Under The Iron Sea
by Keane
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 125 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 110 out of 125
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 125
  3. Negative: 4 out of 125

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  1. katesmith101010
    May 26, 2018
    10
    Incredible album. One of the best album of all time. Better than all Coldplay's albums
  2. Colin_
    Feb 26, 2017
    10
    A beautiful and haunting display of music that delves into the deeper parts of the human consciousness. A great mix of rhythmic tracks and quieter pieces of reflection, it truly is a work of art worth listening to.
  3. owenrw89
    Dec 11, 2016
    10
    An electrifying pop masterpiece. It took on a darker tone in comparison to Hopes and Fears, which worked wonderfully. The production alone is to be commended for it's atmospheric scope, which is then amplified by stunning vocals and beautiful song writing. An outstanding album indeed.
  4. qooqle
    Jun 13, 2015
    10
    Second album haves a unplugged taste of sadness and depression .. in all sides reveals the power of the keys...the drums are also a masterpiece ...bravo!
  5. musicismylife28
    Jan 30, 2015
    10
    One of the most underrated albums of the last century. From the second the album opens with 'Atlantic', you can hear the power and passion that was put into this album. An album of visual wonder. Totally electrifying.
  6. Charlyrockstar
    Apr 30, 2014
    10
    The best keane album, an album full of 13 songs and 54 minutes, become to be the best album of the year (2006), sin Atlantic till Let it Slide, and is it any wonder? the rocker song for excelence, the best Keane album
  7. mcmacjibberjab
    Aug 5, 2013
    9
    This is definitely Keane's best effort as tends to be happen when bands are in turmoil. Emotion and passion was poured out onto this record and it shines through with the catchy, minorly experimental and detailed songs. Highlights include Crystall Ball, Bad Dream and The Frog Prince. All of the B-Sides are worthy of an Album in their own right and are amazing efforts.
  8. aberronchox
    Nov 17, 2012
    9
    A very good second album, not as impressive as the first, but many groups provide a slump in their second album, and this album keeps all my expectations about the band. Definitely, my heart is Keane.
  9. Parera_Starr11
    Jun 29, 2012
    9
    A step down from their debut but this is still stellar album. It contains some experimental tracks that some longtime fans may not like. You really hear the difference on the slow songs. Some of which aren't that great. The albums artwork is a thing of beauty. All in all its a great effort, you just have to hit skip on maybe 2 tracks on the entire album.
  10. StefanFarrell
    May 6, 2012
    9
    If I could give it 9.5 I would because while I don't think it deserves a 10 I think it's better than Keane's debut effort. I think this album shows a more mature, slightly darker in places Keane. Chaplin's voice is again superb and tracks like Leaving So Soon, Is It Any Wonder and Crystal Ball stick in my mind, leaving a lasting impression. The slower songs like A Bad Dream and HamburgIf I could give it 9.5 I would because while I don't think it deserves a 10 I think it's better than Keane's debut effort. I think this album shows a more mature, slightly darker in places Keane. Chaplin's voice is again superb and tracks like Leaving So Soon, Is It Any Wonder and Crystal Ball stick in my mind, leaving a lasting impression. The slower songs like A Bad Dream and Hamburg Song are amazing in a different way. What really gets me about this album is the sound-scape. The use of synthesisers and distorted piano is increased and implemented perfectly on Under The Iron Sea. Overall I think this is an improvement to Keane's sound and an amazing album… Expand
  11. JTS.
    Jan 13, 2008
    9
    The album grows on you with each listen. the melodies are infectious. And that voice...that silky sweet voice of Tom Chaplin will grab hold of you from the get-go. Great album.
  12. ShellV
    Oct 24, 2007
    10
    I love this CD! UTIS is a very brilliant and lovely album. I am proud to listen to a band that has their own unique sound. I just love the melodies! My favorites are "Hamburg Song", "Atlantic", "Try Again", really just about all of them. It is really moving and inspiring, i have no idea what the critics are thinking... The depth and emotion of Iron Sea is unsurpassed, and it is a breath I love this CD! UTIS is a very brilliant and lovely album. I am proud to listen to a band that has their own unique sound. I just love the melodies! My favorites are "Hamburg Song", "Atlantic", "Try Again", really just about all of them. It is really moving and inspiring, i have no idea what the critics are thinking... The depth and emotion of Iron Sea is unsurpassed, and it is a breath of fresh air compared to what other stuff is out today. I can't tell any of these other bands apart.… Expand
  13. Tori
    Aug 1, 2007
    10
    Love love love this CD! I thought they couldn't top their first CD, but they did. Amazing. "Nothing In My Way" is my favorite, but "A Bad Dream" gets to me every time. Isn't it incredible that Tom sounds like John Lennon so appropriately singing an anti-war song?
  14. BrentS
    Jul 13, 2007
    9
    I can't find any real fault, loved the first Cd, was expecting to be disappointed with the follow up, but it is now one of my favorite of all time. Tom has a great voice, the music is excellent. Have seen them in concert twice and will be there again next time they hit Vancouver.
  15. SimonB
    Jun 1, 2007
    7
    I wasn't impressed by this album. Keane sounds like a pre-mature ejaculation. Sometimes squirting some more out of the tank yet still remaining powerless and futile in the end. The melodies are good, I'd listen to this album as a background while reading a book. Keane are obviously laidback musicians that don't break their skulls in half to figure out what music they write I wasn't impressed by this album. Keane sounds like a pre-mature ejaculation. Sometimes squirting some more out of the tank yet still remaining powerless and futile in the end. The melodies are good, I'd listen to this album as a background while reading a book. Keane are obviously laidback musicians that don't break their skulls in half to figure out what music they write and play. It's simple 4/4 pop music with pseudo-catchy lyrics. Chaplin's got a very beautiful voice if you ask me. On the other hand , well... I don't know. The album isn't meant to be a 2007 album of the year. It's not meant to be trash heap stuff. It's average. Average is just about what Keane aim for. Because that average gets them the kind of fans they want. Third album? Sure why not, go for it, guys.… Expand
  16. ChristopherG
    May 15, 2007
    10
    One of the most moving and talented albums of the decade
  17. JorgeP
    Apr 22, 2007
    10
    One of the best albums in history.
  18. tristant
    Feb 18, 2007
    10
    Beautiful melodys, amazing lyrics and the best voice in music!!! I thought Hopes and Fears could not be surpassed but Under the Iron Sea has done this. In a time where we are plagued with fad bands ie The Arctic Monkeys, who cant sing a note and probably wont be around in a year because every song sounds the same, Keane are a breath of fresh air. Real music which has real depth and Beautiful melodys, amazing lyrics and the best voice in music!!! I thought Hopes and Fears could not be surpassed but Under the Iron Sea has done this. In a time where we are plagued with fad bands ie The Arctic Monkeys, who cant sing a note and probably wont be around in a year because every song sounds the same, Keane are a breath of fresh air. Real music which has real depth and emotion!! Keep it going lads.… Expand
  19. sandeepm
    Feb 3, 2007
    8
    its good not great....is it any wonder sounds good
  20. CraigD
    Jan 21, 2007
    8
    A great follow-up to a fantastic debut. "A Bad Dream" and "Leaving So Soon" stand out for me, whilst even the slower songs like "Hamburg Song" have their own appeal. True, it isn't much darker in sound (only lyrically), but this is nevertheless a fantastically pleasant album, with just the one filler song. This will probably end up being the most underrated album of 2006...Shame that A great follow-up to a fantastic debut. "A Bad Dream" and "Leaving So Soon" stand out for me, whilst even the slower songs like "Hamburg Song" have their own appeal. True, it isn't much darker in sound (only lyrically), but this is nevertheless a fantastically pleasant album, with just the one filler song. This will probably end up being the most underrated album of 2006...Shame that three-chord emo rock has taken over from the truly enchanting melodies that real bands, such as Keane, consistently churn out. Wonderful stuff.… Expand
  21. ChrisL
    Jan 15, 2007
    3
    Poor, really. Better than the first one at least
  22. richardj
    Aug 29, 2006
    10
    For the record i don´t like Keane (i don´t really know why but i guess it´s the same reason as razorlight they get overplayed and i don´t like either´s vocies) but this album is amazing! If rufus wainwright or any alternative artist did this album you would be on it like flys to dog sh*t! But because it´s Keane oh lets slag them off cos they are popular For the record i don´t like Keane (i don´t really know why but i guess it´s the same reason as razorlight they get overplayed and i don´t like either´s vocies) but this album is amazing! If rufus wainwright or any alternative artist did this album you would be on it like flys to dog sh*t! But because it´s Keane oh lets slag them off cos they are popular and from a major and blah blah blah! This album is much more musical then the first has also got a lot of dynamic range, yes sometimes mellodramatic (rufus wainwright & Anthony and the johnsons do the same!) The singles which have been released are not my favourites of here but the album as a such is very strong! This album has surpised me and i feel Keane can grow into a better band after the differcult second album, infact when their third comes out i will buy their next one! As this album impressed me a lot! The only album in it´s field i would recommend its the guillermots! This should have had the same score in my opinion! Oh well it is only opinions!… Expand
  23. JohnL
    Aug 29, 2006
    0
    the worst pop record I've ever listened to.
  24. Ricky
    Aug 10, 2006
    7
    I saw Keane play live in Bangkok last night. It was a truly amazing performance. If you haven't seen them live, put it on the "things to do before i die" list! As for their latest album, it's good but not great. There are some great moments however. And whatever comparisons people make, the truth is that Keane have a unique sound, but this is only appreciated by those who like I saw Keane play live in Bangkok last night. It was a truly amazing performance. If you haven't seen them live, put it on the "things to do before i die" list! As for their latest album, it's good but not great. There are some great moments however. And whatever comparisons people make, the truth is that Keane have a unique sound, but this is only appreciated by those who like their music.… Expand
  25. TimH
    Jul 28, 2006
    9
    Maybe it's too poppy, maybe it's too pretty, maybe it sounds too much like their first one... maybe it sounds like they're copying too many other bands. I couldn't really care less. It's beautiful, and I love it.
  26. AlexA
    Jul 27, 2006
    8
    A very inventive record.
  27. Dave
    Jul 12, 2006
    8
    At first listen it, it fell quite short compared to Hopes and Fears. However, after a couple of plays, I began to appreciate it. It still doesn't compare to their debut album, but diehard Keane fans will still thoroughly enjoy it. Nothing In My Way, Hamburg Song, and Leaving So Soon are some of the better tracks. The album does fizzle a little bit towards the end. Overall a decent At first listen it, it fell quite short compared to Hopes and Fears. However, after a couple of plays, I began to appreciate it. It still doesn't compare to their debut album, but diehard Keane fans will still thoroughly enjoy it. Nothing In My Way, Hamburg Song, and Leaving So Soon are some of the better tracks. The album does fizzle a little bit towards the end. Overall a decent sophmore album.… Expand
  28. KalinaT
    Jul 11, 2006
    9
    I liked their first CD better because the songs appealed to me more, but this one's good too. I just love their sound, what can I say?
  29. BradS
    Jul 10, 2006
    9
    Great!
  30. anthonyc
    Jul 6, 2006
    6
    Agree totally with Allen l. The album i has hooks....just not emotional ones! None of the songs are anything special. Personally, I think they should have made the song writers add emotinal hooks in certain places (these places are obvious after a few listens) instead of getting the producers to waste their (somtimes fresh sounding) production hooks on this album.
  31. Cables
    Jul 1, 2006
    4
    I have to wonder if the people who gave this album a 10 declaring it "the best album of 2006" have even heard any other records this year. Also if they recognize any other albums on this entire website. Are you people serious??
  32. AllenI
    Jul 1, 2006
    6
    Sophmore albums are always difficult. It sounds like one to me. The album although catchy and listenable, it just doesn't have the steap emotional hooks of almost every song on the first album. I'm not dissapointed though, It's always difficult and unlikely that a band can top a perfect debut album. I'm still enjoying it, and if you are a keane fan, you will too.
  33. Jahar
    Jun 29, 2006
    8
    Sure, this album is not an earth-shaker, but Keane are what they are: a nice little band with catchy hooks and a good sound.
  34. SaraR
    Jun 28, 2006
    10
    If U2 were released this album all the sellout critics would have rated it as THE ALBUM OF THE YEAR at the spot. Stupids!
  35. RobertM
    Jun 28, 2006
    9
    A great follow to Hopes and Fears. With great melodies and new and unique themes. Best songs have to be "The Frog Prince" "Hamburg Song" and "Nothing My Way". Dark and Beautiful.
  36. DukeC
    Jun 27, 2006
    10
    Best album of the year.
  37. DouglasP
    Jun 26, 2006
    7
    Nobody has once commented on Atlantic? Keane actually drops some minor melodies and gets kind of dark. Great track. The rest is regular Keane. Pretty much what you'd expect. It's very listener-friendly, nothing has any edge on it.
  38. EricB
    Jun 26, 2006
    9
    If it were up to Stylus, we'd all go to Iraq and write a cd about it. Perhaps bad things happen over here to. Who are we to undermine their experiences because they haven't seen a dead baby.
  39. DH
    Jun 25, 2006
    10
    Another great album from Keane. I don't know how the critics cannot hear how good this music really is. As far as pop/rock goes this the best stuff you are going to hear. The lyrics are good and when Chaplin sings, unlike most of his contemporaries, you can actually make out the words he is singing, unlike most crappy music today when you just wait for the "hook" and hardly listen to Another great album from Keane. I don't know how the critics cannot hear how good this music really is. As far as pop/rock goes this the best stuff you are going to hear. The lyrics are good and when Chaplin sings, unlike most of his contemporaries, you can actually make out the words he is singing, unlike most crappy music today when you just wait for the "hook" and hardly listen to the words. This band is amazing and it seems like they made up a guitar in this album by using some sort of synthesizer for some songs. This is the best album of 2006.… Expand
  40. Christopher
    Jun 25, 2006
    8
    This album is sort of a guilty pleasure of mine. I know I shouldn't like this, but I can't stop listening to it. Sorry, I'm just too damn weak.
  41. JimH
    Jun 25, 2006
    10
    The critics are being unfair, this is without a doubt one of the best albums you will listen to this year. Great tunes, good songwriting, and after a few listens you will be hooked. Are Keane similar to U2 and Coldplay? Absolutely, but they do have their own great sound which is still better than 99% of whats out there right now. This is the best album I have listened to this year so far, The critics are being unfair, this is without a doubt one of the best albums you will listen to this year. Great tunes, good songwriting, and after a few listens you will be hooked. Are Keane similar to U2 and Coldplay? Absolutely, but they do have their own great sound which is still better than 99% of whats out there right now. This is the best album I have listened to this year so far, "A BAD DREAM"- anti-war song?, "CRYSTAL BALL", "HAMBURG SONG"- a simple song that shows Chaplin can really sing, "ATLANTIC" and ''IS IT ANY WONDER" and "PUT IT BEHIND YOU NOW" are also great tunes. Trust me after a few listens, you will be hooked. This album is every bit as good as Keane's debut album and as good as anything in this genre of music...… Expand
  42. mattg
    Jun 24, 2006
    10
    i think that it's a work of gold.
  43. PeteS
    Jun 23, 2006
    10
    A great album. It will be listened to as much(if thats possible)as "Hopes and Fears". And you know what they say: "Those that can't do....review"
  44. JeanneG
    Jun 23, 2006
    8
    This cd is good, not great, but good. It doesn't have the pop appeal that Hopes and Fears had with Somewhere Only We Know and Everybody's Changing; which might be a good thing. After listening to it a few times, I was really drawn to Leaving So Soon? and Try Again...but there are several others that stand out. I could do without the last few on the cd. All in all, I like it. I This cd is good, not great, but good. It doesn't have the pop appeal that Hopes and Fears had with Somewhere Only We Know and Everybody's Changing; which might be a good thing. After listening to it a few times, I was really drawn to Leaving So Soon? and Try Again...but there are several others that stand out. I could do without the last few on the cd. All in all, I like it. I can't wait to hear it live. Props to Keane!… Expand
  45. PatrickF.
    Jun 23, 2006
    8
    This is a really enjoyable album. Although I do have to issue with any of the critics who compare Keane to U2. I mean despite the fact they probably all enjoy a good pint, there is virtually nothing in common. Now, if you want to start comparing Keane to Travis...you got yourself a conversation.
  46. TennesseeJed
    Jun 23, 2006
    8
    A much better overall album than "Hopes..." - some critics just can't enjoy expertly crafted pop music!
  47. JD
    Jun 22, 2006
    10
    Like Hopes and fears, Under the Iron Sea is perfect... Critics are just jealous !
  48. BrendanN
    Jun 22, 2006
    8
    May not include any songs that rival their hit "Somewhere Only We Know" but overall "Under the Iron Sea" is a better-sounding album. It sounds a little more varied and sophisticated, but it's also surprisingly similar. I like this album, but I need to hear it a few more times before I can safely say that it is indeed superior.
  49. JamieM
    Jun 22, 2006
    8
    A really exciting album. Completely different from the debut. It really doesn't deserve to be slated. The critics don't know what they're on about. They're just jumping on the "Hate Keane" bandwagon. "Atlantic" is incredible.
  50. LuisM
    Jun 22, 2006
    10
    Don't get put off by the reviews. If you liked "Hopes and Fears" or Coldplay's "X&Y" you will fall in love with this album. This is as good as both.
  51. GeorgeS
    Jun 21, 2006
    7
    Nothing incredible, but not a nail in the coffin. Easy to listen to, but not much depth.
  52. AndrewH
    Jun 21, 2006
    10
    I love it! Just as good as Hopes and Fears. "A Bad Dream" is my favorite track--stunning.
  53. Jake
    Jun 21, 2006
    10
    I don't know why this album isnt getting credit. Its amazing and a breath of fresh air for music. Its just as good as Hopes and Fears, its just a different sounding album this time. Great album and great band, critics need to open their eyes
  54. [Anonymous]
    Jun 21, 2006
    6
    Coldplay lite... half the album is pretty good...
  55. Mick
    Jun 21, 2006
    4
    It's a little bit boring, samey and instantly forgettable
  56. Matt
    Jun 20, 2006
    9
    I'm sick of music critics comparing new albums to U2. Keane has an extremely unique sound and it is showcased brilliantly in this album. Definitely worth picking up if you hate the type of cookie-cutter music most bands play today.
  57. MattD.
    Jun 20, 2006
    5
    Only "Is It Any Wonder?" breaks free from the forgettable pleasantness of the rest of the CD.
  58. Mark
    Jun 19, 2006
    10
    Why are most critics so unfair to this band? The album is so amazing, with deep emotion and passion, you can tell that the band really worked hard on this and it has payed off big. One of the best albums of this year so far.

Awards & Rankings

46
#46 Most Discussed Album of 2006

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
63

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 24
  3. Negative: 2 out of 24
  1. The Guardian
    60
    It's not bad - which is just as well, as it will be inescapable.
    Read full review
  2. musicOMH.com
    60
    It would appear that Tim, Tom and Richard have spent some time at the U2 School of Squillion-Selling Records, their final project sounding more expansive and dramatic than Hopes And Fears ever did.
    Read full review
  3. Stylus Magazine
    25
    Keane have talked up Under the Iron Sea as being bleaker, more raw than their debut album. It is about the things they have seen over the last two years, the problems, the horrors, the sin. But Keane have not been uncovering the carcases of napalmed babies for the last two years. They’ve been playing music.
    Read full review
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