Blue Weekend
by Wolf Alice
  • Record Label: RCA
  • Release Date: Jun 4, 2021
User Score
8.9

Universal acclaim- based on 298 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 269 out of 298
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 298
  3. Negative: 16 out of 298
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  1. MattJ22
    Jun 4, 2021
    10
    La mejor banda de la pasada década y, potencialmente, de esta tambien. Un clarísimo ejemplo de que versatilidad y personalidad pueden hacer un gran equipo cuando hay excelentes músicos detras. Cada canción esta repleta de tantos detalles y arreglos que es muy dificil agotarse de escucharlas una y otra vez. Cualquiera que haya escuchado Wolf Alice hasta hoy sabrá que es muy dificilLa mejor banda de la pasada década y, potencialmente, de esta tambien. Un clarísimo ejemplo de que versatilidad y personalidad pueden hacer un gran equipo cuando hay excelentes músicos detras. Cada canción esta repleta de tantos detalles y arreglos que es muy dificil agotarse de escucharlas una y otra vez. Cualquiera que haya escuchado Wolf Alice hasta hoy sabrá que es muy dificil encontrar 2 canciones muy parecidas en su discografía, y este disco continua con esta tendencia: distintos estilos e intensidades fluctuan para consolidar lo que parece ser el mejor album del año.… Expand
  2. blink123
    Aug 7, 2021
    6
    Really surprised by the acclaim for this album, it isn't that special as far as songwriting goes. The melodies are predicatable a bit dull, and well, nothing on here felt vital, nothing moved me. But Ellie Roswell's vocals are great and her band are excellent musicians, which is probably the only redeeming quality for me.
  3. Small-Talker
    Jun 18, 2021
    1
    Looking at the critic and user ratings so far, one can't help but listen to this. You'd assume from the scores that this is one of the albums of the decade, let alone year. That's far from the reality, unfortunately. "Play the Greatest Hits" is decent but unmemorable pop punk. Similarly, "No Hard Feelings" sounds like a Lana Del Rey outtake, albeit one that Del Rey would immediatelyLooking at the critic and user ratings so far, one can't help but listen to this. You'd assume from the scores that this is one of the albums of the decade, let alone year. That's far from the reality, unfortunately. "Play the Greatest Hits" is decent but unmemorable pop punk. Similarly, "No Hard Feelings" sounds like a Lana Del Rey outtake, albeit one that Del Rey would immediately dismiss for being far too sappy and saccharine. Everything else on the record is generic indie rock and completely unremarkable. Album of the year? Not even close.… Expand
  4. ztuxilef
    Jun 6, 2021
    10
    Album of the year im calling it Theres absolutely nothing i dont like about this album it switches between genres while not once losing track of cohesion. Every track is great.
  5. Billyliar87
    Jun 4, 2021
    10
    Went into this album with a "I thought their last stuff was 'good' not 'great'." attitude. I was ready to be let down. Well... I was wrong. So good. Love every track. It's hard to even nitpick. I'm sure some will. This album exceeded every expectation I held. Each track exudes confidence, and you know exactly what they are trying to do, yet it manages to surprise at the same time. Great record.
  6. AJKolevsohn
    Jul 16, 2021
    9
    This album has so many ups and downs in terms of tempo and style that it just blows me away! It is an incredible release with some thrashing, up-beat tracks and some seriously down-tempo chilled-out tunes that just culminate into a fantastic overall package
  7. Jesusddiaz
    Jun 5, 2021
    10
    this is magnificent, aoty, no doubt
    form top to bottom, what an impeccable album
  8. hyperballadbrad
    Jun 11, 2021
    10
    Pretty much flawless. Beautifully written , with confidence and drama and beautiful, tender lyrics. It's like everything that made the band exciting, they've managed to condense into something really powerful. Few albums come along that are so seamless. Goosebumps every time I listen.
  9. blakethebeast10
    Jun 4, 2021
    10
    breathtaking, emotional, energetic, fresh, and beautiful, this album hits hard in every way.
  10. indigospell
    Jun 6, 2021
    10
    Wolf Alice always threatened to be good enough to make an album of this quality. Despite winning the Mercury Prize already, this is a massive step up from that into the true pantheon of greatness. Without exaggerating this is far better than they or anyone has made for a very very long time.
  11. lucyrose
    Jun 6, 2021
    10
    Creating an album in this era is different to how it has ever been before. With streaming and digital music being the most common way music is consumed, and the ever-growing popularity of mixed playlists, an album needs to contain the elements in it that make it a work of art as a whole, a journey that satisfies the listener from the beginning until the end. The themes Wolf Alice portrayCreating an album in this era is different to how it has ever been before. With streaming and digital music being the most common way music is consumed, and the ever-growing popularity of mixed playlists, an album needs to contain the elements in it that make it a work of art as a whole, a journey that satisfies the listener from the beginning until the end. The themes Wolf Alice portray in Blue Weekend are relevant, thought-provoking, and relatable which has allowed the album to achieve that gold level of story-telling. The moments of delicate wistfulness in Delicious Things and Feeling Myself, to the real angst and ferocity in Smile and Play the Greatest Hits, has cemented the unique ‘Wolf Alice’ sound. It is bold, its brave, and it works. The days since the release have seen it admired by both fans and critiques, with it currently being the highest rated album of the 2021 so far. This is hardly surprising given the dedication and skill that has gone into making it, and it is likely this will see them grow in popularity across the globe. Wolf Alice deserve all the respect they have gained from this album – it’s a modern masterpiece.… Expand
  12. Skooydook
    Jun 13, 2021
    5
    So Wolf Alice are this generations band that gets everything they do labelled genius.

    Comfortably their worst album, average in every sense of the word.
  13. lemon_glow
    Jun 4, 2021
    10
    Such at atmospheric yet gutteral rock album. Ellie's voice is tremendous throughout the album. In usual Wolf Alice fashion, plenty of textures and sounds explored here.
  14. Ivanpo13
    Jun 6, 2021
    10
    Had to create an account for the sole purpose of reviewing this amazing album. I came to meet this band with their eclectic hit “Don’t delete the kisses” hypnotized by haunting vocals and a style of music that mixed many genres in an amazing way. Wolf Alice have slowly been shaping their sound since their debut EP, and this album is their sound at their most mature, defined and polished.Had to create an account for the sole purpose of reviewing this amazing album. I came to meet this band with their eclectic hit “Don’t delete the kisses” hypnotized by haunting vocals and a style of music that mixed many genres in an amazing way. Wolf Alice have slowly been shaping their sound since their debut EP, and this album is their sound at their most mature, defined and polished. The album flows through its folk/moody songs to heavy guitars with ease. Ellie’s vocals sound confident and moody and the production is well balanced to hear her clearly. I’m smelling several grammy nominations with this one.… Expand
  15. Duke_Challenger
    Jun 11, 2021
    5
    Unlike the last two albums, this one is mostly slow, boring, and unimaginative. Ellie's vocal melodies are not catchy or unique. Even the two harder songs pale in comparison to anything Wolf Alice did before.
  16. WalshJ
    Jun 5, 2021
    10
    A sold album throughout. A solid pinch and a beacon of light for guitar music
  17. jpritchy
    Jun 4, 2021
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is a great addition to Wolf Alice’s talent of song writing and producing. Every song is well thought of and expresses the band’s maturity since their debut in 2015. I love everyone of them however, I also think this is their lightest album in terms of distortion and intensity but none the less it’s fantastic, vibrant and a exceptional addition to 2021British bands.… Expand
  18. TBall
    Jun 19, 2021
    0
    I must be getting old. 94 average score? Will appear on many best album lists? Lyrically pretentious, all simpering sincerity and one of the most annoying voices that I've heard in a while. I listened to four songs and it was torturous. I'll pass.
    Seriously, I'm the only one who didn't like, make that, love this? 90% 10's? Curious.
  19. fredphoesh
    Jun 8, 2021
    6
    This album is NOT special. FFS. There are a couple of "nice" tracks, but not one that is original or that hasn't been done 100 or 10000 times before. There are plenty of interesting "Indie" artists, like Dirty Projectors, Alt-J, Searing Diaper Teas... but this is just "acceptable".
  20. EllieVieira
    Jun 7, 2021
    10
    This is awesome!!! The sounds, their voices... I'm in love for all the songs of this album!
  21. rishikachaks
    Jun 8, 2021
    10
    Absolutely breathtaking and Ellie's voice is spectacular! This album has something for everyone, and I can't wait to listen to it again and again.
  22. arctiv_mvnkey
    Jun 5, 2021
    10
    Exceptional… They sure didn’t disappoint their patient fans… It was well worth the wait…
  23. Hydroxy
    Jun 4, 2021
    10
    Every song packs some sort of emotional punch. There is no filler in here.
    Great Lyrics, production, instrumentation. What a great moment for UK rock. Who'd know? We have Squid, Black Country, New Road, and Black midi making awesome, boundaries-breaking music.
    But what about Wolf Alice? With Blue Weekend It makes the 90's feel like 5 years ago. There are shades of pop, punk, surf    Every song packs some sort of emotional punch. There is no filler in here.
    Great Lyrics, production, instrumentation. What a great moment for UK rock. Who'd know? We have Squid, Black Country, New Road, and Black midi making awesome, boundaries-breaking music.

    But what about Wolf Alice? With Blue Weekend It makes the 90's feel like 5 years ago.
    There are shades of pop, punk, surf rock, shoegaze, neo-psychedelic but it feels cohesive somehow, making each song its history through the album.
    Ellie's voice is as alive and emotive as ever, full of emotion that varies from angry, sarcastic moments to dreamy, astounding ethereal melodies.
    The band's display is so confident.
    I think it'll soon be recognized as a milestone in modern rock music.
    It's a 10 for me because I simply liked every direction and risk taken here.    … Expand
  24. RagnarX213
    Jun 4, 2021
    10
    Ellie really defines herself as the premier alternative vocalist in the world on this album. Really creative song writing and vocal arrangements. This album really showcases Ellies world class abilities. Shes one of the biggest rock stars in the world and this album really demonstrates that. She's truly an iconic and generational talent. The production is very layered and intricate.Ellie really defines herself as the premier alternative vocalist in the world on this album. Really creative song writing and vocal arrangements. This album really showcases Ellies world class abilities. Shes one of the biggest rock stars in the world and this album really demonstrates that. She's truly an iconic and generational talent. The production is very layered and intricate. Freddy Mercury would be proud of this album… Expand
  25. SooperChris86
    Jun 7, 2021
    10
    I had never heard of this band before but I am completely blown away by this record...just incredible.
  26. Batty84
    Jun 5, 2021
    9
    A great surprise. They grown up and there's a sort of awareness in lyrics and in arrangements and production. Best album of 2021 since now.
  27. heavvenly
    Jun 6, 2021
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Versatility has been Wolf Alice’s central virtue. In the wake of two incredibly successful albums, Blue Weekend continues to traverse a great breadth of genres whilst settling on a firmer, confident sound. Demonstrated when moving from the dream-pop 'Lipstick on the Glass' into the guitar-heavy angst of 'Smile', Wolf Alice avoid becoming constrained to smaller boundaries with their new approach. Reaching for a new-found cinematic clarity, climactic opener 'The Beach' establishes greater accessibility without compromising on the euphoric rhythms and ethereal layering of harmonies for which they’ve become known. The help of producer Markus Dravs is no surprise here, with the urgency of structures and hooks reminiscent of other ‘maturing’ albums he spearheaded--the energetic rock of Florence and the Machine’s How Big How Blue How Beautiful comes to mind. However, this clear appetite to chase an anthemic sound does not compromise their identity – Ellie Rowsell’s synthesis of emotional vulnerability and stark defiance only becomes stronger when stripped back. Developing a formerly vague discussion of independence and disillusionment with relationships, Ellie's more blatant exploration of sexuality and transgressive single-hood is refreshing to hear. Nevertheless, this exploration could still have been extended. Admittedly, listeners might be disappointed when the all-encompassing grunge of Visions of a Life is replaced by luscious synths and atmospheric piano accompaniments. However, when 'How Can I Make it Okay?' moves from sharp pop synth to a powerful guitar drop, it becomes clear that their floor-filling live sound is going nowhere.… Expand
  28. AlecNeedsWork
    Jun 6, 2021
    10
    As a huge fan of their music, I was taken back after first listen. Easily their best album. Can’t wait to fully dive into it after a few more listens.
  29. imizzy
    Jun 7, 2021
    10
    So, I'm obsessed. Blue Weekend is probably the best album I've heard in a year. Like, I made a metacritic account just to give it a 10/10 rating. I can't wait to hear the songs performed live!
  30. turnerka
    Jun 8, 2021
    10
    I was waiting for the new album not knowing what to expect and it exceeded my expectations. Amazing album!
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Awards & Rankings

8
#8 Best Album of 2021
25
#25 Most Discussed Album of 2021

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
91

Universal acclaim - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. Record Collector
    Jun 18, 2021
    80
    Blue Weekend isn’t a perfect record, with the folky No Hard Feelings and Safe From Heartbreak (If You’ve Never Been In Love) a little whimsical next to everything else going on. It matters little, though. Rowsell’s rallying cry in Smile that “I ain’t afraid of the fact that I’m sensitive” is borne out in a wild and tender third album.
    Read full review
  2. Uncut
    Jun 18, 2021
    80
    Blue Weekend is a collection of songs that immediately dazzle, with a relentless array of strong hooks, nestled within a sea of diverse sonic colours. [Aug 2021, p.35]
  3. Pitchfork
    Jun 17, 2021
    72
    Blue Weekend always nails the vibe, they nail everything, but often in a way that sounds micromanaged.
    Read full review
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