• Record Label: Anti
  • Release Date: Jan 30, 2007
Metascore
60

Mixed or average reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 12
  2. Negative: 1 out of 12
  1. Rolling Stone
    60
    They wield massive choruses, stadium-ready production and the keening vocals of Toby Martin. [22 Feb 2007, p.80]
  2. This Youth Group record is a diluted version of already watered-down music; not only is it not as good as their first album, I’m not sure it’s as good as Keane’s first album.
  3. It's all soaring, boring hooks, ringing guitars cribbed from the last two decades of sad bastard Britpop and wussy vocals polished to a sleek finish that makes them ideal fodder for Hollywood soundtrack supervisors.
  4. Unlike other emo bands, Youth Group is blessed with a singer who can sing and a talented team of players which makes them slightly harder to write off. But only slightly, because the final straw [is] their lyrics.
  5. Uncut
    40
    It's over-polished and lacks excitement. [Jun 2007, p.119]
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 6 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 6
  2. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. MDKMDK
    Apr 3, 2007
    10
    Say what you want, but I've been disappointed lately by the caliber of indie music that has been coming out in the past 12 months. For Say what you want, but I've been disappointed lately by the caliber of indie music that has been coming out in the past 12 months. For starters, it all sounds the same and the slow stuff just doesn't have that angst. But then a band like Youth Group comes along. Cross between Bright Eyes (last album), Album Leaf (atmospheric melodies), and 60's hippie pop (Simon & Garfunkel?). The music is transporting. I wasn't crazy about their previous album. I feel like they really spread their wings on this one. Full Review »
  2. alanl
    Mar 13, 2007
    6
    Skeleton Jar was surprising, Twilight Casino Dogs is... disappointing
  3. wookieboy
    Feb 25, 2007
    10
    Criminally under-rated