• Record Label: Mercury
  • Release Date: Sep 14, 2010
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 9
  2. Negative: 0 out of 9
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  1. Under The Radar
    Oct 26, 2010
    80
    James continues to be as smart, versatile, and complexly interesting as they have ever been. [Fall 2010, p.68]
  2. Each EP has a handful of standout songs--the melodic thrust of "Make for This City" on Morning, the escalating drama of "Porcupine" on Night--but what lingers is James' controlled mastery of mood, how the band never pushes too hard yet never settles over the course of this quietly satisfying set.
  3. 80
    Frontman Tim Booth grapples with emotional instability and alienation, a lyrical content the band has layered over an appropriately modern and very British rock sound. One can't help wishing, however, that the band would have released a proper full-length instead of an admittedly disjointed and ultimately less-than-ideal collection.
  4. Comprising eight tracks and running to just over half-an-hour, it's a crucible of stark arrangements, contemplative moods and subtle hooks; never earth-shattering yet consistently, discreetly affecting.
  5. Yes it's slower, darker and more pensive, but like the sun that breaks through the clouds to reveal a brisk sunny morning, it shimmers and shines with splendid, polished arrangements and even grander guitar-scapes.
  6. Mojo
    80
    This is not the James of Sit Down vintage, which means there's still life in the old dogs yet. [Oct 2010, p.103]
  7. If The Night Before is stadium-ready, The Morning After is the more catatonic side of the package.
User Score
6.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 4 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 1 out of 4
  1. Jul 12, 2020
    9
    The short duration of the album is well compensated with songs that look different from what was previously done. Tracks Tell her I said so,The short duration of the album is well compensated with songs that look different from what was previously done. Tracks Tell her I said so, Kaleidoscope, and Lookaway go straight to the heart. Full Review »
  2. Oct 10, 2010
    9
    A lovely record which shows that James will never lose their touch for writing meaningful music. And as with all their previous records, thereA lovely record which shows that James will never lose their touch for writing meaningful music. And as with all their previous records, there are a few tracks on here which are easy to get into and prompt instantaneous sing-along's. Laid this ain't, but it's no worse the wear because of it. Recommended to any James fan, or anyone looking for something with a little more substance than what's oft available on the market today. Full Review »