Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 22
  2. Negative: 0 out of 22
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  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]
  2. 90
    Alvvays’ record is a hard-hitting, multi-faceted anthology of awesome, and sits pretty as one of 2014’s brightest debuts.
  3. 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.
  4. 80
    Their sound is fully formed, but they could stand to mix it up in song structure and technique, but that’s being picky. One of my favorite releases of the year and highly recommended.
  5. 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. 80
    [A] great debut record laced with melancholy and beautiful moments.
  7. Jul 21, 2014
    80
    [A] joyous debut album.
  8. Jul 18, 2014
    80
    Alvvays' debut feels like a warm and fuzzy memory, forging a deeper sense of nostalgia with each repeat visit.
  9. Jul 17, 2014
    80
    It might not be the freshest, most original sounding record you’ll hear this year (it could have easily been released at any point in the 25 years without eyebrows being raised), but it terms of solid yet somewhat subversive indie-pop enjoyability, you will be hard pressed to find something better.
  10. Jul 17, 2014
    80
    The lo-fi/hi-fi production values keep slickness at bay, resulting in something as warm, intimate and super-casual as an East Coast kitchen party.
  11. Jul 16, 2014
    80
    Leaving themselves with no room for filler, the band set out to deliver on the promise of their singles, and we're thrilled to report that they've succeeded. Stardom beckons.
  12. Jul 16, 2014
    80
    Alvvays find a way to articulate their heart-struck, dream-like songs with deft intention and control.
  13. Jul 16, 2014
    80
    Although initially self-released, Alvvays' lap of honour is about as road-tripping, beach-friendly and lazy day-appropriate as any album comes.
  14. 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.
  15. Jul 21, 2014
    76
    Rankin possesses the sort of radiant but deceptively deadpan voice that lets her to infuse these lovelorn laments with sly, sometimes sinister wit.
  16. 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.
  17. Jul 24, 2014
    70
    Produced by folk-rock veteran Chad VanGaalen, Alvvays capitalizes on its use of reverb and nostalgia to create a charming wistfulness in some places, but hasty aftereffects in others.
  18. Jul 23, 2014
    70
    Alvvays takes a decidedly more shambolic direction as it reaches its final half, which is worrisome considering its brief runtime, thereby overstaying its welcome by lacking some much needed punch. But it shouldn’t in any way discourage Rankin’s efforts as the band’s core member, whose astute, lovesick descriptions are more than just a pleasant diversion.
  19. Mojo
    Aug 20, 2014
    60
    Charming and cherishable. [Sep 2014, p.94]
  20. Jul 24, 2014
    60
    They certainly have their sound down (reverb-laced guitars, big choruses, surf-tinged moments), but there's a lack of variety here.
  21. Jul 23, 2014
    60
    Overall though, there’s more comfort than debauchery on Alvvays.
  22. Jul 21, 2014
    60
    The band fails to sustain the album's early momentum, but there's still much to enjoy here.
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 71 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 66 out of 71
  2. Negative: 2 out of 71
  1. 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. Full Review »
  2. 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. Full Review »
  3. 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. Full Review »