Victory For The Comic Muse
by The Divine Comedy
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 26 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 26
  3. Negative: 1 out of 26

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  1. [Anonymous]
    Jul 4, 2006
    9
    Not as good as 'Absent Friends' but an excellent album anyway.
  2. TVDS
    Jul 12, 2006
    10
    Oh yes, critics have lost their touch, if they ever even possessed it. This ranks certainly among the best DC ever, and is head and shoulders above everything else released this year. Go and buy it!
  3. KDC
    Jul 5, 2006
    9
    For once the critics get it horribly wrong. This is a wonderful CD. Cheery, classy, croonerpop rock. F*** the NME!!
  4. CathS
    Sep 3, 2006
    10
    This is a fantastic album, featuring songs of real character, wit and warmth.
  5. mrx
    Jun 30, 2006
    8
    This is the best Divine Comedy album in ages!
  6. anon
    Jul 18, 2006
    8
    best dc album since 'casanova'.the most intelligent composer ireland has produced since shane mcgowan.brilliantly witty...
  7. Joe
    Aug 16, 2006
    9
    Musically similar, though lyrically better, lighter, and more approachable than Absent Friends. Their second best album, perhaps, after A Short Album about Love.
  8. MatthewM
    Aug 4, 2006
    10
    There's not a bad song on the album. "Count Grassi's Passage Over Piedmont" is one of the best songs ever written. "To Die A Virgin" should be the pop hit of the summer. Another standout track is "A Lady of a Certain Age". It is one of the best character sketches in a song. The album is fun, funny, sad, sweet, original, theatrical, and very atmospheric. The best album of 2006!
  9. Briano
    Aug 9, 2006
    10
    Hypnotic, both musically and lyrically. This is another superb work of art that the "critics" earn their title berating.As in mathemathics, NME's negative credentials multiplied by it's similarly negative opinion serves only to create a positive. My advice is listen to "A Lady of a Certain Age" twice and you'll be helplessly drawn into this magnificent album. Indeed a Hypnotic, both musically and lyrically. This is another superb work of art that the "critics" earn their title berating.As in mathemathics, NME's negative credentials multiplied by it's similarly negative opinion serves only to create a positive. My advice is listen to "A Lady of a Certain Age" twice and you'll be helplessly drawn into this magnificent album. Indeed a Victory for Mr. Hannon.… Expand
  10. chrisw
    Jul 31, 2007
    8
    The Divine Comedy's most mainstream record to date. Full of smart lyrics and huge chorus's, Neil Hannon has crafted another fine record full of symphonic pop and baroque flourishes. 'To Die A Virgin' is a stomping ode to sexual awakening, 'Diva Lady' a biting, tongue in cheek swipe at music primadonna's and 'Mother Dear' a strummy, summery The Divine Comedy's most mainstream record to date. Full of smart lyrics and huge chorus's, Neil Hannon has crafted another fine record full of symphonic pop and baroque flourishes. 'To Die A Virgin' is a stomping ode to sexual awakening, 'Diva Lady' a biting, tongue in cheek swipe at music primadonna's and 'Mother Dear' a strummy, summery tribute to his mother. A great cover of the Associates 'Party Fears Two' showcases Hannon's unique voice and 'Lady Of A Certain Age' is a gorgeous and clever ballad. Still not quite as good as the wonderful Cassanova but a great record nevertheless.… Expand
  11. kamil
    Dec 3, 2006
    8
    Back to form for Hannon. Genius of lush pop in its prime. Songs are simple, funny and melodic - more than half of them is best since his masterpiece Fin De Siecle.
  12. RobertJ
    Jul 14, 2006
    10
    Great album. Flawless production, engaging lyrics and beautiful melodies. Long may Neil Hannon continue producing such beautiful music.
  13. Danilio
    Jul 17, 2006
    7
    NME magazine can indeed be shunted into the drawer marked, ' I can't believe I used to read this shit '

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
67

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 16
  3. Negative: 1 out of 16
  1. Dot Music
    60
    Neither wholly satisfying nor wholly great.
    Read full review
  2. Mojo
    60
    Highly agreeable in small doses. [Jul 2006, p.104]
  3. musicOMH.com
    80
    The Divine Comedy's most spontaneous record in ages.
    Read full review
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