The Other Side of Make-Believe
by Interpol
  • Record Label: Matador
  • Release Date: Jul 15, 2022
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
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  1. The Telegraph (UK)
    Jul 15, 2022
    60
    The Other Side of Make Believe scarcely risks driving away disciples. Nor does it cravenly go after fresh converts.
  2. DIY Magazine
    Jul 14, 2022
    60
    This is an album that asks for patience, and only on occasion is it duly rewarded.
  3. Exclaim
    Jul 14, 2022
    60
    The result is a fine record, but one that ultimately fails to leave a mark.
  5. PopMatters
    Jul 11, 2022
    60
    The bad news is that The Other Side of Make-Believe suffers from a gaggle of forgettable material. The good news is that the record shows us all that Interpol are willing to try a few new tricks as they age.
  6. The Guardian
    Jul 7, 2022
    60
    The Other Side of Make-Believe has its longueurs – the lumbering Mr Credit among them – but it also has its pleasures: it doesn’t sound phoned in, which is much to its credit. Long past the point where they’re in the business of attracting new fans, they nevertheless keep moving, albeit subtly.
  7. Record Collector
    Jul 6, 2022
    60
    Daniel Kessler’s guitar lines remain inventively distinctive, but a gentleness now exudes from Paul Banks’ voice, and his pseudo-absurdist lyrics consider that things might not be so bad after all.
  8. Slant Magazine
    Jul 11, 2022
    50
    A half-baked pastiche of previous releases. Even the album’s highlights can’t compete with the best cuts on later albums like 2014’s El Pintor. In an attempt to move forward, the band has simply disassembled and repackaged the stylistic traits that made them special in the first place.

Awards & Rankings

68
#68 Most Discussed Album of 2022

User Reviews

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User Score
7.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 29 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 29
  3. Negative: 3 out of 29
  1. gobitoe
    Jul 15, 2022
    7
    I would consider myself "one of those people" that tend to gravitate around their first two records. For me, Interpol hasn't really had theI would consider myself "one of those people" that tend to gravitate around their first two records. For me, Interpol hasn't really had the punch they had on those two records ever since, besides maybe "El Pintor".

    I don't think this album is bad by any means, but there were a couple times where I wish they dared to add more punch to the songs.

    My highlights would be the singles, as well as "Mr. Credit", "Passengers", "Grand hotel" and "Big Shot City"    … Full Review »
  2. Brutaljuice
    Jul 26, 2022
    5
    No bueno. This album is dark, dull and way too bleak. Maybe 1 playable track for SiriusXM. They lost what made them special. I couldn’t listenNo bueno. This album is dark, dull and way too bleak. Maybe 1 playable track for SiriusXM. They lost what made them special. I couldn’t listen to this album more than 2 times. I wanted to like it but it’s barely better than Marauder.… Full Review »
  3. sb_in_ne
    Jul 31, 2022
    8
    This album grew on me quite a bit with repeated listens. It is a bit plodding at times, but there are also plenty of delightful moments andThis album grew on me quite a bit with repeated listens. It is a bit plodding at times, but there are also plenty of delightful moments and surprises. Favorite tracks: Toni, Something Changed, Renegade Hearts, Greenwich, and Gran Hotel.… Full Review »
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