Birthmarks
by Born Ruffians
  • Record Label: Yep Roc
  • Release Date: Apr 16, 2013
Metascore
61

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
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  1. Paste Magazine
    Apr 16, 2013
    89
    With Birthmarks, Born Ruffians bring us a deeply personal album.
  2. No Ripcord
    Apr 22, 2013
    80
    Birthmarks' charm lies in its comforting familiarity.
  3. Exclaim
    Apr 15, 2013
    80
    Birthmarks might throw off some, maybe even lose them, but the gamble has paid off, and will undoubtedly result in producing more new fans, as well as reassuring old ones.
  5. DIY Magazine
    Apr 15, 2013
    80
    Whilst not necessarily as endearing as their previous records, Birthmarks may in fact be better.
  6. Consequence
    Apr 18, 2013
    70
    Birthmarks is, largely, the sound of the band learning how to gracefully leave behind pre-pubescent tomfoolery in favor of meatier themes and weightier production.
  7. AllMusic
    Apr 15, 2013
    70
    Ultimately on Birthmarks, Born Ruffians let go of some of their punk rock ramble and hit the pop song sweet spot.
  8. Filter
    Apr 23, 2013
    68
    The album is their most complete work to date.
  9. Pitchfork
    Apr 15, 2013
    65
    Much of Birthmarks is catchy enough to get stuck in your head, if not necessarily memorable enough to stay there.
  10. Drowned In Sound
    Apr 19, 2013
    60
    Birthmarks is probably the most impressive Born Ruffians record to date, but it’s a shame they travelled so far without straying from the middle of the road.
  11. NOW Magazine
    Apr 18, 2013
    60
    Eschewing the indie rock tag, Born Ruffians are embracing a new diversified sound that reaches beyond the guitar-bass-drums trifecta, and for the most part, it hits the mark.
  12. PopMatters
    Apr 15, 2013
    60
    Far from a landmark statement, the album still has a lot of impressive moments and is an enjoyable spin.
  13. Under The Radar
    Apr 16, 2013
    55
    As with Born Ruffians' previous albums, there is nothing especially bad or even enjoyable about Birthmarks. [Mar-Apr 2013, p.91]
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  14. musicOMH.com
    Apr 17, 2013
    50
    The problem with Birthmarks is twofold: a lack of originality and a lack of hooks.
  15. Magnet
    Apr 16, 2013
    40
    Savor Luke Lalonde's chirpy blurts on "Needle" and "Ocean's Deep;" they're soon replaced by increasingly ironed-out dance pop that goes through unfortunate puberty over 12 tracks, from good to bad to worse. [No. 97, p.53]
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  16. Q Magazine
    Apr 15, 2013
    40
    Birthmarks is far from being a poor record, but it's limited in ambition and reach. [May 2013, p.97]
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User Reviews

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User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 4 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. ohhhfire
    May 23, 2013
    9
    As a fan of their last two albums i have to say that i enjoyed this one as well. i thought it was catchy and fun and the singing from theAs a fan of their last two albums i have to say that i enjoyed this one as well. i thought it was catchy and fun and the singing from the lead singer is unique and enjoyable. i cannot stop listening to it.
    my favorite songs on the album are permanent hesitation and so slow.    … Full Review »
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