After the Disco
by Broken Bells
  • Record Label: Columbia
  • Release Date: Feb 4, 2014
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 38 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 38
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 38
  3. Negative: 1 out of 38
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. The Telegraph (UK)
    Feb 6, 2014
    60
    Not really a blockbuster, it’s the kind of album that makes most sense in the small hours, after the party is over.
  2. No Ripcord
    Feb 4, 2014
    60
    After The Disco deserves to be heard and delivers a truly pleasant listening experience, rousing even, when the hooks hit the spot. But--and perhaps this is what the duo insightfully intended when they gave the album its title--don’t expect a party.
  3. The Independent on Sunday (UK)
    Feb 3, 2014
    60
    It is not a bad record--Danger Mouse doesn’t make those--but it does feel safe and predictable rather than fresh and exciting.
  5. The Observer (UK)
    Feb 3, 2014
    60
    It might not be the craven product of a marketing meeting, but it sounds like two talented, successful guys making nice tunes, no less, no more.
  6. Under The Radar
    Jan 31, 2014
    60
    So, yes, album number two is a step in the right direction, but once again the journey doesn't always feel worth the effort. [Feb/Mar 2014, p.70]
  7. The Guardian
    Jan 30, 2014
    60
    After the Disco has some memorable hooks, but it doesn't quite lift this work beyond a studied genre piece.
  8. Mojo
    Jan 23, 2014
    60
    The disillusionment makes for downbeat and decidedly adult pop. [Feb 2014, p.88]
    All this publication's reviews
  9. The A.V. Club
    Feb 4, 2014
    58
    Since the driving tracks are bigger earworms than the carefully crafted, fragile ones, perhaps the duo would’ve done better to focus on the party, instead of what comes after.
  10. Pitchfork
    Feb 4, 2014
    54
    After the Disco is a more cohesive record, and that turns out to be the problem: Mercer and Burton's eccentricities have been sanded down to a single, flattened plane.
  11. Drowned In Sound
    Feb 13, 2014
    50
    Despite the immense joy of the final five songs, the prospect of a repeat play is a discouraging one when the first five brought forth a cynicism entirely unwelcome among a collection designed to elicit wonder.
  12. Slant Magazine
    Feb 3, 2014
    40
    Generic enough to have been produced by anyone, After the Disco is a yawner made by two artists whose impressive discography makes its failure that much more confounding.

Awards & Rankings

97
#97 Most Discussed Album of 2014

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 61 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 45 out of 61
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 61
  3. Negative: 2 out of 61
  1. Mab_987
    Feb 23, 2014
    8
    I honestly think this is better than the debut. James & Brian really honed the distinct brand of tight, multi-layered & catchy indie rockI honestly think this is better than the debut. James & Brian really honed the distinct brand of tight, multi-layered & catchy indie rock they've been doing with this project. The chemistry between the 2 is great & the occasionally wide diverse production really adds to how engaging each track is in terms of songwriting.

    (For my full review, look up "Spin It Reviews" on YouTube. I'd appreciate it.)    … Full Review »
  2. PaperbagWriter
    Feb 7, 2014
    6
    I found this album to be completely underwhelming. Especially compared to their latest releases. I was very excited for this album but itI found this album to be completely underwhelming. Especially compared to their latest releases. I was very excited for this album but it didn't meet my expectations. There are some interesting moment for sure but not enough.… Full Review »
  3. bigtime123
    May 1, 2014
    9
    Amazing piece of work. Even better than their first album.
    "Leave it Alone" is haunting me, I can't get it out of my head.
    Just saw them    Amazing piece of work. Even better than their first album.
    "Leave it Alone" is haunting me, I can't get it out of my head.
    Just saw them live and they sound just as good live as they do in the studio.
    A rare band these days.
    Highly recommended    … Full Review »
See all user reviews »