The English Riviera
by Metronomy
  • Record Label: Because
  • Release Date: Apr 11, 2011
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
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  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 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.
  2. Esteban
    Apr 19, 2012
    3
    Plinky-plonky rubbish. Maybe Metronomy aren't for me, or maybe it sounds different on the actual English Riviera rather than in rain-soaked Glasgow. I do like a bit of Brit Lo-fi, but I think Belle and Sebastian have done this sort of thing a lot better than this. The rating is for 'The Look' only, avoid the rest.
  3. Ivan_T
    May 17, 2011
    9
    The English Riviera has a much more laid-back vibe compared to Metronomy's last album Nights Out. It would be wrong to see no connection, as The English Riviera still has an emphasis on Synths, but the feeling is different. I wouldn't have been happy to see Metronomy revisit the same sound and am glad to see him / the band so comfortable in a sonic direction that is new to them. However, IThe English Riviera has a much more laid-back vibe compared to Metronomy's last album Nights Out. It would be wrong to see no connection, as The English Riviera still has an emphasis on Synths, but the feeling is different. I wouldn't have been happy to see Metronomy revisit the same sound and am glad to see him / the band so comfortable in a sonic direction that is new to them. However, I still ever so slightly preferred their last album.… Collapse
  4. RocknRoll
    Mar 4, 2012
    9
    I'd never heard of Metronomy before I picked up on all the hype surrounding this album. And what an album! It's impossible to finish listening to it in a downcast mood. It contains two of the best songs of 2011 in 'The Look' and 'The Bay' (The latter containing a chorus that is out of this World). The fantastic bass-work and synths on the album only adds to the chilled-out vibes. HeavilyI'd never heard of Metronomy before I picked up on all the hype surrounding this album. And what an album! It's impossible to finish listening to it in a downcast mood. It contains two of the best songs of 2011 in 'The Look' and 'The Bay' (The latter containing a chorus that is out of this World). The fantastic bass-work and synths on the album only adds to the chilled-out vibes. Heavily recommended to anyone with a good taste in music.… Expand
  5. LuizCC
    Oct 13, 2012
    8
    Metronomy's best effort was a breath of summer air in last year's 'old- but-new-music-to-make-money' musical scene. With expanded guitars and good melodies, it was the soundtrack to most of parties, not simply because it is kind of easy listening, but because it's good. The simple songwriting fits well the homewarming sound that surpasses trough all this album. I still wait moreMetronomy's best effort was a breath of summer air in last year's 'old- but-new-music-to-make-money' musical scene. With expanded guitars and good melodies, it was the soundtrack to most of parties, not simply because it is kind of easy listening, but because it's good. The simple songwriting fits well the homewarming sound that surpasses trough all this album. I still wait more participation from band's drummer Anna Prior at vocals.… Expand
  6. Ricko
    Apr 17, 2012
    8
    I wasn't sure about this on first listen but it improves with repeated listens. At it's core, it's a pop record with a dreamy kind of dance tinge to it and there are some fantastic melodies on this. They certainly sound different to what else is out there at the moment. At the centre of the record are the tracks "Trouble" and "The Bay". 2 perfect pop songs. Overall, its probably too variedI wasn't sure about this on first listen but it improves with repeated listens. At it's core, it's a pop record with a dreamy kind of dance tinge to it and there are some fantastic melodies on this. They certainly sound different to what else is out there at the moment. At the centre of the record are the tracks "Trouble" and "The Bay". 2 perfect pop songs. Overall, its probably too varied an album to appeal completely to everyone but it's best parts are outstanding.… Expand
  7. steamlord
    Jan 2, 2016
    10
    this album is great, the melodies, the composition so clean and fresh, the voices are top notch and the songs are pop and catchy but with a indie rock flair. i just love this album a 10 for me
  8. 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 "Everything Goes My Way" and "The Look" truly open up the band's creativity and mix of vocal styles.
  9. 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 to dance.
    I really enjoy listening to this while working, Corinne being my favorite song in there.

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
  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.
    Read full review
  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.
    Read full review
  3. Mojo
    May 17, 2011
    80
    Metronomy have tapped into a rich seam of eccentric pop for their third studio release. [may 2011, p.114]
See all critic reviews »