The Photo Album
by Death Cab for Cutie
  • Record Label: Barsuk
  • Release Date: Oct 9, 2001
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. Alternative Press
    80
    It's the skillful meshing of Benjamin Gibbard's part-stream-of-consciousness, part-confessional vocals with melancholy piano and achingly melodic guitars that reveal a fleshed-out Cutie are indeed a band of uncommon beauty. [Dec 2001, p.79]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. Austin Chronicle
    67
    It's a rare talent that can express such emotions so concisely; even more rare is the ability to deliver them in a near-whisper rather than a scream.
  3. Billboard
    90
    If it's true that music of this nature doesn't get anymore heartfelt, it also rarely gets more infectious.
  5. Drawer B
    70
    The most noteworthy aspect of The Photo Album is the band’s upward trajectory. The music is cohesive and even, though still somewhat sluggish.
  6. Magnet
    80
    Everywhere you turn on Photo Album, [Ben] Gibbard is in transit, singing songs of traveling across America while his bandmates slowly perfect the post-punk melodies that snake their way through these crooked pop songs. It's a great pairing. [#52, p.82]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. Mojo
    80
    Death Cab weave together smartly taut guitars with vivid observational lyrics to create perfectly crafted pop songs, stunning in their simplicity and beauty. [Apr 2002, p.96]
    All this publication's reviews
  8. Neumu.net
    70
    The Photo Album is evidence of a band that's maturing, slowing down and trying new things.
  9. New Musical Express (NME)
    80
    As intelligent, bittersweet, angular stuff, whether it’s alt.rock, guitar-pop, or even emo is immaterial. Labels be damned - just call it great music.
  10. Nude As The News
    80
    While not every song is a gem, the ones that are have pushed the band's already high standard of compelling indie pop one notch higher.
  11. Pitchfork
    71
    Overall, it reads like a look through some stranger's photo album-- there are a lot incredible images contained within it, but there are also a few embarrassing shots and the occasional moment in time that isn't framed quite right.
  12. PopMatters
    70
    The Photo Album should help expand Death Cab for Cutie's already burgeoning fanbase, but it isn't the record that will put them on the cover of independent rock magazines.
  13. Spin
    70
    Ten tracks of heart-baring guitar-doodles by and for people who'd rather talk about feelings than have them. [Nov 2001, p.138]
    All this publication's reviews
  14. Splendid
    90
    The band has revealed a seething, visceral, rocking side of their music.... a shimmering Album Of The Year contender.

Awards & Rankings

94
#94 Best Album of 2001
57
#57 Most Discussed Album of 2001
58
#58 Most Shared Album of 2001

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 40 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 35 out of 40
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 40
  3. Negative: 4 out of 40
  1. starsbedivided
    Jul 7, 2013
    10
    "We Have the Facts" is their best work, but this is definitely a close second. It starts out simply, with "Steadier Footing", one of the best"We Have the Facts" is their best work, but this is definitely a close second. It starts out simply, with "Steadier Footing", one of the best opening tracks after "Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating in Space" and "3rd Planet". Moving on to the middle, a lot of the songs sound the same, yet you can still tell them apart. The end gets a little flat, but "Blacking Out the Friction" is underrated. "Coney Island" would have made a better closing track than "Debate Exposes Doubt", however.… Full Review »
  2. Ricko
    Mar 22, 2013
    7
    This record was the first time I heard this band. First impressions were, these guys are Placebo-Lite crossed with a little bit of Mogwai, butThis record was the first time I heard this band. First impressions were, these guys are Placebo-Lite crossed with a little bit of Mogwai, but that was a bit unfair and they have got their own identity going on. There are plenty of decent tunes on offer here and its only really the tail end of the record that lets it down a little bit. The more you listen, the more you get from the record, and in time, who knows, this might become an 8 record. Also, the bonus disk that comes with some version of this has an awesome, if unexpected version of Bjorks "All Is Full Of Love".… Full Review »
  3. moonman1994
    Dec 15, 2012
    7
    This album is good but it's hard to find a song on it that particularly stands out causing the songs to run together. It just doesn't have theThis album is good but it's hard to find a song on it that particularly stands out causing the songs to run together. It just doesn't have the variety that albums like Transatlanticism or Narrow Stairs have. This is an earlier album and you can tell. It's good but certainly not great.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »