Coexist
by The xx
  • Record Label: XL
  • Release Date: Sep 11, 2012
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 46 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 38 out of 46
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 46
  3. Negative: 0 out of 46
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. CMJ
    Sep 14, 2012
    60
    While the xx allowed itself to get mildly playful on its debut album, those moments are stripped out on Coexist as the band further minimizes its already minimalist approach.
  2. PopMatters
    Sep 11, 2012
    60
    It's hard not to feel that one of the year's most anticipated releases only keeps you waiting and waiting for something more to happen.
  3. The Independent (UK)
    Sep 7, 2012
    60
    Deceptively uneasy listening at times, but worth the effort.
  5. Q Magazine
    Sep 6, 2012
    60
    The mood of their music often feels a little stuck, though. [Oct 2012, p.100]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. Slant Magazine
    Sep 5, 2012
    60
    Of the album's few standout tracks, only "Fiction" comes close to eclipsing the half-dozen or so uptempo gems that populated the band's debut. What's left is a collection of richly crafted but idling songs in desperate need of some muscle.
  7. The Quietus
    Sep 5, 2012
    60
    They perfect the formula occasionally - penultimate track 'Swept Away' matches its name, a pillow-soft cascade of plummy bass notes and piano house, across which their voices whisper like wind - but for much of Coexist they sound halting, nervous, afraid to push beyond the boundaries they've created around their sound.
  8. Under The Radar
    Sep 6, 2012
    50
    The end result is a record that feels phoned in. [Aug/Sep 2012, p.114]
  9. Tiny Mix Tapes
    Sep 12, 2012
    40
    Where xx was an album that got its hooks in you, Coexist becomes a somnolent atmosphere-in-itself, in which hooks are conspicuous by their absence. It all works best when the tempo rises (relatively speaking), as on "Tides" and "Swept Away;" still, the pulse races placidly.

Awards & Rankings

44
#44 Most Discussed Album of 2012
14
#14 Most Shared Album of 2012

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 186 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 164 out of 186
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 186
  3. Negative: 8 out of 186
  1. Apart
    Sep 11, 2012
    10
    In the end, Coexist is a love letter, simple, honest and beautiful. "Missing", the album's finest track, you hear Oliver more passionate thatIn the end, Coexist is a love letter, simple, honest and beautiful. "Missing", the album's finest track, you hear Oliver more passionate that ever, the emotion in his voice is truly captivating.… Full Review »
  2. Tiago
    Sep 17, 2012
    5
    The xx delivered a remarkable album, full of delightful songs with an unique sound, in 2009.
    Coexist is still enjoyable, but it feels too    The xx delivered a remarkable album, full of delightful songs with an unique sound, in 2009.
    Coexist is still enjoyable, but it feels too uninspired and empty, with an excess of reused ideas.    … Full Review »
  3. aethelyon
    Sep 13, 2012
    0
    **** boring. Don't waste your time thinking that this is something brilliant or epic. This album lacks everything that made their first album**** boring. Don't waste your time thinking that this is something brilliant or epic. This album lacks everything that made their first album worthwhile. This record sounds lazy and bored. I imagine the band felt the same while making this.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »