When It Falls
by Zero 7
  • Record Label: Elektra
  • Release Date: Mar 2, 2004
Metascore
68

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 17
  3. Negative: 3 out of 17
  1. Almost Cool
    38
    In the end, this is a perfectly passable release if you need something to play in the background at your next cocktail party or if you're a dentist looking for something to play in the background.
  2. Alternative Press
    40
    Easy like a Sunday morning, and just as dull. [May 2004, p.110]
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  3. Blender
    70
    For computer music, it's all astoundingly warm. [Apr 2004, p.139]
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  5. Dot Music
    70
    It's almost all too familiar, so much so that it's hard to hear the tender songs and mesmerising instrumentals in their own right.
  6. Entertainment Weekly
    75
    A more accessible set of dreamy love songs. [12 Mar 2004, p.114]
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  7. Logo
    70
    ‘When It Falls’ is not an immediate album, it’s a slow burner and one day, after countless hours playing it in the background, you’ll hear something that makes you turn it up; that’s the moment that it hooks you.
  8. Mojo
    70
    While this delicately wistful set is hardly a great leap forward for Zero 7, one thing is certain: you'll be hearing it everywhere this year. [Mar 2004, p.104]
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  9. Neumu.net
    80
    Superior to its predecessor in just about every respect.
  10. Planet
    70
    A bedroom soundtrack filled with seductive surprises. [#6, p.87]
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  11. Playlouder
    30
    It took U2 10 years to reach this level of blandness.
  12. Q Magazine
    90
    A sublime collection that surpasses its predecessor. [Apr 2004, p.121]
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  13. Rolling Stone
    60
    When It Falls is akin to a fabulous one-night stand: It feels great, it's very easy, and it requires absolutely no love or commitment at all.
  14. ShakingThrough.net
    76
    Fans of Simple Things, Zero 7's debut effort, won't hear anything new or different, but considering that Falls makes for lovely background music, it should satisfy those fans just fine.
  15. Spin
    83
    [They] continue to play it sweet and low: hot-cocoa keyboards, heart-monitor beats, glossy high-end string arrangements--and actual songs, as it happens. [Apr 2004, p.94]
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  16. The Guardian
    30
    Perhaps spurred by the ease with which the Boring Solo has been grafted on to their chosen template, When It Falls finds Zero 7 expanding their horizons and going on to be boring in other areas.
  17. Tiny Mix Tapes
    60
    When it Falls, while not a masterpiece, is a nice album which will likely appeal to a very broad fan base.
  18. Urb
    80
    Occasionally teetering on the verge of too precious, the heavy mood and lush production are too much (and too nice) to resist. [Apr 2004, p.87]
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Awards & Rankings

82
#82 Most Shared Album of 2004

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 13 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. BrettN
    Jun 26, 2006
    4
    An album that just sits there. Blah
  2. SeanO
    Aug 19, 2004
    8
    One of the best releases of 2004. I'm giving it an 8 after the first spin. Nevertheless, we cannot deny that Zero 7 is one of the most One of the best releases of 2004. I'm giving it an 8 after the first spin. Nevertheless, we cannot deny that Zero 7 is one of the most innovative, fresh and creative groups of the last couple of decades.… Full Review »
  3. geoffd
    May 26, 2004
    10
    An album that epitomizes what it is to chill-out. The smooth vocals from Sia, Sophie, Mozez and Tina resinate in the air. An album that grows An album that epitomizes what it is to chill-out. The smooth vocals from Sia, Sophie, Mozez and Tina resinate in the air. An album that grows on you. I loved it.… Full Review »
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