Those The Brokes
by The Magic Numbers
  • Record Label: Heavenly
  • Release Date: Jul 17, 2007
Metascore
65

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 22
  3. Negative: 1 out of 22
  1. cokemachineglow
    73
    It’s hard to fault the album for a little flab when the band’s trying new things and mostly doing them well; hopefully they’ll realize that underproduction simply isn’t their style next time around.
  2. Dot Music
    70
    Lopping off about twenty minutes would have improved things no end, but mostly it needs focus - focus that would probably have come with time.
  3. Filter
    64
    There are just too many frickin' snoozers. [#24, p.89]
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  5. Pitchfork
    63
    [Buyers oif the CD will] hear several solid-to-excellent songs that extend the rootsy trajectory of the Magic Numbers' fine first outing, making up in winsome intensity what they lack as far as edginess or sex appeal.
  6. Playlouder
    80
    It might be easy to criticise 'Those The Brokes' as a stab at busting through into the MOR mainstream, but it's fairer to see it as The Magic Numbers developing their expression while staying faithful to their core sound, and quiet charm.
  7. Q Magazine
    70
    Those seeking more of the same will not be disappointed. [Dec 2006, p.128]
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  8. Spin
    90
    The real story of this breathtaking follow-up... is Romeo Stodart's transformation from merely a good songwritier to an outstanding one. [Feb 2007, p.85]
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  9. The Boston Phoenix
    63
    The group’s second album continues in the same vein as the generally winning debut--only now the arrangements are lusher and more ornate and, in a few unfortunate cases, the songs are longer.
  10. The New York Times
    70
    It’s impressive how far this band can push its bright, modest sentimentality in 2007 without fetishizing it, making it hard and unpleasant.
  11. Urb
    90
    Magic Numbers have pushed their abilities while keeping their strong points on performance and substance. [Mar 2007, p.100]
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User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 13 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 13
  3. Negative: 2 out of 13
  1. TokyoGooner
    Nov 12, 2015
    8
    'This is a Song and These Are the Words'

    What's wrong with a little tongue-in-cheek humour? The brilliance of 'Alias' motivated me to    'This is a Song and These Are the Words'

    What's wrong with a little tongue-in-cheek humour? The brilliance of 'Alias' motivated me to revisit this album having dismissed it way too quickly first time around. It really is rather good.    … Full Review »
  2. JimM
    Jun 13, 2007
    1
    Trite and sadly lame. What was Romeo thinking when he thought the lyrics, "This is a song/and these are the words"X10 would help them sell records?
  3. Danfromthebush
    Nov 19, 2006
    9
    Superb.....technically better than the first...but who cares anyway.....I've just recently discovered this band and I sing their Superb.....technically better than the first...but who cares anyway.....I've just recently discovered this band and I sing their praises....flogging their album(s).… Full Review »
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