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The Fray
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The Fray Image
Metascore
56

Mixed or average reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 41 Ratings

  • Summary: The follow-up to the Colorado quartet's twice-platinum debut album was produced by Aaron Johnson and Mike Flynn.

Top Track

You Found Me
I found God on the corner of First and Amistad Where the west was all but won All alone Smoking his last cigarette I said where you been? He said,... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. Uncut
    80
    Not only a radio-friendly unit-shifter, but also a bona fide guilty pleasure. [Mar 2009, p.85]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. Billboard
    70
    The Fray is a more angst-filled and melancholy set than you'd expect from a group following up a double-platinum debut, populated with songs about lost love and tortured souls. But hand-wringing music sells.
  3. AllMusic
    60
    The Fray's sophomore release picks up where How to Save a Life left off, reprising the same blend of piano-led ballads and midtempo pop/rock that helped establish the band in 2005.
  4. Hot Press
    50
    Slick yet soulless second effort from Denver’s Answer to Coldplay.
  5. Hartford Courant
    50
    The group doesn't stray far from the template, turning in another batch of hooky mid-tempo songs that are pretty without necessarily sounding distinctive.
  6. Entertainment Weekly
    42
    Life had a handful of standouts, but follow-up The Fray is all blah, all the time: more minor-key melodies, more dreary tempos, more of singer-pianist Isaac Slade's spiceless sore-throat croon.
  7. Rolling Stone
    40
    The band's piano rock suggests a more earnest, less arty Coldplay. The Fray are going for introspection and dramatic sweep but don't rise above bland pleasantries.

See all 9 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 20
  3. Negative: 4 out of 20
  1. JamieM
    Apr 17, 2009
    10
    The albums first track mixes The Frays 'How to Save a Life' sound, with a more upbeat, and pop based rhythm heard on tracks such as The albums first track mixes The Frays 'How to Save a Life' sound, with a more upbeat, and pop based rhythm heard on tracks such as 'She Is', the end result? Syndicate. Followed by another great song, Absolute, the album appears to be more upbeat than its predecessor, however, the third track, 'You Found Me', returns to The Fray's roots, with a slow introduction, that gradually increases into an intense ending. Then, 5 tracks in, we are hit with the highlight of the album, 'Never Say Never', with memorable lyrics, an amazing chorus, and an ending which truly represents The Fray. Their second album shows new opportunities for the band. Despite people claiming 'The Fray' is identical to 'How to Save a Life', this doesn't make the album any less better, why fix something that's not broken, and in my opinion, The Fray is definitely not broken.… Expand
  2. KennethM.
    Feb 4, 2009
    10
    The lyrics are profound and relatable, the music is beautiful... I've noticed that the critics who gave this album a poor view are the The lyrics are profound and relatable, the music is beautiful... I've noticed that the critics who gave this album a poor view are the critics who were never going to give it a fair shot in the first place.… Collapse
  4. HaydenS.
    Feb 7, 2009
    10
    Dont listen to these reviewers they dont know crap about music This CD is just so amazing The Best soft rock music ive ever heard well really Dont listen to these reviewers they dont know crap about music This CD is just so amazing The Best soft rock music ive ever heard well really just the best music ie ever heard 10/10.… Expand
  5. JakeH
    Jul 9, 2009
    8
    It took me more than one listen to decide that I like it, and it may not be as good as How To Save A Life, but it definitely grows on you. It took me more than one listen to decide that I like it, and it may not be as good as How To Save A Life, but it definitely grows on you. The songs stick in my head now, and I can't wait to hear them played live. If you liked How To Save A Life, for sure check out this album.… Expand
  6. chandler1178
    Sep 30, 2013
    8
    The album is laid out in a way that makes it worth listening to straight through, and sort of expresses some of the confusion in emotion thatThe album is laid out in a way that makes it worth listening to straight through, and sort of expresses some of the confusion in emotion that the band probably had at this period when trying to make a follow up album for a great first album. There are a few amazing songs in this album, it contains "you found me" as a popular track to get a lot of popular radio air time, but also the song "Happiness" which is a standalone great song, satisfying end to the album, yet not laid out in a way to gain radio popularity so no one can hear it. Overall, the emotion is a bit less there and the theme kind of switches around, but it is musically a brilliant album, better than the first as the young band naturally got better.… Expand
  7. mattd
    Mar 20, 2009
    7
    The lyrics were great, the music was beautiful, but the reason the critics were low scoring was because the album lacks any passion, its The lyrics were great, the music was beautiful, but the reason the critics were low scoring was because the album lacks any passion, its kinda empty and souless.… Expand
  8. WesM.
    Feb 6, 2009
    0
    Na chill out. Besides Nickelback, the ultimate proof to brandish at annoying rockists that mainstream rock is just as shiity as mainstream Na chill out. Besides Nickelback, the ultimate proof to brandish at annoying rockists that mainstream rock is just as shiity as mainstream rap, dance, etc.… Expand

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Awards & Rankings

72
#72 Most Discussed Album of 2009
62
#62 Most Shared Album of 2009