The Rhumb Line
by Ra Ra Riot
  • Record Label: Barsuk
  • Release Date: Aug 19, 2008
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. PopMatters
    60
    While the first five songs on The Rhumb Line are uniformly strong, the album starts to lose its momentum just after cresting the halfway point.
  2. Uncut
    60
    Their combination of new wave rhythms, with such conspicuous use if strings is impressive, but it falls a little short of grandeur. [Oct 2008, p.105]
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  3. Q Magazine
    60
    This effervescent debut seems determined to shake off the tragedy. [Oct 2008, p.150]
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  5. Under The Radar
    60
    The Rhumb Line is a step in the right direction but still a few feet away from the type of anthemic songs I believe they have in them. [Fall 2008, p.84]
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  6. The A.V. Club
    58
    Mildness and friendliness help things flow along so nicely, in fact, that The Rhumb Line softens the impact of generally nuanced and energetic songwriting.
  7. NOW Magazine
    60
    Rhumb Line gives the impression that mostly good things are ahead.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 20 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 20
  3. Negative: 2 out of 20
  1. AndrewN.
    Aug 20, 2008
    9
    Easily one of the year's best, though i think the music critics don't know quite what to do with it. production is excellent.
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