When The World Comes Down
by The All-American Rejects
  • Record Label: Geffen
  • Release Date: Dec 16, 2008
Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. AllMusic
    50
    Discerning fans may demand something new from the band's next effort, however, since this is essentially "Move Along" with a revised track list.
  2. Alternative Press
    80
    While World is simply a fun pop record at its core, the effort, time and most importantly, experience (gleaned both from the members' extracurricular projects and the near-decade they've been together) that went into its making clearly sets AAR apart from newer bands who keep attempting to capture this same sound with much less ambition.
  3. Billboard
    60
    When the World Comes Down doesn't evince much growth, proffering more of the same hooky pop/rock centered around adolescent love and heartache.
  5. Blender
    50
    Anything involving a string section is disastrous, but a couple of choruses are suitable for both raucous fist-pumping and rampant pouting.
  6. Boston Globe
    80
    If sonic similitude is any indicator of future successes, When the World Comes Down will only cement the band's top-of-the-heap status.
  7. Entertainment Weekly
    67
    While it's easy to digest, When the World Comes Down never quite ignites like their last one.
  8. Los Angeles Times
    63
    The Rejects are best at small ideas with a long shelf life. "World" forgets that at points.
  9. musicOMH.com
    40
    This is not an album that you're going to come back to again and again. It's tuneful in places, but ultimately pretty vapid.
  10. PopMatters
    60
    When the World Comes Down houses a pretty vacuous core. If you are young and/or naïve enough to dig this whole shtick, though, you’re going to have the time of your life.
  11. Rolling Stone
    60
    The manicured hooks on their third album show off AAR's drive, but the songs also show how normal these Oklahoma boys are, as songwriters and humans.
  12. Spin
    60
    Working with Good Charlotte producer Eric Valentine, the Rejects trick out their hook-jammed anthems with sweet strings, zippy disco beats, and the occasional bit of Gary Glitter bleacher stomp.
  13. The New York Times
    70
    It’s completely clear and even traditional pop music, but those over 16 will likely have no use for it.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 36 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 36
  3. Negative: 5 out of 36
  1. MikeMikeMik
    Sep 4, 2015
    10
    good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good goodgood good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good… Full Review »
  2. ManOfManyFaces
    Apr 9, 2011
    9
    very catchy and inspiring. love the band and the album. better than the second not as good as the first album. best song is damn girl. lovevery catchy and inspiring. love the band and the album. better than the second not as good as the first album. best song is damn girl. love the extras.… Full Review »
  3. ProSu
    May 23, 2009
    10
    Very catchy and uplifting at the most. Can revisit the album time and time again.
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