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The English Riviera
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The English Riviera Image
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 66 Ratings

  • Summary: The third album for the electronic band was produced by its lead singer, Joseph Mount.
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Top Track

The Look
You're up and you'll get down You're never running from this town Kind of think you said "You'll never get anything better than this" 'Cause you're... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. New Musical Express (NME)
    Apr 15, 2011
    90
    Everything about this album boils down to escape.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Beats Per Minute
    Apr 25, 2011
    45
    There are enough moments here to suggest that the band can find a comfortable middle ground between the two sounds that will suit both their aspirations and the desire of the listeners, let's just hope that next time around they find it.

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User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 9
  3. Negative: 1 out of 9
  1. 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.    … Expand
  2. 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 athis 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… Expand
  4. 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, asThe 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.… Expand
  5. 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 listeningI'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
  6. 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.… Expand
  7. 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 andMetronomy'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
  8. 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-soakedPlinky-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.… Expand

See all 9 User Reviews

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