A Weekend In The City
by Bloc Party
  • Record Label: Vice
  • Release Date: Feb 6, 2007
User Score
6.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 320 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 211 out of 320
  2. Mixed: 37 out of 320
  3. Negative: 72 out of 320

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  1. JasonP
    Mar 1, 2007
    8
    I think the reason most people don't like this album is they haven't heard in conjunction with the "special" other album. What most people don't realize is that Bloc Party released two albums. There's an internet only album with 11 unreleased tracks that you can find if you scroung hard enough. This was officially sanctioned by the band and purposely done. The album is I think the reason most people don't like this album is they haven't heard in conjunction with the "special" other album. What most people don't realize is that Bloc Party released two albums. There's an internet only album with 11 unreleased tracks that you can find if you scroung hard enough. This was officially sanctioned by the band and purposely done. The album is called "Another Weekend in the City." The second album is more in the style of Silent Alarm and makes for the perfect companion to the AWITC. Seek it out. It will change your mind about the band.… Expand
  2. MichaelW
    Feb 9, 2007
    10
    Feels like the thought in your mind before a Saturday night in town. Full of hope, anxiety, excitement.
  3. JeffV
    Mar 6, 2007
    9
    Better than Silent Alarm in every possible way.
  4. ErwinK.
    Aug 7, 2007
    10
    Great record. Would give it a 8, but giving it a 10 because of some troll giving about 15 zeros in a row. You can't honestly believe that those comments with all the zeros are from different people.
  5. JR
    Aug 8, 2007
    8
    one of those albums where i was initially underwhelmed, but eventually really got into it. I'd say it's as good as their first album. best songs: "the prayer" "I still remember" "uniform" "hunting for witches." to be honest there are a few forgettable tracks on this album but most of it's good stuff. The quality of the best songs on this album are easily as good as the best one of those albums where i was initially underwhelmed, but eventually really got into it. I'd say it's as good as their first album. best songs: "the prayer" "I still remember" "uniform" "hunting for witches." to be honest there are a few forgettable tracks on this album but most of it's good stuff. The quality of the best songs on this album are easily as good as the best songs on the first in my opinion. I'm not sure where all these negative reviews are coming from. have a listen, you just might like it.… Expand
  6. xcellntM
    Jan 1, 2008
    10
    Critics awful. One of the best album in '07. Just listen It several times. Album is hypnotizing. Bloc Party very talanted, this album show that.
  7. BrandonA.
    Apr 15, 2008
    10
    Critics will be critics. A Weekend In A City was an absolute masterpiece. The band themselves work so amazing together. Personally I love how Kele articulates his aspects on the modernity state of Britain. Could not have been expressed better.
  8. AlexS
    Nov 20, 2007
    10
    The first time i listened to it, i felt in love with it straight away. Don't know why, but i like it much better than 'Silent Alarm'.
  9. TimothyH
    Feb 10, 2007
    9
    Most critics seem put-off by Bloc Party's somewhat pretentious appearance. Being someone who listens to music for what it is and not for what people tell me, I can tell you that this is an album that surpasses Silent Alarm in every category. The lyrics are more mature and honest. The music is more ambient and catchy. The beats are more complex and contagious. They don't miss a Most critics seem put-off by Bloc Party's somewhat pretentious appearance. Being someone who listens to music for what it is and not for what people tell me, I can tell you that this is an album that surpasses Silent Alarm in every category. The lyrics are more mature and honest. The music is more ambient and catchy. The beats are more complex and contagious. They don't miss a beat in this one. Don't miss this if you enjoyed Silent Alarm!… Expand
  10. NaveenP
    Feb 6, 2007
    8
    Its always hard to follow up a debut like Silent Alarm, but this album , although its not as raw, does have its moments. "The Prayer" is probably the best song on the album, followed by the radio friendly "I still remember"
  11. Paolo
    Feb 6, 2007
    9
    Give this album a chance and it'll conquer your heart and mind. One full listening is not enough to capture the beauty that lies over each track. Though partially different from the previous (louder in all terms) record, this one is some kind of an echo of Silent Alarm, more focused on feelings and emotions, and is more complex in the sound, less direct, I'd say. In the end, not Give this album a chance and it'll conquer your heart and mind. One full listening is not enough to capture the beauty that lies over each track. Though partially different from the previous (louder in all terms) record, this one is some kind of an echo of Silent Alarm, more focused on feelings and emotions, and is more complex in the sound, less direct, I'd say. In the end, not the perfect sequel to the debut album, but definitely a great one!… Expand
  12. Steve
    Feb 6, 2007
    10
    Bloc Party are one of those bands that are always reliable to produce excellent music. This album is no exception. They never dissapoint. There are only a handful of bands that do that for me. I highly recommend this. I think I even like it better than their debut album.
  13. MattJ
    Feb 7, 2007
    8
    Simply put, most of the critics have misjudged this, maybe its due to its nature, as i wasn't instantly took with it, but it definately rewarded further listening, and as time grows so does the music. Each song offers something different while still having bloc party's trademark sound, brilliant
  14. DamianM
    Feb 7, 2007
    9
    These negative critics have got it all wrong. Musically this album is as tight as your going to hear this year. Vocally its superb too, Kele is Bloc Party's secret weapon, he set's them apart from other British bands with his speaker piercing voice. Lyrically you could pick holes in it. Maybe they are trying too hard to make a big bold statement, and maybe these critics have These negative critics have got it all wrong. Musically this album is as tight as your going to hear this year. Vocally its superb too, Kele is Bloc Party's secret weapon, he set's them apart from other British bands with his speaker piercing voice. Lyrically you could pick holes in it. Maybe they are trying too hard to make a big bold statement, and maybe these critics have heard it all before. But this is going to be a god-send to many teenagers, those who are fed up with racism, terrorism and the drug culture of London (not just East but all parts). Every generation needs a record that actually speaks to them, a London Calling, an OK computer, a calling for change or a revolution. I expect their 3rd to be the revolution itself.… Expand
  15. MichaelS
    Feb 7, 2007
    8
    It's hard to imagine how someone would listen to this album and rank it with anything below 6 other then if they just wanted silent alarm repackaged and regurgitated on them and anything less wouldn't do. This album is an extremely powerful evolution of sound that blew me away the first time I heard it. And while it doesn't have the quality of silent alarm (that was one of It's hard to imagine how someone would listen to this album and rank it with anything below 6 other then if they just wanted silent alarm repackaged and regurgitated on them and anything less wouldn't do. This album is an extremely powerful evolution of sound that blew me away the first time I heard it. And while it doesn't have the quality of silent alarm (that was one of the best albums of the decade afterall), it is still an essential addition to anyone's collection today. One critic said it best in that there is no other album out today that better captures what it means to be young and alive in the indie scene today. It has its problems being 1) too much singing and not enough punking by Okereke 2) not enough of the jarring post-punk guitar rifts that made the first album a landmark 3) their best musician (drummer) being moved to the background on most tracks on not given a chance to rock out. However, most of these are creative decisions that fans and critics just have to deal with.… Expand
  16. MikeM
    Feb 8, 2007
    10
    Instant Classic.... well not instant, it took me a good 3 or 4 listens to actually "get" this album. But when i finally did I was blown away. This album really is a fine wine, its going to remembered far more fondly in 10 years than right now, kinda like Aeroplane Over the Sea, or Hotel California, or Doolitle. As a fan of music believe me...Do Not Listen to the Critics on this one!!!!!!!!!!
  17. RickX
    Feb 8, 2007
    9
    so much better than Silent Alarm
  18. Adam
    Feb 8, 2007
    9
    Most of the critics are way off base here. This is a definite progression from their first album, and is a true stunner.
  19. idouboidres
    Mar 26, 2007
    9
    no comment
  20. TresT
    Mar 4, 2007
    10
    I think that most people rated this album before letting the songs "grown" on them, which is the only time after which one can can truly see how good or bad the music really is. great album.
  21. MichelleK
    Apr 13, 2007
    9
    Great album. Not as good as Silent Alarm but i guess you an't really compare the 2 as they are quite different. Bloc Party are going in the right direction in becoming the best (not nessasarily comercially)' British Alternative band out there (behind Kasabian)
  22. MarshallM
    Sep 9, 2007
    10
    I'm going to give it a ten because i can't listen a single track on this album where Bloc Party isn't getting across some message while making captivating music. Even if I don't get it, they do a great job of getting the emotions across. And know, this isn't emo, they just sing emotionally. As if pop and R&B singers never sing with emotion-yet we don't call them emo.
  23. pierreb
    Feb 11, 2007
    7
    It's like sex and like pizza. Even if it's bad, it's still pretty good. I agree with a lot of listeners: the production is rubbish. I think the album is a mix of Bloc Party B-sides, the weakest album of U2 and the least tracks on the Silent Alarm remix album. Further it contains 2 or three tracks that outstand. But hey, that;s still pretty good!
  24. JoeK
    Feb 12, 2007
    9
    With such an amazing debut in Silent Alarm it was always going to be difficult to follow it with something which would be as widely received. This album is great. It's an advancement in Bloc Party's sound, still maintaining the energy and power of Silent Alarm, but with more concise lyrics and a wider vocal range. It is less accessable but after a few listens it really acheives With such an amazing debut in Silent Alarm it was always going to be difficult to follow it with something which would be as widely received. This album is great. It's an advancement in Bloc Party's sound, still maintaining the energy and power of Silent Alarm, but with more concise lyrics and a wider vocal range. It is less accessable but after a few listens it really acheives a perfect representation of 'A Weekend In The City.'… Expand
  25. LincolnW
    Feb 12, 2007
    10
    simply awesome!
  26. Me
    Feb 12, 2007
    10
    I personally think this is an incredible album. The album truly encapsulates the insanity and confusion of the modern city. But the latter half, full of introspective, often melancholy looks on life, is sheer genius. In my opinion, the whole album is a masterpiece. Every song holds its own and truly adds to the rest of them. This is certainly an album where the whole is better than the I personally think this is an incredible album. The album truly encapsulates the insanity and confusion of the modern city. But the latter half, full of introspective, often melancholy looks on life, is sheer genius. In my opinion, the whole album is a masterpiece. Every song holds its own and truly adds to the rest of them. This is certainly an album where the whole is better than the sum of its parts. While I can understand why people are upset that this isn't "Silent Alarm II" but I am very happy they went in a new direction. One that they will hopefully stick with. This is an empowering achievement in modern music.… Expand
  27. PhilB
    Feb 13, 2007
    8
    I think Bloc Party are suffering from their stellar - and probably overhyped, that's how these things go - debut, as the field balances and the backlash hits this album. It's a great album. Yes, less of the raw energy of the first one; but this is no longer the band's debut, they couldn't possibly get away with raw, rough music - the very same critics saying this album I think Bloc Party are suffering from their stellar - and probably overhyped, that's how these things go - debut, as the field balances and the backlash hits this album. It's a great album. Yes, less of the raw energy of the first one; but this is no longer the band's debut, they couldn't possibly get away with raw, rough music - the very same critics saying this album is boring would be lambasting Bloc Party for being too unadventurous, or worse, faking rawness if they'd gone for Silent Alarm II… Expand
  28. george
    Feb 15, 2007
    10
    james if you didn't like the first why did you buy the second album? :s album is excellent by the way..
  29. PaulF
    Feb 26, 2007
    9
    An awesome return and refreshingly different sound to Silent Alarm. Understandably it has its critics due to it being so different to their first outing but I actually prefer this album - much darker and epic.
  30. MihaiV
    Feb 3, 2007
    9
    Again, like on the CYHSY new album, I don't get the critics. A brilliant album. Kele is a genius.
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Awards & Rankings

9
#9 Most Discussed Album of 2007
88
#88 Most Shared Album of 2007

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
65

Generally favorable reviews - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 30
  3. Negative: 0 out of 30
  1. Observer Music Monthly
    60
    Those hoping to be converted are likely still to doubt the 'voice of a generation' tag.
    Read full review
  2. Under The Radar
    80
    It's a given that some people will miss the raucous Bloc Party, but there are enough in-your-face moments and hidden gems to keep A Weekend In The City on regular rotation. [#16, p.90]
  3. Urb
    70
    A post-electronica, post-rave production that jettisons genres and cherishes uncut creativity. [Jan/Feb 2007, p.77]
See all critic reviews »