music
    Apr 14, 2011
    70
    The type of punch Metronomy now pack is differently varied, and instead of relying on catchy melodies, its excitement and originality is now more broadly sourced.
  11. musicOMH.com
    Apr 14, 2011
    90
    While existing fans are catered to generously, the band have brought their sound on in leaps and bounds; an achievement that is testament to Mount's evolving songwriting prowess. They don't come much better than this.
  12. Mojo
    May 17, 2011
    80
    Metronomy have tapped into a rich seam of eccentric pop for their third studio release. [may 2011, p.114]
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  13. Q Magazine
    May 17, 2011
    80
    The English Riviera is a major progression for Metronomy, idiosyncratic but also as instantly accessible as, say, Hot chip. It's a winning combination. [May 2011, p.114]
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  14. Uncut
    Apr 22, 2011
    80
    If Metronomy appeared glib in the past, here you'll find musical and emotional depth. [May 2011, p.91]
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User Reviews

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User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 66 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 61 out of 66
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 66
  3. Negative: 2 out of 66
  1. thereisnofork
    Jun 4, 2011
    9
    Fans of Metronomy might criticise this album for being such a vast departure from Nights out and even more so the fantastic Pip Paine. To takeFans of Metronomy might criticise this album for being such a vast departure from Nights out and even more so the fantastic Pip Paine. To take this viewpoint, however, is to overlook the obvious quality of this record - masterfully constructed beach pop that defies any criticism of stripped-down over simplicity with killer riffs and stunning clarity of production. A chill-out masterpiece.… Full Review »
  2. GilDev
    Jun 28, 2018
    10
    I’m impressed by how many times I can listen to those tracks without being bored. It’s all so relaxing, and some songs really make me want toI’m impressed by how many times I can listen to those tracks without being bored. It’s all so relaxing, and some songs really make me want to dance.
    I really enjoy listening to this while working, Corinne being my favorite song in there.    … Full Review »
  3. marcmyworks
    Jul 13, 2016
    9
    Probably one of my favourite albums of all time. It truly is a summertime mix that makes me want to hit the beach. Tracks such as "EverythingProbably one of my favourite albums of all time. It truly is a summertime mix that makes me want to hit the beach. Tracks such as "Everything Goes My Way" and "The Look" truly open up the band's creativity and mix of vocal styles.… Full Review »
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