Citizens of Boomtown
by The Boomtown Rats
  • Record Label: BMG
  • Release Date: Mar 13, 2020
Metascore
58

Mixed or average reviews - based on 6 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
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  1. The Guardian
    Mar 13, 2020
    60
    It has nostalgic nods to their first musical loves, bits that nod back to the first records they made, plenty of vim and spark but without the fuel that was first ignited by that spark. And, of course, it has toe-curling attempts to be current, just in case there really are disenfranchised kids listening.
  2. AllMusic
    Mar 12, 2020
    50
    There is some good material here and they've certainly taken their reunion record somewhere unexpected, but as a whole, Citizens is a bit of an inconsistent mess.
  3. PopMatters
    Mar 17, 2020
    40
    Ripping off very obvious rock songs is asking to be deemed irrelevant, and their attempts to sound contemporary are poor at best. If you must acquire this, then you might have fun with your friends picking out which songs they ripped off, or pay homage to or whatever.
  5. Mojo
    Mar 12, 2020
    40
    Confusing mix of glam-influenced punk and would-be party bangers a tad disappointing. [Apr 2020, p.93]
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User Reviews

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User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 5 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. Ricko
    May 10, 2020
    7
    This is an album out of the blue to say the least. 35 or so years so the last Boomtown Rats record you'd wonder what brought it about and whyThis is an album out of the blue to say the least. 35 or so years so the last Boomtown Rats record you'd wonder what brought it about and why anyone felt the need to make it. I don't have the answer to either question. With regard to the music itself, it is very much a tale of two sides. The relatively straightforward numbers are passable and at times decent. The forays into genres outside of rock n roll are ill advised though. Attempts at rap, house and techno are all made on side two with disorientating (not in a good way) results. This could have been many things including boring or terrible. It is neither of those so that has to be classed as some kind of a success in my book.… Full Review »
  2. Jungstir
    Mar 15, 2020
    8
    I get it nostalgia gets old but there are some choice cuts on this release worth listening and keepin' the beat dancin'. They are tour readyI get it nostalgia gets old but there are some choice cuts on this release worth listening and keepin' the beat dancin'. They are tour ready with this one a little something for everyone young and old alike.… Full Review »
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