Under the Blacklight
by Rilo Kiley
User Score
6.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 52 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 31 out of 52
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 52
  3. Negative: 9 out of 52

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  1. Graeme
    Nov 8, 2007
    2
    I'm just saying what everyone else is thinking... they sold out for this album. I know that people use that term whenever they want, but it fits in this case. I enjoyed all of their previous albums... I even enjoyed Lewis' solo album. But I couldn't force myself to listen through the whole CD. Some people say that their sound is evolving or maturing... that may be true, but I'm just saying what everyone else is thinking... they sold out for this album. I know that people use that term whenever they want, but it fits in this case. I enjoyed all of their previous albums... I even enjoyed Lewis' solo album. But I couldn't force myself to listen through the whole CD. Some people say that their sound is evolving or maturing... that may be true, but I don't like what they have become. Go listen to The Execution of All Things or More Adventurous if you want to hear Rilo Kiley at their best.… Expand
  2. AdamD.
    Aug 27, 2007
    3
    Can something really be terrible if it's terrible on purpose? Rilo Kiley answers in the resounding affirmative on this mind-numbingly inane album. Sounding like the worst possible outcome of a Debbie Harry/Paula Cole mash-up, the band features here some of their most soulless lyrics, spun repetitively on end in a series of johnny-come-lately neo-disco beats that wouldn't have Can something really be terrible if it's terrible on purpose? Rilo Kiley answers in the resounding affirmative on this mind-numbingly inane album. Sounding like the worst possible outcome of a Debbie Harry/Paula Cole mash-up, the band features here some of their most soulless lyrics, spun repetitively on end in a series of johnny-come-lately neo-disco beats that wouldn't have been fresh in 1981, let alone 2007. If this is a sly wink at mainstream flirtation, it's too sly by half, and if it's an actual honest and new artistic endeavor on the band's part, well, heaven help them. Those expecting the soulful depth and witful observation of albums past (including Jenny Lewis' and Blake Sennett's side-project releases) will be sorely disappointed, while anyone actually in the market for trendy, over-produced superficiality will likely be too busy listening to their Kelly Clarksons and Pinks to give this a chance.… Collapse
  3. IsidoreD.
    Aug 26, 2007
    0
    It's not innovative. 70's revival is "in", and that's what they are doing here. I love this band, and repsect artist-evolution. This evolution just plain sucks. Someone else here hit the nail on the head. It is not cause they are "different", rather the album, isolated and listened-to abjectively, simply sucks and is totally boring. I could just play some Rick Springfield It's not innovative. 70's revival is "in", and that's what they are doing here. I love this band, and repsect artist-evolution. This evolution just plain sucks. Someone else here hit the nail on the head. It is not cause they are "different", rather the album, isolated and listened-to abjectively, simply sucks and is totally boring. I could just play some Rick Springfield or Fleetwood Mac. Why do I need to hear them take a stab at it? Sigh.. anybody suggest a band that can sell out AND retain some original ideas? Looks like they join post-Joshua Tree U2 and post Zeppelin Plant.… Expand
  4. nickc.
    Sep 17, 2007
    3
    I haven't heard any of this band's previous albums, but had heard the name in hip indie mags and off the lips of scenesters ranting and raving about the next big indie girl band. This album sucks. It's not atrocious, it is slightly listenable, but that's it. The lyrics are awful. Yet again we learn that hype is complete bullshit.

Awards & Rankings

88
#88 Most Discussed Album of 2007

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 32 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 32
  3. Negative: 0 out of 32
  1. cokemachineglow
    47
    Yes, the beats are big and the sound is mainstream and commercial; however, the band sound restrained and uncomfortable.
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  2. Uncut
    100
    Under The Blacklight is by far and away the most accessible album that Rilo Kiley have ever made.
    Read full review
  3. Lost At Sea
    94
    Every one of the eleven songs attached to Blacklight is a stunner in purely musical terms.
    Read full review
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