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Trial Of The Century Image
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 6 Ratings

  • Summary: This sophomore disc finds the New York foursome moving a bit further into 80s synth-pop territory.
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 17
  2. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. With this album, French Kicks have taken a sizeable leap forward, taking the right bits and pieces from half a century of rock 'n' roll to make something new and, yes, unique.
  2. New Musical Express (NME)
    80
    Has them concealing Duran Duran, Tears For Fears, Wire and U2 under a thick pea-soup of organ and rolling bass. [30 Oct 2004, p.65]
  3. As for its place in the larger new rock movement, The Trial Of The Century's forward motion is on a par with The Walkmen's leap from the gray clang of its debut to the committed window-rattling of this year's Bows + Arrows.
  4. Entertainment Weekly
    75
    A bit retro, for sure, but the Reagan-era references feel more fond than forced. [25 Jun 2004, p.165]
  5. Under The Radar
    70
    The edges have been softened since their debut... but the brainy, melodic hooks are still here. [#7]
  6. Q Magazine
    60
    Geographically, one would here have to imagine a borough between The Stills and The Walkmen. [Nov 2004, p.120]
  7. The French Kicks have changed dramatically and not always for the better.

See all 17 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. Jody
    Mar 3, 2005
    10
    'Trial of the century' is one amazing song after another. Vocalist Nick Stumpf sings with conviction, letting his unique voice 'Trial of the century' is one amazing song after another. Vocalist Nick Stumpf sings with conviction, letting his unique voice complement the songs, not overpower or distract you from the wonderful melodies and lyrics. The songs are much stronger here than on 'One time Bells'. They soften their sound, using more synthesisers and electronic beats, but still keeping the chunky guitar riffs. This album flows beautifully from begining to end, and you will never tire. They are more experimental on their second effort, and I thank them for it. Their sound is truly magical. Expand
  2. DavisW
    May 9, 2005
    9
    Probably the most underrated album of 2004 from one of the most underrated bands around today. Simply brilliant.
  3. AaronQ
    Jul 21, 2005
    9
    Definately the most underrated album of 2004. "One More Time" was the song of the year. The most perfect straightforward pop album of the Definately the most underrated album of 2004. "One More Time" was the song of the year. The most perfect straightforward pop album of the past few years. Collapse