Young the Giant
by Young the Giant
Metascore
58

Mixed or average reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 13
  3. Negative: 1 out of 13
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  1. AllMusic
    Dec 7, 2011
    60
    There's an unquestionably seductive flow about Young the Giant's debut that's sure to lure in many wandering postmodern rock children, looking for alternatives beyond the same old blockbuster bands name-checked above.
  2. The Observer (UK)
    Aug 29, 2011
    40
    Sometimes they sound like an anaemic Coldplay; at others they're a sweatier version of the Shins.
  3. Mojo
    Aug 26, 2011
    60
    California five-piece coming soon to a stadium near you. [Sept. 2011, p. 100]
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  5. Drowned In Sound
    Aug 23, 2011
    60
    Young the Giant are aiming for big things and they come close.
  6. Q Magazine
    Aug 19, 2011
    60
    Their debut presents tuneful, superior indie rock and bittersweet lyricism. [Sep 2011, p.119]
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  7. Uncut
    Aug 18, 2011
    40
    Beefy but unremarkable debut album. [Sep 2011, p.105]
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  8. musicOMH.com
    Jul 28, 2011
    50
    Unfortunately, it's generally downhill all the way thereafter, as it becomes rapidly apparent that Young The Giant have banged out all their best songs early on and rapidly run out of ideas.
  9. PopMatters
    Mar 2, 2011
    50
    The 12 songs on Young the Giant are well-written, well-arranged, and well-performed. It's all good material and decently catchy, but there isn't much that sets Young the Giant apart.

Awards & Rankings

10
#10 Most Shared Album of 2011

User Reviews

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User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 36 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 36
  3. Negative: 2 out of 36
  1. Vampire25
    May 20, 2011
    8
    Young The Giant's debut album is wondrous. Sameer Gadhia's vocals are beyond amazing. The whole album is a pop sensation. Every track isYoung The Giant's debut album is wondrous. Sameer Gadhia's vocals are beyond amazing. The whole album is a pop sensation. Every track is catchy and you'll be humming them for quite sometime. All In All, Young The Giant's Debut album have a couple pop masterpieces. The rest are exceptional. B+… Full Review »
  2. NiNEnjoyer
    May 11, 2023
    10
    I love this **** this is seriously one of the best debut albums and definitely one of the best of the last decade
  3. MacsMusic
    Mar 26, 2018
    6
    I have only listened to TtG once, so this review may be premature and flawed. Who knows; I may grow to love this album with repeated listens.I have only listened to TtG once, so this review may be premature and flawed. Who knows; I may grow to love this album with repeated listens.

    The music on this album is good, the vocals sound fresh, deep, and interesting, and the lyrics are not usually bad, and have some strong moments. The biggest problem with this debut album is that it really lacks distinctiveness. A few songs stand out, but the others fade and blend together in an unsatisfying way. Songs 3, 5, 6, 7, and 8 all sound too similar, and don't stand out much. "Islands" is an interesting song and stands out musically and lyrically, and "Garands" boasts strong lyrics but has undistinctive, unimpressive music. I find "My Body" annoying after hearing it 100 times on Alt radio, but "Cough Syrup" hasn't lost it's charm.

    The real highlight on this debut album is "Apartment", which utilizes the lead singer's voice in the best way possible. It is a great, captivating song with memorable lyrics and great music.

    YtG has some good, and is almost never flat-out bad. It just suffers from a lack of distinctiveness which hurts the fun and enjoyability of the album. Also, the lyrics on this album are never really amazing, with the only exception possibly being "Garands."    … Full Review »
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