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Giants of All Sizes
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Giants of All Sizes Image
Metascore
84

Universal acclaim - based on 13 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 31 Ratings

  • Summary: The eighth full-length studio release for the British rock band features contributions from Chilli Chilton, Jesca Hoop and The Plumedores.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. musicOMH.com
    Oct 15, 2019
    90
    There might be more anger, darkness and politics on this album but Giants Of All Sizes shows they are still fundamentally one of the best bands around at offering consolation and comfort when the surrounding turbulence threatens to get too much.
  2. Under The Radar
    Oct 11, 2019
    85
    Elbow have proven to be one of the most reliable and entertaining rock bands around and Giants of All Sizes has plenty of spectacular music to make it a 2019 top 10 contender.
  3. The Independent (UK)
    Oct 10, 2019
    80
    Perhaps their greatest album since their Mercury Prize-winning breakthrough The Seldom Seen Kid, released over a decade ago.
  4. The Guardian
    Oct 10, 2019
    80
    Musically, Giants of All Sizes is richer and stranger than anything they’ve released since their commercial breakthrough. Even when it finally settles back into more comfortable lyrical terrain – My Trouble’s hymning of cosy domesticity, On Deronda Street’s paean to parenthood – the music strays beyond their usual comfort zone: ragged and underpinned by glitchy electronic beats. It suits them out there.
  5. The Telegraph (UK)
    Oct 11, 2019
    80
    Thoughts on suicide, homelessness, injustice, heartbreak and mortality are framed with supple grooves, melodious chords, gorgeous harmonies and lushly detailed arrangements.
  6. PopMatters
    Oct 23, 2019
    80
    In its compositional diversity and its thoughtful commentary on the troubles we face, Giants sounds like a perfect accompaniment to this troubled period in human history.
  7. The Skinny
    Oct 10, 2019
    80
    Musically, it’s varied and adventurous; thematically, it sees the world’s present darkness and raises it hope. A vital record.

See all 13 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 1 out of 6
  1. dvdjr_01
    Oct 18, 2019
    10
    A great change of pace as Elbow timingly embraces frustration, angst, and an overall darker tone --all while remaining every bit as heartfeltA great change of pace as Elbow timingly embraces frustration, angst, and an overall darker tone --all while remaining every bit as heartfelt and poetic as they've always been.… Expand
  2. Elbownian
    Oct 20, 2019
    9
    Another great album, and this one updates thes angst and tension in their first two lps by adding current events, both personal and political.Another great album, and this one updates thes angst and tension in their first two lps by adding current events, both personal and political. Guy Garvey is always great when he rages!… Expand
  4. Aleonzzz
    Oct 17, 2019
    9
    Nothing has really come close to The Seldom Seen Kid until now. I have listened to Giants of all Sizes non-stop all week and not got boredNothing has really come close to The Seldom Seen Kid until now. I have listened to Giants of all Sizes non-stop all week and not got bored once. It contains some simply gorgeous melodies and some genuinely heart-felt moments of vocal delivery that jump out at me especially in My Trouble.

    It was White Noise, White Heat that first made me sit up and pay attention. Overall, this is a melancholic album but seems to convey the joy of living still. There are some interesting rhythms and arrangements to keep you happy for many listens. A 2019 must!    … Expand
  5. BirthdayBee
    Oct 14, 2019
    9
    A definitive Elbow release. it still retains the elegance of recent records whilst harking back to the melancholic, experimental edges thatA definitive Elbow release. it still retains the elegance of recent records whilst harking back to the melancholic, experimental edges that informed earlier material. Dark but hopeful, bleak yet beautiful, this is a truly stunning return.… Expand
  6. kadoka
    Oct 14, 2019
    8
    I agree with the professional critics on this one. While it does stray from typical Elbow territory, this is a very accomplished album. II agree with the professional critics on this one. While it does stray from typical Elbow territory, this is a very accomplished album. I think the best stuff on the album had already been released as singles, so there were very little surprises in that respect. The unreleased tracks are perhaps a little underwhelming and maybe a tad disappointing. That being said, one track they hadn't released as a single,My Trouble, is probably my favourite, melody-wise, the most gorgeous thing Elbow have ever produced. As always, it is the lyrics where Elbow really excel. Perhaps my only real criticism of this album is that it is way too short. I enjoyed it as much, if not slightly more than Little Fictions. I think composition wise, this is an album you have to listen to as an album, whereas Little Fictions was more like a compilation of singles. Best album since their debut? Perhaps.… Expand
  7. tRikyRiky
    Mar 19, 2023
    0
    Dark times create lasting impressions and often crises of faith and feelings of deeply felt loss. Giants of All Sizes is Elbow as a broke downDark times create lasting impressions and often crises of faith and feelings of deeply felt loss. Giants of All Sizes is Elbow as a broke down and cynically angry antihero. Trying with all the heart and wisdom a band can muster to portray what they feel in times of distress, Elbow honestly and almost begrudgingly gives us a portrait of tragedy, sadness, and chaos and does it in a way that only Elbow can. This album is a fantastic listen and while the messages may be bleak and to the point, the music is magnificent. This is a band that is ageing well and they have created an excellent discography. Giants of All Sizes is a must have for any Elbow library completion.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

53
#53 Best Album of 2019

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