• Record Label: Atlantic
  • Release Date: Sep 9, 2016
Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 5 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 5
  2. Negative: 1 out of 5
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  1. Oct 11, 2016
    60
    Until the band fully embraces their ping-pong guitars and surly one-liners ("I wish I saw myself the way you see me now"), Grouplove will likely remain a singles band rather than the new-R.E.M. their ambition hints at.
  2. Sep 23, 2016
    30
    Big Mess is hardly much more than ten stabs at reclaiming a relevancy that was only marginally theirs to begin with.
  3. Magnet
    Sep 23, 2016
    50
    About 45 seconds into song after song, the chorus punches in loudly--predictably and, ultimately, annoyingly. [No. 135, p.57]
  4. Sep 23, 2016
    90
    Ultimately, by celebrating those life experiences on Big Mess, Grouplove have crafted an ecstatic, joyful album.
  5. Q Magazine
    Sep 23, 2016
    60
    It often feels a little formulaic, but, boy do they have that formula down to a fine art. [Nov 2016, p.107]
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 15 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 15
  2. Negative: 1 out of 15
  1. Nov 2, 2016
    8
    I think the critics hate to admit a simple pop album can be worthy of a high rating. This is no Abbey Road, but is very enjoyable forI think the critics hate to admit a simple pop album can be worthy of a high rating. This is no Abbey Road, but is very enjoyable for Grouplove fans and newcomers alike. I recommend a listen for those with an open mind. Full Review »
  2. Oct 2, 2016
    10
    This album is amazing, is filled with great and catchy songs, one of the best alternative albums of the year btw. A great statement for thisThis album is amazing, is filled with great and catchy songs, one of the best alternative albums of the year btw. A great statement for this year, all the songs sounds the same, and this cut all of that. Full Review »
  3. May 31, 2018
    7
    Production-wise, BM isn't too messy. The electronic-pop is not as polished and sparkly as Passion Pit's, but it is often satisfying and evenProduction-wise, BM isn't too messy. The electronic-pop is not as polished and sparkly as Passion Pit's, but it is often satisfying and even pleasant to listen to at times. Vocally, BM is pretty great, with original, interesting singers whose voices work well with the music. Unfortunately, BM has unironically messy, immature lyrics. They lack originality at their core, with little real emotion or power. Most bands don't seem capable of writing a good, heartfelt song about love or sex, and Grouplove, in this respect, is one of those bands. Now, "Enlighten Me" really stands out thanks to it's climatic, mature music and uncharacteristically good lyrics. "Life," "Night," "Someone," "Morning," and sever other songs on this album have attractive, catchy, fun music.

    Big Mess lives up to it's title in terms of lyrical quality, but the music is pretty good for the most part and the vocals are unquestionably entertaining.
    Full Review »