Tourist
by Athlete
Metascore
46

Mixed or average reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 19
  3. Negative: 7 out of 19
  1. AllMusic
    50
    Unfortunately, too much of Tourist seems like an amalgam of other things, whether it's the Coldplay-ness of their ballads or the distinct Super Furry Animals influence that's been with Athlete all along.
  2. Delusions of Adequacy
    60
    A solid collection of delicate songs.
  3. Dot Music
    50
    Unfortunately "Tourist" is derivative in only a one-dimensional sense: its imagination stopping where Wayne Coyne’s begins.
  5. Drowned In Sound
    50
    Athlete seem to have found a formula in the studio and left the autopliot in reverse.
  6. New Musical Express (NME)
    60
    The problem for Athlete is that Coldplay are returning in a matter of weeks to show how it's really done. [29 Jan 2005, p.59]
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  7. Paste Magazine
    40
    Instantly forgettable. [#16, p.139]
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  8. Rolling Stone
    60
    Swooning song-poetry and Coldplay karaoke over electronics-tinged arrangements that sound very pro forma.
  9. Under The Radar
    60
    Athlete often can't help but sounding formulaic. [#10, p.115]
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Awards & Rankings

86
#86 Most Discussed Album of 2005

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 64 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 47 out of 64
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 64
  3. Negative: 11 out of 64
  1. Screenager
    Jun 20, 2013
    8
    Its a logical progression but it sounds too much like Coldplay; clearly Athlete wanted to stay commercially successful after their debutIts a logical progression but it sounds too much like Coldplay; clearly Athlete wanted to stay commercially successful after their debut netted a nomination for the Mercury Prize, unlike that album this is a more mature sounding record. Gone are the toy-etic sounds of their debut in favour of piano-rock, simple structured songs, also gone is the fun and energy of that album replaced by depressing moods and lyrics. Clearly people will criticise this album for ripping off Coldplay, but in my opinion this really is a natural progression from their old sound and one that it is far more mature.… Full Review »
  2. gg
    Feb 14, 2007
    10
    Great
  3. RobC
    Nov 29, 2006
    4
    Just one or two good songs. They came late, the bri-pop wave is not here anymore.
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