The Only Place
by Best Coast
User Score
7.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 37 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 37
  3. Negative: 3 out of 37
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  1. jmcpIII
    Aug 12, 2012
    4
    This album REALLY disappointed me. Crazy for You was fun and breezy, and the kitschy lyrics could be forgiven amidst the great melodies and stoner vibes. But trying to go all Neko Case on us Best Coast ends up falling flat on their face. Thing whole country thing just flat out doesnt work. Maybe if the rhymes weren't recycled from the last album and the subject matter matched theThis album REALLY disappointed me. Crazy for You was fun and breezy, and the kitschy lyrics could be forgiven amidst the great melodies and stoner vibes. But trying to go all Neko Case on us Best Coast ends up falling flat on their face. Thing whole country thing just flat out doesnt work. Maybe if the rhymes weren't recycled from the last album and the subject matter matched the aesthetic, the album can be enjoyed, but the whole album just seems at odds with itself. But lets give credit where credit is due. With her vocals right up front in the mix, Beth Cosentino shows just how great her voice is, something that I think a lot of people missed on the first album, which again was a great album and I dont think a complete re-hashing of it would have worked out either so trying a new sound is at least commendable but just not likeable in this case.… Expand
  2. r8diohead
    May 17, 2012
    4
    I was a huge Best Coast fan after the release of Crazy for You. I've probably listened to that album a hundred times. However, The Only Place shows how one dimensional Castello really is. While the band tried to create the 60s fuzz pop gold that they had achieved on their first album, the addition of Jon Brion as the producer placed a greater emphasis on the Castello's lyrics, which areI was a huge Best Coast fan after the release of Crazy for You. I've probably listened to that album a hundred times. However, The Only Place shows how one dimensional Castello really is. While the band tried to create the 60s fuzz pop gold that they had achieved on their first album, the addition of Jon Brion as the producer placed a greater emphasis on the Castello's lyrics, which are easily the bands' weakest attribute. The songs sound like they are poems written by a self-absorbed 7th grader. This lyrical style may have worked on Crazy For You because of the mood that the songs created by the lyrical carelessness. The melodies were infectious, and most of the lyrics were accessible to hit home with many listeners. The lyrics on The Only Place however, are so personalized to Bethany that it alienates its listeners. It's pretty much like listening to 34 minutes of her whining about her problems and telling you why your life sucks because you don't live in California.… Expand
  3. MusiclyMade
    May 16, 2012
    5
    Best Coast could be taking their sound to more grown-up landscapes, but it appears that they're heading down a very, very long road that will only see Best Coast limiting themselves to making music that only becomes the soundtrack to summer, rather than the whole year through. If Best Coast want to stay this way, then I suppose it's an accessible option that keeps their avid fans pleased -Best Coast could be taking their sound to more grown-up landscapes, but it appears that they're heading down a very, very long road that will only see Best Coast limiting themselves to making music that only becomes the soundtrack to summer, rather than the whole year through. If Best Coast want to stay this way, then I suppose it's an accessible option that keeps their avid fans pleased - but if this really is the best coast, I'll be staying at home in the UK for my holidays this year.… Collapse

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
66

Generally favorable reviews - based on 37 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 37
  3. Negative: 2 out of 37
  1. Mojo
    Jul 18, 2012
    60
    It's still summer music, but The Only Place captures that moment when it's time to wrap a cardigan around your shoulders against the chill. [Jun 2012, p.83]
  2. Q Magazine
    Jun 19, 2012
    60
    Themes of fun, sun and beach-bum ennui pervade, but even if it fails to reach the summery stoner highs of their previous record, there's no denying The Only Place's indomitable West Coast pop-rock melodies and sugary thrills. [Jun 2012, p.97]
  3. Kerrang!
    Jun 7, 2012
    80
    BC's second album fizzes with both upbeat hymns to fun in the sun and achingly sad odes to lost love. [May 2012, p.53
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