Twentytwo in Blue
by Sunflower Bean
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
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  1. New Musical Express (NME)
    Mar 21, 2018
    100
    Not one song feels out of place or undercooked.
  2. AllMusic
    Mar 23, 2018
    80
    Everything on Twentytwo in Blue fits together perfectly; from the songs to the sounds to the performances, it's indie rock and pop at their thoughtful, searching, sweet, and punchy best.
  3. DIY Magazine
    Mar 23, 2018
    80
    The follow-up, a more considered harnessing of all that raw potential, shows just what they’re capable of.
  5. The Guardian
    Mar 23, 2018
    80
    There are still shades of the Velvet Underground, shoegaze and dreamily psychedelic 60s balladry. But this is a convincing realignment from a band whose fears of the future have coincided with the euphoria of musical liberation.
  6. Clash Music
    Mar 23, 2018
    80
    Though they sometimes still miss, Twentytwo In Blue stakes out the loss of innocence that comes with growing up, and it does it beautifully.
  7. Paste Magazine
    Mar 22, 2018
    80
    All in all, Twentytwo in Blue spills over with well-crafted songs and sumptuous performances.
  8. musicOMH.com
    Mar 21, 2018
    80
    The follow-up does just what Human Ceremony did, but more so. And better.
  9. Q Magazine
    Mar 20, 2018
    80
    The vintage record store rummaging has given way to a more pared-back sound. Here, retro guitar tones and proggy breakdowns complement rather than dominate. [May 2018, p.114]
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  10. Mojo
    Mar 20, 2018
    80
    Second time out, they've all but eradicated the gauzy abstractions, in favour of a cards-on-table, powerpop sound, which, i tandem with impressive melodic directness, should make them on e of 2018's hastiest crossover bands. [May 2018, p.90]
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  11. The Line of Best Fit
    Mar 19, 2018
    80
    Though much is often said about Sunflower Bean’s sounds of the past, Twenty Two In Blue is an impressive reflection of their formative years and a place to start talking about their future.
  12. The Skinny
    Mar 19, 2018
    80
    This is a record made by people who you sense are full of all of the possibilities of the world, looking to cram it all in and make some fine music as a soundtrack. They've done a pretty great job so far.
  13. The Telegraph (UK)
    Mar 19, 2018
    80
    The focus is always on the smart, economical, classically constructed songs, boasting memorable verses, catchy choruses, intriguing lyrics and peppered with tremendous instrumental breaks. This is an album of conviction and purpose, from a band you can believe in.
  14. The A.V. Club
    Mar 23, 2018
    75
    It may be derivative, but it’s never weak: SunflowerBean has channeled the most appealing elements of those past decades’ pop music and retained a sprightly, affectionate touch.
  15. Consequence
    Mar 19, 2018
    75
    Sunflower Bean have all the ingredients at hand to achieve something truly spectacular. And they’re right on the precipice.
  16. No Ripcord
    Mar 28, 2018
    70
    Even if Sunflower Bean know how to carry a tune, a good portion of their songwriting choices can come across as clumsy. But even if they don't exert their confidence to their fullest extent, their themes on emotional and financial uncertainty find a place within the discontent of their generation.
  17. Under The Radar
    Mar 28, 2018
    70
    A well-rounded and ultimately engaging listen, Twentytwo in Blue is (hopefully) just the start of the line for Sunflower Bean as they look to develop into one of this generation's most interesting and chameleonic indie rock acts.
  18. Pitchfork
    Mar 26, 2018
    64
    It’s a perfect union if anyone finds the former too glossy and the other too gritty, but in occupying this middle ground, nothing here would qualify as potentially divisive protest music. In fact, there’s nothing divisive about Twentytwo in Blue at all.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 14 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. whoa23
    Mar 26, 2018
    4
    The word that comes to mind when listening to this album is "safe", even with the more political and rebellious nature of the album. TheThe word that comes to mind when listening to this album is "safe", even with the more political and rebellious nature of the album. The songwriting is tighter, but the lack of any real exploration in any of the songs leaves them feeling stale and boring. They sound fine, but they always seem to leave me cold and there isn't really much of a desire to re-listen to this album. Even the more intense, rock and roll songs seem to lack the energy that was found on songs like "Wall Watcher" on their previous LP. The song "I Was A Fool" was a personal highlight for me and the only song I can really see myself listening to regularly. I also dislike the political nature of many of the lyrics. It seems Julia Cummings lacks the lyrical prowess to really convey her thoughts. Many of the lyrics seem forced or even silly and while she's talking about important issues, she doesn't really seem to be saying anything. Overall, this album is alright, I just don't find it nearly as interesting an effort as their last album and I think they've lost a lot of that indie personality that made them attractive in the first place.… Full Review »
  2. ScarTissue1990
    Oct 6, 2018
    8
    A promising sophomore LP from Sunflower Bean. A project I definitely feel I enjoyed and will go back to more so than their debut HumanA promising sophomore LP from Sunflower Bean. A project I definitely feel I enjoyed and will go back to more so than their debut Human Ceremony. This album is full of nostalgic glam rock, psychedelic rock and pop tracks that are beautifully well crafted and produced. Lyrically, I feel is at times a bit lackluster with nothing much to decipher for. But at it's best, Twentytwo in Blue stands up on it's own to be a moderately excellent album in which I admire mostly for it's diversity and production. Album highlights are; "I Was a Fool", "Memoria" and "Any Way You Like"… Full Review »
  3. cloveless
    Aug 30, 2018
    9
    There's a wide spectrum on this album. It gives you a lot to take in. There's some psych, pop, classic rock, and even touches of folkThere's a wide spectrum on this album. It gives you a lot to take in. There's some psych, pop, classic rock, and even touches of folk elements. What Sunflower Bean does best is go between those genres effortlessly. It never feels sloppy. Their choices feel thoughtful and meaningful. After I finished my first listen, I instantly started the album over. I think this album is much stronger than their first in terms of song writing. The topics the band touch on throughout the album have to do with the anxieties of today and the way young people (at the very least these three 22 year olds) feel about the world. "I Was A Fool", "Only A Moment", and "Human For" are my favorite. My one hope is that they can capture their live sound better on recording. I've seen them twice and they are an incredible live band but I don't know if they've totally figured out how to capture that magic just yet. They got closer here than the first album. I'm excited to see what they do next.… Full Review »
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