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Broken Bells
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Broken Bells Image
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 82 Ratings

  • Summary: This is the debut album for The Shins James Mercer and producer Brian Burton (aka as Danger Mouse).

Top Track

The High Road
We're bound to wait all night She's bound to run amok Invested enough in it anyhow, To each his own The Garden is sorting out She curls her lips on a... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 31
  3. Negative: 0 out of 31
  1. Sputnikmusic
    90
    Broken Bells is the crown jewel of each musician's discography and is a necessity for fans of either one.
  2. Los Angeles Times
    88
    Mercer's knack for twisting and turning melodies is impeccably served by Burton, who tempers and fulfills those melodies with laid-back but elaborate scores of synth, piano, organ and sometimes a full string section, the only instruments not played by Burton or Mercer.
  3. Mojo
    80
    The resulting 10 songs are an intriguing genetic mix of modern psychedelia and eccentrioc pop. [Apr 2010, p.93]
    All this publication's reviews
  4. Billboard.com
    70
    The singer matches Danger Mouse's inventive sonics with his usual complement of twisty-turny melodies and dense wordplay, though compared with the Shins' relatively high-octane 2007 release, "Wincing the Night Away," such jangly space-folk tunes as "Vaporize" and "Sailing to Nowhere" can seem a little snoozy.
  5. The New York Times
    70
    There's ample melody in the music, and the lyrics hold anguish and malaise. But Broken Bells' production numbs the songs. What could have been cries from the heart are turned into in-jokes.
  6. NOW Magazine
    60
    Burton deserves some of the blame for the album's shortcomings as well, even if his creative engineering is the high point. He gives us some gorgeously layered textures and swirling atmospherics, but then backs those up with tepid and forgettable beats.
  7. Alternative Press
    40
    The vibe on Broken Bellls is so mellow and laid-back that the album dissolves into mere ambient wallpaper. [Apr 2010, p.122]
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See all 31 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 11
  3. Negative: 1 out of 11
  1. moonman1994
    Feb 9, 2014
    10
    Beautifully varied music. The combination of the Danger Mouse groove and Mercer's voice makes for a perfect album. Some songs are chilling andBeautifully varied music. The combination of the Danger Mouse groove and Mercer's voice makes for a perfect album. Some songs are chilling and others are amazingly catchy. It's perfect.… Expand
  2. Michael
    Mar 9, 2010
    10
    Absolutely brilliant! Danger Mouse and James Mercer have created something unique and fantastic. This is the year's best album so far.
  4. MDB
    Mar 11, 2010
    9
    Best album of the year so far. Sounds like a cross between Shins & Gorillaz, if that makes any sense. Critics like experimental music over Best album of the year so far. Sounds like a cross between Shins & Gorillaz, if that makes any sense. Critics like experimental music over anything with melody? That is unfortunate, this is an excellent listen with a cool vibe.… Expand
  5. RichardM
    Mar 17, 2010
    9
    This album is a fantastic mix of chilled pop melodies with brilliantly addictive lyrics. The songs are simple, but it is this simplicity that This album is a fantastic mix of chilled pop melodies with brilliantly addictive lyrics. The songs are simple, but it is this simplicity that gives the album such a great all round feel. Danger Mouse's genius is heard more and more every time you listen. The album barely gets boring and becomes lovingly addictive.… Expand
  6. DoctorMcN1nja
    Sep 19, 2012
    9
    Broken Bells is an album born from the collaboration of The Shins
  7. scarecrowssong
    Jul 25, 2011
    8
    From the first thirty seconds of the premier track, High Road you know that you're in for a treat. Mercer's twisted vocals against theFrom the first thirty seconds of the premier track, High Road you know that you're in for a treat. Mercer's twisted vocals against the backdrop that is Burton's excellent production, takes you by the hand and guides you on a humble journey through 21st century alternative indie. The steady rhythm mimics a racing heart that punctuates every line with a smile. Perhaps the synths are too heavy, but not enough to deter from repeat listens.
    Each track flows well into one another, maintaining Mercer and Burtonâ    … Expand
  8. MattM
    Mar 9, 2010
    2
    Move along. Nothing to see/hear. The record has good production and some nice, 60's sounds here and there, but nothing memorable or Move along. Nothing to see/hear. The record has good production and some nice, 60's sounds here and there, but nothing memorable or interesting. The Shins' lyrics have never been more than a vehicle for great hooks, but unfortunately the hooks are absent on this record. So, you end up with dull lyrics, dull music and a dull record. It only gets good reviews from some based upon the two members involved in this project. If the Broken Bells were actually Joe Indy and John Pop, you wouldn't be reading this.… Expand

See all 11 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

83
#83 Most Discussed Album of 2010
33
#33 Most Shared Album of 2010

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