Underachievers Please Try Harder
by Camera Obscura
  • Record Label: Merge
  • Release Date: Jan 20, 2004
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. Rolling Stone
    60
    Not emo, exactly -- more like twee-mo.
  2. Dusted Magazine
    60
    Nothing exciting ever happens, no new spins on the old-fashioned pop idiom or particularly colorful lyrical images, and the record's overarching lack of adventuresome spirit detracts from the grace of its individual songs.
  3. Alternative Press
    60
    Like vintage B&S, this Glasgow group's sound ranges from full-blown orchestration to tunes on which a lot of musicians make very little noise. [Mar 2004, p.94]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. The A.V. Club
    60
    If Camera Obscura weren't roughly the thousandth band to recombine the pastoral sounds and adolescent exploitation of the '60s, it would be easier to work up some enthusiasm for Underachievers, especially since the group's melodies are catchy enough that they don't need the cutesy trappings.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 14 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 14
  3. Negative: 2 out of 14
  1. shygazerE
    Jul 20, 2006
    10
    Imitation is the best form of flattery stupid! This album is not only the best album of the decade but it's better than anything B&S has Imitation is the best form of flattery stupid! This album is not only the best album of the decade but it's better than anything B&S has ever recorded. Besides every band borrows from their infleunces. Look at the Stooges and Aerosmith with the Rolling Stones or Oasis with the Beatles.… Full Review »
  2. zeebee
    May 11, 2005
    8
    The album beautifully occupies the intersection of Belle & Sebastian and 60's girl-bands. It conveys both the outdoor sunshine and The album beautifully occupies the intersection of Belle & Sebastian and 60's girl-bands. It conveys both the outdoor sunshine and bedroom lonliness of summer. To me it's a much more satisfying listen than Saturday Looks Good To Me, which seems to work similar ground and makes a much better point of reference than B&S.… Full Review »
  3. TimE
    Jan 13, 2005
    9
    Some of the greatest pop songs you'll ever hear period. Yes they imitate B&S from time to time and they even have a little of The Some of the greatest pop songs you'll ever hear period. Yes they imitate B&S from time to time and they even have a little of The Sundays in them as well but who better to imitate than some of the greatest bands on the planet.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »