I Love You
by The Neighbourhood
  • Record Label: Columbia
  • Release Date: Apr 23, 2013
Metascore
48

Mixed or average reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 8
  3. Negative: 1 out of 8
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  1. DIY Magazine
    Apr 22, 2013
    70
    While they could go darker, grizzlier, or even shinier, I Love You achieves what few debuts can, by making one hell of an opening statement.
  2. The Guardian
    Apr 22, 2013
    60
    Although the words to the song Afraid might suggest the Neighbourhood's singer and main lyricist, Jesse Rutherford, can't be older than 14, this LA outfit are actually in their 20s. And there's more in the same pubescent vein as their debut album progresses.
  3. PopMatters
    Jun 26, 2013
    50
    Ultimately, I Love You. is an extremely flawed debut with good intentions.
  5. Los Angeles Times
    Apr 24, 2013
    50
    The band does black and white, but nothing in between.
  6. AllMusic
    Apr 22, 2013
    50
    If the production had been a little more restrained and the band had written a few songs that didn't sound like they were meant to be played by U2 after a couple days spent listening to Top 40 radio, the album might not have been quite the heavy and ponderous thing it is.
  7. musicOMH.com
    Apr 22, 2013
    50
    Flashes here and there suggest that The Neighbourhood are capable of writing good pop music. It’s just that they miss the target far too much.
  8. Q Magazine
    May 13, 2013
    40
    Much as their guitars cascade and their lyrics have a dark undertow, there's too much heavy-footed stodginess, notably in the plodding Staying Up, to make them truly engaging. [Jun 2013, p.103]
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  9. Drowned In Sound
    Apr 22, 2013
    30
    Lyrically, the album only deteriorates into further embarrassment.

Awards & Rankings

58
#58 Most Discussed Album of 2013
50
#50 Most Shared Album of 2013

User Reviews

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User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 113 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 84 out of 113
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 113
  3. Negative: 13 out of 113
  1. TheSquaredPear
    Apr 26, 2013
    9
    This is a pretty solid album. The critic reviews don't do it justice. Yes, the lyrics are ridiculously shallow, but the overall sound of theThis is a pretty solid album. The critic reviews don't do it justice. Yes, the lyrics are ridiculously shallow, but the overall sound of the band is very easy to listen to and enjoy. I made an account just to review this album and show that it is really not that bad. They are obviously talented and good at writing catchy songs. I'm just trying to warn those deterred by the low score. THIS IS NOT A BAD ALBUM. The critics reviews are exactly that...critical. If you are younger and enjoy pop rock akin to the Summer Set, Foster the People, and Neon Trees, this is for you! Give it a chance!… Full Review »
  2. elaphros
    Dec 23, 2013
    10
    I can't believe how incredibly facile the critics are that reviewed this album were.

    If you were to actually listen to the themes the    I can't believe how incredibly facile the critics are that reviewed this album were.

    If you were to actually listen to the themes the reason for the apparently "immature" writing become quite obvious. This album is autobiographical, starting in the preteen years, the loss of religion/faith (How), pre-teen and teen relations and rivals(Afraid and Everybody's Watching Me), puppy love (Sweater Weather), still working on Let it Go. Then moves on to childhood reflection in Alleyways, where the teen starts to think back on simpler times in life. Then more mature relationships problems reveal themselves in WDYWFM, and first true love in Flawless. Female Robbery deals with depression in the aftermath of losing that first love. The songwriter then shows how they dealt with that depression through music in Staying up and reflecting on the childs past as they move on into adulthood with Float.

    You might notice that the use of sophomoric cussing and phrasing starts to change at the end of the album.

    All the songs are EXTREMELY strong musically, and the mix of Indie and hip-hop type beats really make for a fairly unique sound that fails to bore. The vocals are pleasing and the pacing of the album makes for a good full listen.

    What makes for a better freshman album than the actual freshman perspective?    … Full Review »
  3. adriana0110
    Apr 10, 2021
    10
    i love this album am! flawless is so underrated. definitely a game changer pls
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