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Warnings/Promises Image
Metascore
66

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 22 Ratings

  • Summary: The fourth album for the Scottish band was recorded in Los Angeles with producer Tony Hoffer (Air, Beck).
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 20
  2. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. New Musical Express (NME)
    90
    Where 'The Remote Part' was their 'Green'-esque lunge into the spotlight, 'Warnings/Promises' is their full-blwon 'Out Of Time' spectacular. But with less twangle, more teeth. [5 Mar 2005, p.50]
  2. Filter
    72
    They've arrived at a more basic and touching--at times sleep-inducing--music that lingers for better and for worse. [#16, p.89]
  3. ‘Warnings / Promises’ is the work of a band pushing itself to the limits of its generous, but ultimately not boundless musical ability.
  4. Uncut
    60
    Warnings/Promises was written on acoustic guitar and fleshed out in the studiio--a tactic that bears mixed results. [Apr 2005, p.97]
  5. Mojo
    60
    There are times when their admiration for R.E.M. burns a little too brightly... but overall this marks another step forward. [Mar 2005, p.100]
  6. The problem with Warnings/Promises is the material: the band failed to bring enough good song ideas with them when they went into the studio.
  7. Idlewild has become predictable and boring.

See all 20 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 18
  2. Negative: 2 out of 18
  1. LinusO
    Apr 7, 2005
    10
    It's a monumental grower, just give it time! Maybe not as good as 100 Broken Windows but no records in the world are...
  2. NikiM
    Sep 10, 2005
    9
    Having had this album for sometime now I can't recommend it highly enought. Idlewild continue to improve with each recording for me. Having had this album for sometime now I can't recommend it highly enought. Idlewild continue to improve with each recording for me. While I was initially disappointed with this album the more I hear each track the more I fall in love with it. Their best yet! Collapse
  3. AndrewJ
    Nov 6, 2005
    9
    Extremely listenable with outstanding harmonies at the root of all the best songs. 'Not just sometimes but always' and 'I Extremely listenable with outstanding harmonies at the root of all the best songs. 'Not just sometimes but always' and 'I understand it' are outstanding highlights. Fairplay to Idlewild. Expand
  4. BenJ
    Mar 21, 2005
    8
    I've been rather surprised at the critical reception of Idlewild's latest album. Whilst it's taken a further step away from I've been rather surprised at the critical reception of Idlewild's latest album. Whilst it's taken a further step away from the band's early thrash/punk roots, it's just another intelligent and melodic record from a band not quite willing to become another dull Coldplay clone. It also shows a strong progession from "100 Broken Windows" and "The Remote Part". Mature, yes - but impressive with it! Expand
  5. keithn
    Aug 31, 2005
    8
    Listen to it. Let it grow. an excellent album well worth listening to again and again
  6. JorisV.
    Aug 17, 2005
    6
    Very mediocre. Only the standout and superb Love Steals Us From Loneliness catched my attention... and maybe El Captain and I Understand It...
  7. JamesA
    Mar 21, 2005
    3
    Easily outstrips The Remote Part as Idlewild's worst attempt at music. This is proof that music can break your heart, but for all the Easily outstrips The Remote Part as Idlewild's worst attempt at music. This is proof that music can break your heart, but for all the wrong reasons. Expand

See all 18 User Reviews