• Record Label: Atlantic
  • Release Date: Sep 14, 2010
Metascore
68

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 19
  2. Negative: 0 out of 19
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  1. The record opens with a powerful three-part salvo crafted for maximum dance-floor penetration.
  2. 80
    The defining thread running through Chromeo's body of work is earnestness: you might scoff at the Lothario-obsession, the legs on display in the artwork, the almost-religious adherence to '80s stylistics, but in the end you either have to a) give it up for their studiousness, or b) just dance.
  3. 78
    Business Casual is the sound of Chromeo having wholly realized its vision. The only question is where does the duo go from here without becoming a tired party trick? Chromeo just might want to get out while the getting's still good.
  4. A major-label deal hasn't led to any substantial changes in this duo's retro-electro sound. On Business Casual they remain adept students of the Hall & Oates school of hooks, which they surround with gleaming synth grooves and robotic talkbox solos that recall '80s funk masters like Zapp & Roger.
  5. Their signature '80s homage is consistent across their songwriting, lyrics, album covers, and design - even their videos. And despite their claims to the contrary, the duo have enough self-aware irony to rise above the level of a throwback novelty act or a one-trick nostalgia pony.
  6. Dec 22, 2010
    70
    So, it's formulaic, it's 'retro' in a really kitschy way, and Business Casual sounds pretty much the same as their 2004 debut, Fancy Footwork; and still, Chromeo are fucking great.
  7. 70
    Business Casual's libidinous wit can't quite match 2007's Fancy Footwork, but this day at the office still features booty calls, romantic squabbles, and digitally syrupy declarations of devotion.
  8. Here they're presented lovingly whole and intact, without irony, as keystones to be cherished and admired.
  9. At the end of the day, you really can't blame the duo for impressing the hell out of a generation of hipsters too young and/or musically ignorant to know their Zapp from their Roger.
  10. More money means more studio time, and more studio time can lead to more experimentation; as such, Business Casual's most successful moments are the result of genre-related leg-stretching.
  11. The Montreal duo of P-Thugg and Dave 1 write hypnotic, theatrical disco beats reminiscent of Miami's late-'70s/early-'80s blow scene.
  12. Business Casual will probably slay people at parties, on Urban Outfitters sales floors and as part of the pre-concert entertainment over the P.A. But it'll probably have the same seven-month shelf life as Fancy Footwork did.
  13. Whereas the finest music of this ilk goes full pelt with either ideas or loins, sometimes concurrently, Business Casual is, as its title suggests, the ultimate middle ground.
  14. If it didn't capture the fun of '80s pop, it just wouldn't be Chromeo. And for their third album, Pee Thug and Dave One are as campy and faithful to their roots as humanly (and robotically) possible.
  15. Q Magazine
    60
    The Canadian synth-pop duo are still partying like it's 1984. [Nov. 2010, p. 106]
  16. Cassius man's production is a deluxe weave of dreamy synths, biting snares, throbbing bass and warbly Vocoders, but it feels as if Chromeo are just doodling knobs over the top.
  17. Album three in Chromeo's discography, it sees a return to the Eighties electro funk upon which they made their names, albeit stripped down slightly.
  18. Still, while we wait for a pop saviour to take the genre forward, Chromeo provide a nice enough tribute to its past.
  19. Uncut
    40
    Their one great idea grows tiresome over an album's length. [Oct 2010, p.88]
User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 14 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 14
  2. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. Jan 19, 2023
    9
    This album is good, I am going to list my issues:
    1. Daft Punk ripoff for sure
    2. Coldplay ass vocals
    That's it SUPRISEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
  2. Jan 4, 2014
    9
    A perfect balance capturing the sounds of the 80's along with a modern feel to it. Songs such as night by night and hot mess the album alreadyA perfect balance capturing the sounds of the 80's along with a modern feel to it. Songs such as night by night and hot mess the album already sores passed most hip hop albums released today. Full Review »
  3. Sep 14, 2010
    9
    Great album!Great Songs and I don't want to stop listen this album!!Definitely one of the best albums of 2010. I´m Not ContagiousGreat album!Great Songs and I don't want to stop listen this album!!Definitely one of the best albums of 2010. I´m Not Contagious and You Make It Rough is brilliant!! Full Review »