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Alvvays
by
Alvvays Image
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 71 Ratings

  • Summary: The debut release for the Canadian five-piece indie pop band that includes Molly Rankin, daughter of Rankin Family member John Morris; former Two Hours Traffic member Alec O'Hanley; and Danks drummer Phil MacIsaac was produced by Chad VanGaalen.
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Top Track

Archie, Marry Me
You've expressed explicitly your contempt for matrimony You've student loans to pay and will not risk the alimony We spend our days locked in a room,... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    Aug 5, 2014
    91
    First albums rarely arrive catchier or more self-assured than this Toronto indie-pop quintet's frothy inaugural go. [9 Aug 2014, p.67]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. Consequence
    Jul 22, 2014
    83
    Alvvays has legitimately great songs, boasting sharp lyrics, comforting arrangements, and tics that give their music personality that can’t happen too deliberately.
  3. Rolling Stone
    Jul 16, 2014
    80
    Whether you’re looking to fall in love this summer or pine away unrequited, you won't find a better soundtrack than this.
  4. AllMusic
    Jul 16, 2014
    80
    Alvvays find a way to articulate their heart-struck, dream-like songs with deft intention and control.
  5. Slant Magazine
    Aug 21, 2014
    80
    Though there are moments of frayed musical charm throughout Alvvays, including the irresistible crack in Rankin's voice during the final chorus of "Party Police" and the so-jangly-it-hurts arpeggios of "Atop a Cake," it exhibits an unexpected level of versatility for a debut.
  6. PopMatters
    Jul 31, 2014
    70
    Alvvays is an exciting opening album from a band who, although not revolutionary in their musical styling, bring refinement to a genre that make them sound mature beyond their years.
  7. The Observer (UK)
    Jul 21, 2014
    60
    The band fails to sustain the album's early momentum, but there's still much to enjoy here.

See all 22 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. frinkL7
    Jul 23, 2017
    10
    One-hundred percent catchy, surf pop-y goodness. Grab a cozy chair and pop on any one of these tracks for an instant case of "warm andOne-hundred percent catchy, surf pop-y goodness. Grab a cozy chair and pop on any one of these tracks for an instant case of "warm and fuzzies" and a longing for the summer days of yesteryear.… Expand
  2. fahim98
    Jun 14, 2022
    10
    One of the best albums of the decade. I love this a lot. I am obsessed. The hard work shows. Highlights: "Atop a Cake", "Party Police", "AdultOne of the best albums of the decade. I love this a lot. I am obsessed. The hard work shows. Highlights: "Atop a Cake", "Party Police", "Adult Diversion", "Archie, Marry Me", "Next of Kin". Highly recommend. I need to buy this album soon. I listened to this album too many times. Just a perfect pop record.… Expand
  4. lakeview306
    Jul 24, 2014
    10
    Relatable. Infectious. Alvvays, on their self-titled LP, takes hold and doesn't let go, mesmerizing the listener each pass through. One of theRelatable. Infectious. Alvvays, on their self-titled LP, takes hold and doesn't let go, mesmerizing the listener each pass through. One of the best albums of 2014 by far, Alvvays deserves all the accolades that come their way as a result. I just hope it reaches enough people to get that consideration.… Expand
  5. jrodfilms
    Aug 14, 2014
    8
    it took me a few listens before the non singles reached out and grabbed me. the first two tracks are good singles; 'adult diversion' andit took me a few listens before the non singles reached out and grabbed me. the first two tracks are good singles; 'adult diversion' and 'archie marry me.' i also love the songs 'dives,' and 'ones who love you.'… Expand
  6. brockcheese
    Aug 31, 2020
    8
    This is a solid debut album that contains heartfelt emotional ballads about forlorn love. Her voice imbues all the emotion that these songsThis is a solid debut album that contains heartfelt emotional ballads about forlorn love. Her voice imbues all the emotion that these songs need to have.… Expand
  7. jaredpierson
    Jan 18, 2016
    8
    This is a very excellent debut from the indie rock band Alvvays. The melodies are very catchy, fun, and summer-like. It just sounds great. TheThis is a very excellent debut from the indie rock band Alvvays. The melodies are very catchy, fun, and summer-like. It just sounds great. The songwriting is also superb. But one major problem is that that the vocal production is absolutely TERRIBLE, it can be really hard sometimes to hear what Molly Rankin is saying, which is a shame because she is a great singer and the words she actually is saying are great. But all in all this a great album from 2014 that I can still come back to.… Expand
  8. OsianLewisBlog
    Aug 23, 2014
    5
    http://osianlewis.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/alvvays-album-review-chirpy-charming.html

    Read my review if you fancy a second opinion. ''Alvvays'    http://osianlewis.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/alvvays-album-review-chirpy-charming.html

    Read my review if you fancy a second opinion. ''Alvvays' Album Review: Chirpy, Charming, Yet Ultimately Forgettable.'    … Expand

See all 10 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

55
#55 Most Shared Album of 2014

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