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American Football (LP3) Image
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 40 Ratings

  • Summary: The third full-length release for the Illinois emo band features guest appearances from Rachel Goswell, Elizabeth Powell and Hayley Williams.
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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 14
  2. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. Mar 29, 2019
    90
    The guitars and brass survive, but everything else is fresh.
  2. Mar 22, 2019
    83
    While wearing their influences on their sleeve, they deliver a lush and compact package of fleeting ballads to get lost in.
  3. Mar 21, 2019
    81
    Nearly every track on LP3 pushes out toward the five-minute mark, and where previous American Football songs were internal journeys, this album’s travel to new vistas in all directions.
  4. Mar 20, 2019
    80
    American Football build on their distinct craft for creating pop songs out of odd time signatures, seamlessly weaving multi-minute epics without ever feeling overblown such as on Silhouettes, cementing the band's return as a success.
  5. Kerrang!
    Mar 21, 2019
    80
    American Football have matured, but what remains unchanged is their ability to gently tug the heartstrings. [23 Mar 2019, p.55]
  6. Mar 20, 2019
    80
    LP3 is a house built brick by brick with patient songwriting--lush arrangements that blossom over a lengthy period of time, cultivating in fully fleshed out songs. Where’s LP1’s charm largely came from its high energy and juvenile tone, LP3 is the labor of seasoned musicians.
  7. Q Magazine
    Apr 9, 2019
    60
    Even if diverse moods elude them, they channel disenchantment superbly. [Jun 2019, p.108]

See all 14 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. Apr 4, 2019
    10
    Agree with Henta. This album is a cross between LP1 and LP2, in the best way. It sort of sounds like LP2 (but softer and grander) and retainsAgree with Henta. This album is a cross between LP1 and LP2, in the best way. It sort of sounds like LP2 (but softer and grander) and retains the careful songwriting and non pop structures of LP1. Really, this is what LP2 should have been, even though that was a good record too. It's a true return to form, which is surprising given the circumstances. Expand
  2. Apr 15, 2019
    10
    Outstanding and better with each listen. I'd say this is the most complete AF LP from track 1 to 8. Highlights are "Uncomfortably Numb" withOutstanding and better with each listen. I'd say this is the most complete AF LP from track 1 to 8. Highlights are "Uncomfortably Numb" with its heartbreaking back and forth between singers. "Every Wave" "Heir Apparent" "Doom in Full Bloom" are all amazing. There's a JudyBats and DeathCab for Cutie vibe on a lot of the tunes Expand
  3. Mar 27, 2019
    10
    Simply awesome album, as close as possible to LP1 but sounding like an adult! And if LP2 was more like Kinsella's solo album, then this isSimply awesome album, as close as possible to LP1 but sounding like an adult! And if LP2 was more like Kinsella's solo album, then this is real American Football. Expand
  4. May 13, 2019
    9
    The work is made more enjoyable with the addition of shoegazing/dream pop elements and three wonderful female guest vocals. A bold and daringThe work is made more enjoyable with the addition of shoegazing/dream pop elements and three wonderful female guest vocals. A bold and daring effort rather than another comeback thing. Expand
  5. Nov 7, 2022
    8
    A really good album overall, love the guitar riffs present and also the very good feats.

    85/100
  6. Apr 23, 2019
    8
    Gorgeous, hypnotic, indelible and haunting. Opening track “Silhouettes” is worth the price of admission all by itself.