I can't believe the low rating here. I thought it was an average record, but I listened to it a few times, and it's now one of my favourite records in the last few years - every song is a classic! Anyone who thinks it's boring or comatose has no business reviewing records.

A recipe for narcolepsy (sp). Man, this one is slowwwwww. The forced drama is extended and repeated and soothed into you....yawwnnnn.

Not quite as bad as the critics score would indicate, but pretty damn close. Lots of critics have said that they are a crappy version of coldplay but I think that this album is just barely below X and Y. If you're looking for truly thought-provoking indie/british rock, look elsewhere--Athlete is pretty much on the same emotional level as your standard emo/screamo band.

I reckon music fans and critics fall into two categories. Those who know what they like, and those who like what no one else knows. Me, I couldn't give a s**t about exclusivity - I just want a song that moves me. Tourist is full of such songs. Great album.

Pretty dull.

Joel Pott can't emote, I'm sorry, and if they were just-about-above-average on their debut, this is dull dull light, lit up by Wires and Trading Air, which would be weak points on another album, but are strengths here. Pott's lyrics are one-dimensional still, but when tackling the kind of subject matter where depth is important, this album seems to have the emotional depth of a greetings card.… Expand

maybe it's just the accents, but these guys definately have something going for them!

Surprisingly better than their first album, Tourist is sweeping and anthemic. Athlete have traded in their drunken chorus style melodies for obviously Coldplay influenced emotion. They seem to have matured both musically and lyrically.

there are 3 highlights to this album that stand well above the rest. They are half life, wires and modern mafia. As for the rest of the abbum; pleasent but average. Shows great potential for the future.

While this album may not be groundbreaking it certainly is worth a listen just for the fact that there has not been such radio friendly indie pop since Keane. While both this band and Keane may be viewed as copycats (despite being pretty different anyhow), there are certainly some pretty witty lyrics and interesting hooks to prop up this moderately radio friendly release. Doesn't really have to be completely original to be worth a listen.… Expand

Very good album! Not as bad as some people say

Some realy fantastic tracks. The song 'wires' is so emotive its amazing, the lyrics are amazing and sung with so much emotion - i believe he is singing about his baby being put in A&E. I cant understand all the comparisons to coldplay however.

cool album. amazing lyrics

Coldplay was born as a Radiohead clone. Then they became theirselves. Now we've got Coldplay clones. It gets tiring...

Sure it isn't record of the year but it is refreshing andis much better than listening to My Humps all day with such beautiful songs like Wires (about his baby) and Twenty Four Hours

Great

I stumbled upon Athlete by chance and haven't looked back. These guys are writing some of the most progressive and interesting songs out there. Just give them a chance.

Adam X said it perfectly. This is horribly boring, stupid stuff.

Agreeing with Scott M, it isn't as good as Vehicles and Animals but is still a great album. The tracks aren't as varied as V&A but each one is excellent in its own right. To give this album less than 6 is just wrong, you just have to look at the descriptions of the low scores to see that there is very little thought going on in there!

One of the most uninspired, plodding and downright dreadful albums of recent times... And to think I thought it couldn't get worse than Keane...

rubbish

This album although drowned in melodramatic circumstances cannot help to tug at the heartstrings and is undoubtedly an enjoyable listen given time. An admirable effort

So, it's not as good as their first release, but it's still pretty damn enjoyable. Standout tracks include Half Light, Tourist, Wires (the first single), and Twenty Four Hours. All of the songs possess great mellow vibes and what I think to be beautiful lyrics supplemented by great music.

What can I say, this album bored me to tears.

I got the CD given too me and I would have sold it but I serioulsy didn't want anybody to be ripped off, the store or the buyer

I agree that it's not as strong as Coldplay but it's stronger than their first album and it's a good listen. The magazine reviewers have got it wrong.

I didn't like this at first, but it really does grow on you. The voice an be a little irritating but the songs and tunes are very good.

all the way from deptford high street this is the best album I have bought this year. Fantastic hooks and real music neither over produced or undercooked. See them live they fly to El Salvador

i have read a selection of what the critics have said about this album. i don't agree with any of the comparisons to coldplay - they are dull and pompus and have (in my opinion) gone downhill ever since their first album. i would however agree this album is not as immediately catchy as the first but after quite a few listens it does grow on you considerably. athlete are amazing live i saw them play a lot of these tunes last year before the album was finished and cant wait to see them again later this year so i can sing along this time!… Expand

you'll never be coldplay, so stop pretending you are, athlete.

I was in a good mood when I bought this album. After repeated spins it did triggered something profound in me. I realized I hate this band. The hate that is boiling deep in my heart for this piece of piss is brewing like hate has never simmered. It is a hate that dwells and smolders. Electric is my hate for this record. My hate mongering self is angry. Hatefully pitiful. Athletically hatful indeed.… Expand

deaf critics they are... givin 1-5 scales.... this is an ingenious, beautiful, catchy(some songs) n mostly brilliant...

One of the most boring, uninspirational pieces of shit ive ever heard. this band are truly talentless, how the fucking hell did they get signed to a label???? anyone who likes this shit should be fuckin ashamed, its got nothing going for it. this band is on a fuckin mission to bore as many people to death as they fuckin can.

amazing album, its only old farts at the guardian reviews or r & b lovers at some sites that dont like this! Athelte will be huge and this is a massive step forward! I recommend everyone buy it

Who cares if bands sound like other bands- its the bloody music that matters, and this happens to be a very good album.

athlete are LEGENDS nd any1 who says different has no taste in music. if you dont like em u must be into the more classical shit

Very good album. A slight improvement on their debut. I agree the tracks are all similar however I feel that they all stand up to repeated listens. There are so many bands that cant write slow songs its nice to find one that exells in it.

its not coldplay buts its not a kick in the balls off! a few stand out tracks and meaningful lyrics throughout. all in all, a damn good album

Not a bad CD - don't jump on the bandwagon

I wouldnt so much call this a coldplay clone. being a big coldplay fan and a radiohead fan i can hear the influences but appreciate the differences in what is a different album to the already spectacular vehicles and animals and a thrilling complilation of great singalong balads that wont seem dated, ever.