User ratings in Music are temporarily disabled. More info
Blue Rev Image
Metascore
86

Universal acclaim - based on 15 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 40 Ratings

  • Summary: Produced by Shawn Everett, the third full-length release for Canadian indie pop band Alvvays was delayed by a number of issues including the theft of demos, a flood, COVID-19 lockdowns, and finding new band members.
Buy Now
Buy on
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 15
  2. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. Oct 18, 2022
    100
    It’s not simply an incremental improvement. It’s a quantum leap. As far as third albums go, it’s their Forever Changes, Summerteeth, and The Meadowlands rolled into one. It really is monumental. ... It truly is one for the ages.
  2. Oct 7, 2022
    90
    Its Alvvays least penetrable, most challenging album yet — but one that still preserves the band's best qualities, sounding chaotic and painstaking at the same time.
  3. Oct 7, 2022
    90
    The creation of Blue Rev may have been beset with trial and tribulation but the result is a heavenly indie pop hit guaranteed to make their already besotted fans fall even more head over heels in love with the band.
  4. Oct 6, 2022
    80
    These 14 tracks are so sonically rich with a multitude of textures, each listen peeling back just one measly layer; Molly’s vocal hooks and turns of phrase will remain in your brain days after the last listen.
  5. Oct 6, 2022
    80
    Blue Rev is a return that, in a strangely radical way, simply meets expectations. ... If you wanted to experience an etherealness that was anchored in experience, it was always Alvvays. And it still is.
  6. Oct 6, 2022
    80
    ‘Blue Rev’ is a magical, twisty excursion to a crossroads where the band simultaneously reflects on yesteryear and explores the turbulence of divergent realities.
  7. 60
    Blue Rev is a slightly disappointing return from such a brilliant indie band.

See all 15 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. Oct 7, 2022
    10
    Absolutely amazing. This album has surpassed my expectations by far. They have never sounded better.
  2. Nov 30, 2022
    10
    The 14 tracks really will mesmerize my sonic experience as Alvvays have found a way to successfully inject their pop style into a shoegazeThe 14 tracks really will mesmerize my sonic experience as Alvvays have found a way to successfully inject their pop style into a shoegaze cloud that has resulted in one of the better albums released in 2022. Expand
  3. Feb 14, 2023
    10
    This was my favorite album of 2022. The hooks are catchy, the lyrics are characteristically weird put still poignant, and the production isThis was my favorite album of 2022. The hooks are catchy, the lyrics are characteristically weird put still poignant, and the production is amazing, especially the guitars and keys. Plus, Molly’s vocals bring the whole album to life like never before. Expand
  4. Apr 4, 2023
    9
    Alvvays' 2022 album, "Blue Rev", is their best to date. They really went for the shoegaze sound and it paid off. I remember hearing the firstAlvvays' 2022 album, "Blue Rev", is their best to date. They really went for the shoegaze sound and it paid off. I remember hearing the first single, "Pharmacist", for the first time, and those guitar chords and how huge the song sounded blew me away. The album is just so euphoric, hypnotic, and nostalgic. "Many Mirrors" is probably my favorite song on the record. Other songs like "Very Online Day" and "Lottery Noises" are not my favorite, but they're still good. The guitars on this album are recorded beautifully and it sounds amazing. It's one of the best albums of 2022. Expand
  5. Oct 8, 2022
    9
    This stuff is gorgeous. This album is awesome. I hope they make music more like this. My favorite tracks are "Many Mirrors", "Very OnlineThis stuff is gorgeous. This album is awesome. I hope they make music more like this. My favorite tracks are "Many Mirrors", "Very Online Guy", and "After the Earthquake". It's short but very pretty and euphoric. I highly recommend this shimmering guitar pop music. It's like medicine but better. I hope you buy this or at least listen to this. It's so sweet and nostalgic. What a magnificent return from the band. Expand
  6. Apr 29, 2023
    9
    Alvvays has such a specific style. With this album they elevate this shoegazey old timey sound with great production and catchy tunes. Love love love
  7. Oct 7, 2022
    7
    Haven't really heard their other stuff but irrespective i consider this a phenomenal introduction! Blue Rev is a dizzying versatile explosionHaven't really heard their other stuff but irrespective i consider this a phenomenal introduction! Blue Rev is a dizzying versatile explosion of power pop that doesn't so much reference than it does revitalize. Pushing it's genre and band further than they've been. Expand

See all 9 User Reviews