The Optimist LP - Turin Brakes
User Score
9.3 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 11 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11

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  1. Anon
    Apr 8, 2004
    10
    The CD is as close to perfection as is possible, Turin Brakes have managed to combine quality acoustic tunes and fantastic lyrics. And future boy is a quality track.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  2. GavR
    Jun 23, 2005
    10
    This is a great acoustic album, which is only surpassed by it's follow up, ether song.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  3. JimS
    Feb 11, 2003
    8
    some dodgy lyrics, but it brings acoustic guitar back into fashion
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  4. ColmP.
    Oct 23, 2001
    9
    I absolutely adore Turin Brakes. I basically couldn't listen to acoustic stuff @ home before this the only thing is I can't stand future boy just yet hence the 9 and the fact nothing is perfect
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
Metascore

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 9
  2. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. After a first listen 'The Optimist LP' simply drifts over your head like yet another take on a well worn formula, but given a second chance reveals a glorious, often ornate sensibility that simply can't be ignored.
  2. Underlying The Optimist's base -- two complementary voices highlighted by beautifully executed acoustic guitar -- is Turin Brakes' bent existentialism, an expansive vision that adds a feeling of fatalism to many of these songs.
  3. Given the right melody... Turin Brakes make fragile, delicately understated music... But just as often, they're weighed down by draggy tunes and unintentionally amusing lyrics. [4 May 2001, p.69]