Big Talk
by Big Talk
  • Record Label: Epitaph
  • Release Date: Jul 19, 2011
Metascore
58

Mixed or average reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
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  1. New Musical Express (NME)
    Jul 28, 2011
    70
    Big Talk is a record to be roared while stood atop the bar, and then deny all knowledge of the next day.
  2. AllMusic
    Jul 21, 2011
    70
    Big Talk may not have rock star sparkle, but it walks the walk when it comes to solidly entertaining songs.
  3. Consequence
    Jul 19, 2011
    70
    Though Big Talk doesn't deviate from the trusted rock-pop path with a few bluesy stepping stones, it's a satisfying listen in which this drummer-turned-front man holds his own incredibly well.
  5. Alternative Press
    Jul 15, 2011
    70
    Vannucci, stepping out from behind the drum kit, may not exactly be Dave Grohl, but his rock 'n' roll yelp is fitting with the music and a solid reminder that we don't need glitzy synths to craft solid, raucous songs. [Aug 2011, p.112]
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  6. The Boston Phoenix
    Jul 27, 2011
    63
    Vannucci as a vocalist and lyricist lacks the star power to keep up his larger-than-life showboating over the course of 40-plus minutes.
  7. Q Magazine
    Aug 16, 2011
    60
    Big Talk are less grandoise and more low-key than his dayjob, thought, and these 12 tracks do sag in the middle when this eponymous debut takes a detour into pub rock with No Whiskey and Girl At Sunrise. [Sept. 2011, p. 103]
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  8. The Independent on Sunday (UK)
    Jul 18, 2011
    60
    It's much more fun than the Brandon Flowers album. Which, admittedly, isn't very big talk at all.
  9. The Telegraph (UK)
    Jul 15, 2011
    60
    Halfway in, Vannucci finds his feet with the bluesy No Whiskey, before an impeccable run of spry, sun-kissed alt-country numbers announce him as Las Vegas's answer to Tom Petty.
  10. PopMatters
    Jul 28, 2011
    50
    What we have is an attempt to boil down old cliches into something fresh, but instead reducing them to the lowest thing rock music: a boring album.
  11. Mojo
    Dec 12, 2011
    40
    Drum-heavy powerpop is more comfortable in bleached denim and white trainers, about three decades too late for assured heavy rotation on MTV.
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  12. No Ripcord
    Sep 20, 2011
    40
    More than anything, Big Talk reflects the Vegas background of its middling maestro.
  13. Uncut
    Aug 18, 2011
    40
    Basically Big Talk is how The Killers might sound if, rather than combining Bruce Springsteen and the Pet Shop Boys, they settle for blending Kings of Leon with ELO. [Sep 2011, p.79]
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  14. The Guardian
    Jul 15, 2011
    40
    Vannucci's listless voice does the songs few favours, either: he's nobody's idea of a commanding presence at the microphone.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 6 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 1 out of 6
  1. mugare
    Jun 16, 2014
    10
    A bunch of reviews from jaded professionals who have heard it all does no justice to the pure pleasure that is the debut album of Big Talk.A bunch of reviews from jaded professionals who have heard it all does no justice to the pure pleasure that is the debut album of Big Talk. This spawn of the Killers has got enough legs to stand on its own, and I hope it does so in another incarnation. If you've already listened to the album and put it away, I dare you to listen to it just a couple more times, and you'll be hooked.… Full Review »
  2. AnnaCheyne
    Jul 19, 2011
    8
    It's pretty gutsy to make a solo-album (kind of) if your the drummer of a very successful band like the Killers. And the end result isn't badIt's pretty gutsy to make a solo-album (kind of) if your the drummer of a very successful band like the Killers. And the end result isn't bad at all. It's no groundbreaking collection of songs, but listening to it puts me in a good mood, especially the song Next One Living. I understand Brandon Flowers is already talking about doing another solo-album after the next Killers release, hopefully Ronnie and Taylor will do the same...… Full Review »
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