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The Libertines
by
The Libertines Image
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 28 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 108 Ratings

  • Summary: While some eponymous albums suggest a lack of creativity, the heralded UK rock outfit's sophomore disc is titled 'The Libertines' because it is indeed about The Libertines--or, more specifically, about the ongoing conflict between the band's two songwriters, Carlos Barat and Pete DohertyWhile some eponymous albums suggest a lack of creativity, the heralded UK rock outfit's sophomore disc is titled 'The Libertines' because it is indeed about The Libertines--or, more specifically, about the ongoing conflict between the band's two songwriters, Carlos Barat and Pete Doherty (the latter of whom was subsequently kicked out of the band after three failed rehab attempts). The Clash's Mick Jones returns as producer.… Expand

Top Track

Can't Stand Me Now
An ending fitting for the start You twist and tore our love apart Your light fingers through the dark Shattered the lamp, into darkness it cast us... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 28
  3. Negative: 0 out of 28
  1. Uncut
    100
    The Libertines is a record of such raw autobiographical honesty that it carries a weight few others in 2004 can match. [Album of the Month, Sep 2004, p.94]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. New Musical Express (NME)
    90
    What you have here is the most agonisingly voyeuristic listening experience in rock, ever. It's also some of the most exhilarating and brilliant rock'n'roll of the past 20 years. [7 Aug 2004, p.46]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. Q Magazine
    90
    This record... is brimming with character, easily surpassing their debut, its energy level like a battery charge. [Sep 2004, p.108]
    All this publication's reviews
  4. Billboard
    80
    Raw and emotional.
  5. Rolling Stone
    70
    No band in recent history has better captured the vertiginous experience of falling apart and loving it. [16 Sep 2004, p.79]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. PopMatters
    70
    Review #1: Despite the fact that the new album is, yet again, a half-assed effort, The Libertines is nonetheless a thoroughly fascinating one to hear. [score=60]; Review #2: There is not a weak moment on this album. [score=80]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. Drowned In Sound
    40
    From the very start, The Libertines is the sound of the band at its most muzzled; paralysed by poor production, underdeveloped songs and private lives that have become more sensational and noteworthy than the music.

See all 28 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 38 out of 44
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 44
  3. Negative: 2 out of 44
  1. Bilolover
    Dec 27, 2010
    10
    It is a shame that Pete and Carl never did continue to write beautiful songs together. Their chemistry is unmatched in this day and age.It is a shame that Pete and Carl never did continue to write beautiful songs together. Their chemistry is unmatched in this day and age. This album really shows their talents and please stop calling them the British Strokes. The are The Libertines people!… Expand
  2. miked
    Jan 11, 2006
    10
    fantastic. the best album ever. FACT
  4. AndrewT
    Sep 17, 2004
    10
    A great album in that there is a direct relationship with the moment of experience. Pure energy, loosely defined and exhilerating because of. A great album in that there is a direct relationship with the moment of experience. Pure energy, loosely defined and exhilerating because of. If you want your music well defined and exact, this is not the album for you, but if you yearn for the great albums of the early punk era, if you yearn for the revolutiuon of the spirit, then this is it. Makes the Strokes sound boring! … Expand
  5. maxwellw
    Apr 10, 2006
    10
    this is a fucking fantastic album, imperfect and raw. The libertines paints a scruffy, beautifal picture of pete doherty's and carl this is a fucking fantastic album, imperfect and raw. The libertines paints a scruffy, beautifal picture of pete doherty's and carl barat's crumbling relationship. and i can't stand the wankers who ignorantly dismiss this because its not as tediously polished as most tripe that reaches radio stations, if you own a brain cell, then this must be purchased. Alternative Press are also twats.… Expand
  6. ShabarO
    Oct 18, 2004
    9
    a little bit like going for a nice swim in the ocean and being smahed by a tidal wave. absolutely refreshing. truth, honesty and respect what a little bit like going for a nice swim in the ocean and being smahed by a tidal wave. absolutely refreshing. truth, honesty and respect what else to expect from a good record. Oh yes, they have their problem dealing with their life, but that is rock.n.roll. so much better than the first one… Expand
  7. PStirups
    May 3, 2006
    8
    Song are good. Everything about it is good, but it isn't a rough and fun as the orignal Libertines album.
  8. jimbob
    Nov 26, 2005
    0
    Shit

See all 44 User Reviews

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Awards & Rankings

74
#74 Best Album of 2004
42
#42 Most Discussed Album of 2004
28
#28 Most Shared Album of 2004

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