Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 18
  2. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. Filter
    91
    A glowing psychedelic pop opus. [#21, p.102]
  2. You will be hard-pressed to keep from walking around all day grinning like a fish once you give the album an airing.
  3. The record feels small but impeccably crafted, like a toy soldier.
  4. More beautiful, uplifting, sweet music than you could ever require.
  5. By comparison, Noir's closest current peers, Super Furry Animals, seem like fusty older brothers.
  6. Alternative Press
    80
    It's a summertime record guaranteed to freak out half the "Surfing USA" fans in the world. [Oct 2006, p.202]
  7. A mood-altering drug for pop fiends.
  8. Let's just say Tower of Love isn't out to offend or challenge or discomfit anyone. But the album's less simplistic than it comes on, obviously, its snugly melodies decorated with snaking structures and surprising instrumentation.
  9. Blender
    70
    Because he clearly aced his Beatles/Beach Boys classes, Noir's elaborately multitracked recordings... make his gentle bitching irresistible. [Aug 2006, p.113]
  10. As a starting point for Jim Noir, 'Tower Of Love' is a tasty entree that merely whets the appetite for the first album proper.
  11. It's a distinct type of pop that could become truly memorable when he actually sits down to compose a full album.
  12. Noir... writes some really genuine, cheery, memorable songs, but it’s just too much to digest on one record.
  13. Mojo
    60
    Plays like a budget price homage to ELO and early '70s Beach Boys, full of pocket symphonies and childlike wonder. [Jan 2006, p.132]
  14. Q Magazine
    60
    It's cute--like a super furry animal, perhaps. [Jan 2006, p.127]
  15. Uncut
    60
    Possibly cloying in large doses. [Jan 2006, p.112]
  16. Spin
    60
    He, like the Beta Band, deftly creates a patchwork of Britain's mushiest styles, from Rubber Soul-era Beatles to Badly Drawn Boy's acoustic wanderings. [Sep 2006, p.108]
  17. Tower of Love hums with 60s pop brilliantine and a slightly uncomfortable childhood nostalgia. Still, with its easy grace and a plethora of catchy sunshine melodies, the disc can’t help but waft pleasantly by.
  18. Unfortunately, his lyrics don't measure up; he writes songs that repeat a phrase or two in lieu of any sort of finished thought.
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 7 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 7
  3. Negative: 1 out of 7
  1. [Anonymous]
    Mar 30, 2009
    10
    In my i tunes library, i have a total of only 166 songs over the course of everything i have heard my entire life. i have every single song In my i tunes library, i have a total of only 166 songs over the course of everything i have heard my entire life. i have every single song on this album. brilliant stuff. tower of love (the song) is one of my favorite songs of all time. Full Review »
  2. MarcG
    Oct 22, 2006
    9
    underrate songs. Beck meets Brian Wilson and very good
  3. TimP
    Sep 30, 2006
    8
    Mellow upbeat pop that naintains your interest thoroughout.