Cause and Effect
by Keane
  • Record Label: Island
  • Release Date: Sep 20, 2019
Metascore
68

Generally favorable reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
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  1. Q Magazine
    Sep 24, 2019
    80
    Cause & Effect plays to their strengths. [Nov 2019, p.112]
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  2. The Telegraph (UK)
    Sep 20, 2019
    80
    This is an album of mature, accessible pop-rock. The singing is beautiful, the playing immaculate, the sound warm and rounded, with nothing to scare the horses.
  3. AllMusic
    Sep 20, 2019
    70
    Not a game-changing comeback by any means, Cause and Effect is instead a satisfying return to form that manages to gracefully age Keane by invigorating a familiar formula with wisdom and honesty learned over a dramatic, life-changing decade.
  5. New Musical Express (NME)
    Sep 20, 2019
    60
    Musically, the album hits in all the right spots, solidifying their expertise at penning sunny, earnest Radio 2-core. And when they deviate from the easier path, most notably on the slow, deeply sombre ‘Strange Room’, which sees Chaplin’s voice take on a genuinely affecting, downtrodden lower tone, ‘Cause and Effect’ begins to exist as more than a comeback album for the sake of a comeback album.
  6. The Independent (UK)
    Sep 20, 2019
    60
    Cause and Effect isn’t Keane breaking any new ground, but in the quieter moments it’s surprisingly good.
  7. The Guardian
    Sep 20, 2019
    60
    It may not make for the most comfortable listen, but Cause and Effect at least proves Keane are able to channel emotional states that are knottier and more compelling than that of their insipid early successes.
  8. Sputnikmusic
    Sep 25, 2019
    40
    Unfortunately, it’s little more than a bland exercise in pop that the band needs in order to sell records and tour again.

Awards & Rankings

58
#58 Most Discussed Album of 2019

User Reviews

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User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 54 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 49 out of 54
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 54
  3. Negative: 3 out of 54
  1. Tania2802
    Sep 22, 2019
    10
    Keane are back! For me the best album of the year. The lyrics of “The Way I Feel”, “Love Too Much” and “Thread” are sad and beautiful. It’sKeane are back! For me the best album of the year. The lyrics of “The Way I Feel”, “Love Too Much” and “Thread” are sad and beautiful. It’s reassuring to know that you’re not alone in experiencing those sorts of emotions. It’s healing to know you’re part of team “broken part, missing link and punctured wheel”. And everybody else is just as confused, angry/sad and trying to work it.… Full Review »
  2. onlyroma
    Sep 23, 2019
    10
    One of my favorite bands is back and it's a solid return. Like always their work is full of hope and the lyrics is very very good and powerfulOne of my favorite bands is back and it's a solid return. Like always their work is full of hope and the lyrics is very very good and powerful with beautiful vocals of Tom Chaplin. Well done & Welcome back KEANE.… Full Review »
  3. markjohnsonii
    Sep 26, 2019
    3
    To sum up the album: Mundane. The album is really subdued and almost too relaxing. If you’re looking for some background music to put at 10%To sum up the album: Mundane. The album is really subdued and almost too relaxing. If you’re looking for some background music to put at 10% volume while you study or do schoolwork, this is the perfect album. If you were looking for creative, engaging, and moving music from Keane, you’ll be left going back to earlier albums. The lyrics may be interesting but honestly the tone and beat of the album is really mundane; repetitive, even-keeled, and entrancing in all the wrong ways. This album simply bored me.… Full Review »
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