I Love You
by The Neighbourhood
  • Record Label: Columbia
  • Release Date: Apr 23, 2013
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
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  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 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. THISThis 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!… Expand
  2. dearring
    Apr 19, 2014
    10
    Well, musical metacritic can't rate any music.
    You should not appreciate the albums just because of lyrics as song rhythm, instrumental sound and singer voice are as important as lyrics.
    The album songs are soothing and enjoyable, they create some atmosphere that allows every listener to join such a beautiful musical trip.
  3. AliLynn
    Feb 5, 2014
    9
    Lets be honest, when it comes to music now a days, it really doesn't take much to captivate an audience.Throw in some catchy beats and a repetitive chorus and soon enough it will wind up on the every radio station until you never want to hear it again. As great as those songs are, I know Im not the only one who appreciates originality in the music they listen to. So when I heard the albumLets be honest, when it comes to music now a days, it really doesn't take much to captivate an audience.Throw in some catchy beats and a repetitive chorus and soon enough it will wind up on the every radio station until you never want to hear it again. As great as those songs are, I know Im not the only one who appreciates originality in the music they listen to. So when I heard the album I Love You released last April by the upcoming band The Neighbourhood, I was immediately captivated by their fresh new sound as they brought a new twist to our pop rock culture. Although the music is mostly aimed for college/high school age listeners with its edgy sound and rebellious vibe, the bands popularity caught fire with all ages when their big hits “Sweater Weather” and “Afraid” hit the radio this past month.
    The band first drew my attention when I had purchased a ticket to their show prior to hearing their album. Lights were dim, smog crept through the floors, and the crowd was hyped- their black and white persona was immediately noticeable before they had even entered the stage. I may just be a woman who appreciates an attractive man who can sing, but I was blown away after the band had hit the stage with their mesmerizing sound. When they show was over, I rushed home and bought their album. After I downloaded the full album I was extremely impressed with the band as they sound exactly the same live, which is rare with musicians now a days. Not only are their songs catchy, I Love You gives a different twist to pop  as the songs are mixed with raw instrumentals, mechanical beats, and a cloudy vocals from the lead singer, Jesse Rutherford who gives off a tatted James Dean vibe. The album also puts their own edgy twist from popular artists as they released a cover of “Say My Name” by Destiny’s Child and “Cry Me A River” by Justin Timberlake.
    While some may view the band as “immature and whiney” (such as my boyfriend who wont listen to anything that isn't rap music), other such as myself may also find this album to be addicting and extremely well done. Admittedly, the band does give off a certain dark undertow that may make listers feel a bit standoffish towards the album, but If you like catchy rock with a little attitude, I would highly recommend this album and I am eager for the new release this upcoming spring.    … Expand
  4. 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 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    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?    … Expand
  5. Klou84
    May 29, 2013
    10
    The critic reviews completely boggle my mind... I am in disbelief that they believe this albums deserves those low scores. The album does have (very few) moments when the lyrics sound a bit amateur, but the good by far outweighs the bad here. From start to finish it is a great listen with no fillers. The album is produced by the same guy that produced Lana Del Rey's records and canThe critic reviews completely boggle my mind... I am in disbelief that they believe this albums deserves those low scores. The album does have (very few) moments when the lyrics sound a bit amateur, but the good by far outweighs the bad here. From start to finish it is a great listen with no fillers. The album is produced by the same guy that produced Lana Del Rey's records and can definitely be heard here, but it has a darker and more masculine tone that her work. My favorite tracks are hard to pinpoint because there are so many great ones, but I would have to choose Afraid, Female Robbery, and Flawless. If you want an expertly produced, lyrically unique, moody, atmospheric album, then give I Love You a listen... You may be as pleasantly surprised as I was.… Expand
  6. adriana0110
    Apr 10, 2021
    10
    i love this album am! flawless is so underrated. definitely a game changer pls
  7. hornysoul
    Sep 25, 2018
    8
    Todas as músicas deste álbum autobiográfico são fortes musicalmente e a combinação do indie com o rock, de facto, cria uma sonoridade bastante única que não consegue aborrecer. Os vocais são bons e o ritmo do álbum adicionam qualidade a "I Love You". Uma grande estreia para o mundo do rock alternativo em 2013!
  8. Turbosauce
    Jan 14, 2014
    9
    The Neighbourhood has created a bold composition with an entrancingly haunting soundtrack. Those who are seeking sources of music that aren't of the mainstream with a deeper sense of sound, then look no further than I Love You. There are many deep levels to the sound that overlap in harmony, yet shout in the loudest of voices. This isn't an album that will inspire you, nor is it an albumThe Neighbourhood has created a bold composition with an entrancingly haunting soundtrack. Those who are seeking sources of music that aren't of the mainstream with a deeper sense of sound, then look no further than I Love You. There are many deep levels to the sound that overlap in harmony, yet shout in the loudest of voices. This isn't an album that will inspire you, nor is it an album that will uplift you, but it will capture your attention and force you to open your ears and mind, and listen.… Expand
  9. DiskMagazine
    Jul 23, 2013
    7
    Overall, The Neighbourhood’s debut attempt was not bad. They really do have their own creative sound and style. However, they should expand more on these sounds and styles and especially lyrics
  10. AndradeTheGreat
    Nov 19, 2013
    9
    Incredible album. The instrumentation is just fantastic and the melodies are very catchy. The lyrics could use some work, but I feel like they have a lot room to grow as a band. I'm definitely looking forward to hearing more from this band.
  11. gabrielirwin
    Jun 13, 2015
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Esse album é maravilhoso, a forma com a qual ele foi composto e produzido, as letras das musicas tocam profundamente com aquele que as houve, a melodia é deliciosa de se ouvir e pra mim está tudo perfeito, merecia todo o sucesso e reconhecimento do mundo.… Expand
  12. sheiser
    Oct 2, 2015
    10
    This **** is so good. I love this album, because it sets the mood for a nice autumn day and for sweater weather of course. anyway, yea lol, i just wanted to give a rating not review
  13. joaofelin
    Jun 20, 2017
    9
    How - 8
    Afraid - 10
    Everybody's Watching Me (Uh Oh) - 8
    Sweater Weather - 10
    Let It Go - 9
    Alleyways - 8
    W.D.Y.W.F.M? - 8
    Flawless - 9
    Female Robbery - 8
    Staying Up - 8
    Float - 8

    score: 8,5
  14. brooklyngavin
    Aug 28, 2020
    10
    love this album! has so many amazing tracks that i enjoy! one of my favorites!
  15. leogarcia132002
    Nov 25, 2022
    7
    It has a certain monotony and it doesn't usually transcend many songs, but it is an album with a lot of aesthetics.

Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
  1. PopMatters
    Jun 26, 2013
    50
    Ultimately, I Love You. is an extremely flawed debut with good intentions.
    Read full review
  2. 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]
  3. Los Angeles Times
    Apr 24, 2013
    50
    The band does black and white, but nothing in between.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »