Employment
by Kaiser Chiefs
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 89 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 74 out of 89
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 89
  3. Negative: 5 out of 89

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  1. VV
    May 4, 2005
    8
    This is a great album. its funny, smart and it makes you happy all at the same time. and of course its Parklife 1o years later, but parklife was brilliant so why care?
  2. samp
    Mar 17, 2005
    7
    I agree with Jon D and dake fu. Bloc Party are brilliant. Kaiser Chiefs are good, but not in the same league as Bloc Party or Franz Ferdinand.
  3. VJay
    Apr 20, 2005
    8
    I'm riding the Brit Pop wave.
  4. JayK
    Apr 4, 2005
    10
    simply a great album cant wait to see if the bring out a new one.
  5. ChadS
    Sep 20, 2006
    8
    I've had "Employment" for about eighteen months now and "I Predict a Riot", in particular; still sounds great, kind of like a less brainy XTC and a guitar solo that sounds inspired by the B-52's "Rock Lobster". "Modern Way" is almost as good. Catchy pop songs are always better than atonal dirges.
  6. JonD
    Mar 16, 2005
    6
    Average album with several really good tunes, but also some mediocre forgettable songs. Nothing really that will be remembered in a couple of years. Listen to Bloc Party's Silent Alarm instead.
  7. HannahR
    Mar 24, 2005
    9
    This album is amazing! It's the kind of album you just want to put on loudly and run around your room to. The songs are so fun and catchy with great witty lyrics. It's crazy!
  8. francescaw
    Apr 16, 2005
    7
    A great album. The kaiser chiefs's music is just so original and interesting, and ultimately nice to listen to. It would have been an 8, but the unecessary woahhhhs woaaaahhhhs woaaaahs!!!! in ever song gets a bit boring. Overall a thumbs up from me!
  9. RandyJ
    Apr 27, 2005
    10
    The comparisons to franz ferdinand just dont hold up. Kaiser Chiefs are just plain better in every way. The album is solid all the way through and each song is different from the next. The lyrics are clever and the arrangements are catchy as hell. This is the first disc of 2005 I consider to be a must-own.
  10. F.Castro
    Apr 3, 2005
    7
    Runs out of steam halfway through, but, wow, isn't it amazing on the way there?
  11. MarcD
    Jun 5, 2005
    8
    A rip-roaring good time of an album. One of the best new undeniably British-sounding bands out there now. Love it.
  12. CraigJ
    Sep 18, 2005
    0
    every song just sounds the same
  13. EvertonC
    Sep 7, 2005
    10
    A great album from this new english band... Mods are alive and kicking!
  14. KateB
    Apr 6, 2006
    9
    The best album in my CD rack at the moment! Although it takes ideas from bands in other decades, Employment is catchy and entertaining, and all of them are good musicians. Ricky Wilson is a great lead singer, and a thouroughly nice person. Everyone should get this album and support this British band so they can go far!
  15. BradleyE
    Dec 13, 2005
    4
    The album resorts too quickly to filler. After the first few songs, everything else sounds the same on the album. And even if you hate to admit it, they are similar to Franz Ferdinand in a number of ways. Nothing new!
  16. JamieM
    Mar 17, 2005
    7
    There are a few real belters on 'Emplyment' and one or two mediocre songs too. One or two that get annoying... Overall good though!
  17. daiselet
    Mar 17, 2005
    7
    i predict a riot and modern way are brilliant... most of the rest are catchy and very brit-poppy... but the overall feeling is that it has been recycled but not improved upon, if you know what i mean... comes across as a second-rate hybrid of blur, supergrass, madness, etc
  18. J.P.Morgan
    Mar 17, 2005
    6
    Very catchy bouncy pop-songs with little substance and bad lyrics. If that's your cup of tea.... then you should definitely but it. However, it's not for me....
  19. jason
    Mar 17, 2005
    1
    Like Leeds United... shite!!!
  20. TheChief
    Mar 18, 2005
    10
    Wonderful. Insightful lyrics, and damn good tunes. The Chiefs don't take themselves too seriously, and the album is all the better for it. Absolutely great live too.
  21. pedro
    Mar 21, 2005
    9
    In the same manner as beck's guerro, & kol's aha shake heartbreak, this album is on constant rotation in my collection here in '05
  22. MikeM
    Mar 22, 2005
    8
    Kaiser Chiefs have been building a dedicated fanbase for quite some time now, with the release of their single, 'Oh My God' increasing it even more so after recieving rave reviews from magazines such as NME. The single was a very big accomplishment, and it deserved the reviews it received as it felt very lively and energetic. It was clear to see that Kaiser Chiefs had the energy Kaiser Chiefs have been building a dedicated fanbase for quite some time now, with the release of their single, 'Oh My God' increasing it even more so after recieving rave reviews from magazines such as NME. The single was a very big accomplishment, and it deserved the reviews it received as it felt very lively and energetic. It was clear to see that Kaiser Chiefs had the energy in hand to be one of the most memorable bands of the year if the album could follow on the excitement on the single, 'Oh My God.' Kaiser Chiefs first album, Employment, kicks off with the song, 'Everyday I Love You Less And Less', which could easily be an attainable single, following the format the band followed with 'Oh My God' with a display of fun lyrics and a catchy chorus. The lyrics may be too simplistic at times, but the Kaiser Chiefs are not aiming for complexity here. They aim for fun and this is what they achieve. Wilson fun little chants such as, "Everyday I love you less and less, it makes me sick to think of you undressed," continue throughout the album in a somewhat repetitive fashion. The second song on the album, 'I Predict A Riot' will most likely be known as Kaiser Chiefs most popular song, as vocalist Ricky Wilson sounds superb while he bounces off yet another song with a great and hooking chorus. As simple as it may be, it works great for the band. But instead of making an album where every song attempts to be a generic single, the Kaiser Chiefs moved on to a more different sounding territory with most further tracks. 'Modern Way' starts paving the way for the band showing that they don't want every song to sound repetitive. After two explosive songs, Wilson sings with a more hush-hush fashion, and he is successful in doing so. 'Modern Way' is probably the best track on this album, and it's a song that's not to be missed. The album does have its blunder with the incredibly annoying 'Na Na Na Na Naa' turning up into a disaster of a song. This is badly placed as the fifth track, disrupting the flow, but luckily the Kaiser Chiefs regain their ground with the enigmatic 'You Can Have It All' and 'Born To Be A Dancer.' Both tracks are extremely catchy and again show that the Kaiser Chiefs still have it in their debut of an album. As I've already talked about the song 'Oh My God' earlier this is stationed in between these two tracks as well, and it makes its way as the Kaiser Chief's anthem-type of a track that has you nodding your head to the beat. A great single, as I stated before. 'Saturday Night' may turn some off, as the Kaiser Chief's take a step into a new direction but I personally find the song a breath of fresh air as it's the only song on the album that cannot really be compared with any others on the album. The album continues to finish off strong with the creative 'Caroline, Yes' and the lush ending ballad of 'Team Mate' as the album fades into the end. Overall, the Kaiser Chiefs have a solid winner in their debut album. Employment provides a welcoming sound with a bunch of stellar tracks. One would think with songs such as 'Oh My God' and 'I Predict A Riot' that most of the tracks would be fillers. That is far out of the question. Though at first the Kaiser Chiefs will sound like any old indie rock band, the songs grow on you tremendously. The Kaiser Chiefs turn out one of the most fun records of the year in their debut, and it's not to be missed.… Expand
  23. ManicM
    Mar 24, 2005
    4
    sorry but this is yet another of these albums with only one good track on it, and that comes from a group thats clearly being over exposed in the press
  24. RichardR
    Mar 29, 2005
    2
    Sorry, I don't get this band AT ALL. Most of their lyrics bleat on and on about how they're not pleased with whatever subject they lower themselves to write about. And the music is as boring as it gets. I don't see what all the fuss is about. Finally, where'd they get that stupid name???
  25. voodoocookie
    Apr 21, 2005
    10
    The best album of the year without a doubt! Definitely one of the most enjoyable acts to come out in a long time and they definitely crank up the fun factor in music to the max!
  26. carlos
    May 17, 2005
    6
    good album
  27. PaulF
    May 27, 2005
    6
    Giving this album a 9 or a 10 is simply too generous in my opinion. The problem is that for every decent song on it, the follow up is always rather poor. I expected more standout tracks like I Predict a Riot and Oh My God, but there is just nothing else on the album that even comes close to their greatness. I find it all a bit of a disappointment to be honest.
  28. davem
    May 31, 2005
    6
    meh NME over publising, cant deny great energy from the singles, just each song has major weak points, lyrically bad and a bad blur.Still enjoy the singles
  29. MusicMaven
    Jun 1, 2005
    7
    It's not a sixer (Americans read: home run) in my book because it's too hit-or-miss. But when it hits, it distills several generations of Britpop down to the hook-filled essence. Everyone seems to stop at Blur, but I hear the influence of earlier British bands as well, such as the Jam, the Kinks, the Clash and XTC.
  30. zeifgeist
    Jun 13, 2005
    4
    Thank God I bought this cd used, 'cause now I can sell it back and at least recoup some of the cash I threw away. Mediocre and derivative in the worst way, I hated the songs the minute I heard them. The critics should stop coming in their pants every time some new British band with a remotely new/no wave sound comes along. Its pretty much inevitable, but Kaiser Chiefs is at the Thank God I bought this cd used, 'cause now I can sell it back and at least recoup some of the cash I threw away. Mediocre and derivative in the worst way, I hated the songs the minute I heard them. The critics should stop coming in their pants every time some new British band with a remotely new/no wave sound comes along. Its pretty much inevitable, but Kaiser Chiefs is at the bottom of the barrel (right behind all the other overhyped bands-of-the-moment). You want derivative music with originality, style, balls and laughs, check out The Futureheads.… Expand
  31. AndrewT
    Jun 19, 2005
    7
    This is poor pop, it does not pretend to be anything else. It will never be on your top ten all time critical favourites, but it is pure unadulterated fun. How many records can you say that about?
  32. DougA
    Mar 13, 2006
    10
    I have never heard an album that made my happier. Despite a couple "fillers" this album is as bubbly and fun as they come. Can't wait for the follow-up
  33. LukeT
    Sep 11, 2006
    8
    Kaiser chiefs make a good first impression with their debut album 'employment.' Apart from one or two songs all of the tunes are catchy and get stuck in your head and the lyrics are written well. One of the best british bands of their generation.
  34. GarryK
    Oct 19, 2007
    0
    When I first listened to "I predict a riot" I didn't even want to listen to the rest. Too poppy and cheesey.
  35. ixata
    Apr 17, 2007
    9
    at first listen this album sux big tym.. but after frequent listening, it actually rocks! the unes are cetch, though some of them sounds kinda foolishly weird(Na Na Na-sounds like an asylum anthem). but ultimately, this album is fun, colourful and worth ever penny
  36. JoeG
    Dec 22, 2005
    7
    Not a bad album at all, but still a tad overrated. Maximo Park, Bloc Party, Franz Ferdinand, and The Futureheads have all had better albums at this point. Still, not a bad effort in the least/
  37. tim
    Dec 23, 2005
    9
    this cd actually took me a while to get into, but i think now that it is quite excellent. great full sound, and personally i dont think the songs all sound the same, each has at least at the very least a unique intro. solid overall, well worth the purchase, alsoa great cd for a party
  38. JohnW
    Dec 27, 2005
    10
    Just love it
  39. dakefu
    Mar 15, 2005
    8
    While not quite as cool as Franz Ferdinand, "Employment" is still a pretty sweet post-punk guitar pop album. More XTC and Specials than art-school stuff.
  40. JulieS
    Mar 16, 2005
    5
    Not original and starts to get irritating after a few listens!!
  41. MattE
    Mar 18, 2005
    9
    Employment is, simply put, the best album so far this year, will be a top 2005 album when we look back in December at the year
  42. tom
    Mar 25, 2005
    9
    like others have said, instant gratification...good nostalgia for britpop lovers
  43. JonathanP
    Mar 27, 2005
    10
    Without a question the best album thus far of 2005. Absolutely infectious from start to finish. For a debut album to lack a single "poor" song is quite an achievement.
  44. AlexB
    Mar 29, 2005
    8
    Great Debut Album. Catchy hooks and lyrics. Awesome Live band and one of the nicest bands ever.
  45. EfraimE
    Jun 24, 2005
    7
    Das duas musicas que ouvi, achei ótimo!
  46. WayneM
    Aug 15, 2005
    9
    A fresh new voice of British pop. A band that isn't afraid not to follow the mainstream sound. And with the reasonable price (Cdn $10.00) it is a steal for a CD that is destined to become a classic.
  47. jarrodw
    Mar 14, 2006
    9
    "Employment" is one of the greatest albums of 2005. The opening three songs are brilliant. The song, 'Modern Way" which is not as popular as the first two: "Every Day i Love you Less and less" and "I Predict a Riot", however it is my favourite on the album. The Kaiser Chiefs are not unique, but they stand out against similar acts such as Maximo Park, The Futureheads, and bloc party.
  48. metallicat438
    Oct 12, 2010
    9
    balances absolute headbangers with the softer songs for a solid record. this record is the epitome of the pop punk revival. if you don't feel happy after giving this a listen see a therapist.
  49. fredjblack
    Jul 31, 2011
    10
    Great album, a few listens and you will be singing the choruses for the rest of your life.
  50. Ricko
    Feb 8, 2012
    8
    2005 and Blur style Britpop (same producer) returned in the shape of Kaiser Chiefs. While I don't rate what they put out since this record, they deserve a lot of credit for this one. Its got a handful of hit singles, another bunch of sing along album tracks, great lyrics throughout and only the very occasional disappointing track. One of these albums that you can't listen to very often,2005 and Blur style Britpop (same producer) returned in the shape of Kaiser Chiefs. While I don't rate what they put out since this record, they deserve a lot of credit for this one. Its got a handful of hit singles, another bunch of sing along album tracks, great lyrics throughout and only the very occasional disappointing track. One of these albums that you can't listen to very often, but when you blow the dust of it and give it a whirl, it's still got the same charm as when it first came out.… Expand
  51. Elfionnio
    May 14, 2012
    10
    Amazing best album of the 2000s it just takes Punk gives it a modern spins puts in a bit of quirky Kaiser Chiefs magic and makes in great there would be no audience for bands like Arctic Monkeys and Vaccines if this didn't hit as punk died out.
  52. marcmyworks
    May 28, 2019
    8
    Kaiser Chiefs produced some of the best songs of the 2000s, starting with "I Predict a Riot" and "Oh My God". The band created their own niche capturing a combination rock, electronic and some folk while having fun on each track.

Awards & Rankings

73
#73 Most Discussed Album of 2005

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 27
  3. Negative: 0 out of 27
  1. Blender
    80
    [Kaiser Chiefs] are smug, preening and shallow, and so eager to entertain that they nearly piss themselves with pizzazz and energy. [Apr 2005, p.119]
  2. Uncut
    80
    A gem. [Apr 2005, p.105]
  3. E! Online
    83
    Employment is thrilling from beginning to end, packing in 45-minutes of exuberant Britpop melodies, na-na-na choruses and buzzsaw guitars that make Franz Ferdinand look like a bunch of stiffs.
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