In Our Bedroom After The War
by Stars
Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 28
  3. Negative: 0 out of 28
  1. Lost At Sea
    85
    The tracks are both individually strong and do work as a whole, though not in the way the group necessarily intended.
  2. Filter
    84
    If there’s a criticism to be volleyed, it’s that In Our Bedroom After the War’s direction frequently changes dramatically, rendering the set of songs as a smattering of smart, soft ideas that are expertly executed rather than a cohesive collection of material.
  3. Stylus Magazine
    83
    In Our Bedroom After The War is Stars' most consistent, nuanced album, and says good things for the future, but Campbell and Millan won't write a perfect record until they learn what their songs need, and abandon the inevitable few tracks on which it's refused.
  5. musicOMH.com
    80
    An instant classic for some, a slow-burner for others; this is what we've come to expect of Stars.
  6. NOW Magazine
    80
    In Our Bedroom After The War is better than expected even as it wallows in its own broken heart.
  7. PopMatters
    80
    This is more than a fitting follow-up to the group’s breakthrough "Set Yourself On Fire."
  8. Village Voice
    80
    Only a great fool would be satisfied with just a track or two.
  9. New Musical Express (NME)
    80
    With In Our Bedroom... Stars are rewriting the textbook on romance with effortless glee.
  10. Drowned In Sound
    80
    In Our Bedroom After The War feels like the conclusion of a journey towards the summit of mount indie pleasance.
  11. Prefix Magazine
    75
    War unfolds less like a cohesive concept album (though a rock-opera would be a likely future addition to the group's discography) as much as a series of telenovela vignettes.
  12. Pitchfork
    74
    Growing more staged, warier, and a little less playful with age, Stars don't quite match the wily rush of "Set Yourself on Fire" here.
  13. Blender
    70
    Their fourth album toughens things up immeasurably. [Oct 2007, p.114]
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  14. Alternative Press
    70
    The band have finally created songs as big as their love-and-death themes. [Nov 2007, p.163]
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  15. Under The Radar
    70
    In Our Bedroom After the War is a pretty solid statement of purpose; Stars are finally comfortable in their own skins, baring themselves across a healthy breadth of moods and styles. [Fall 2007, p.81]
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  16. The A.V. Club
    67
    For the most part, the band's romantic pop just sits around looking pretty, a sharp hook or three away from continuing the magic found on "Heart" and "Set Yourself On Fire."
  17. Austin Chronicle
    67
    Despite the melodrama, the LP's perfectly done, every note in place.

Awards & Rankings

70
#70 Most Shared Album of 2007

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 28 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 28
  3. Negative: 2 out of 28
  1. HelenaC.
    Sep 6, 2008
    10
    This album is my favorite album by any band to date. The inspiration it has given me, it is boundless. It took me a while to realize the true This album is my favorite album by any band to date. The inspiration it has given me, it is boundless. It took me a while to realize the true beauty of the songs, but after several going throughs of the tracks I was hooked. I have no idea why so many people disliked the lask track: In Our Bedroom After the War (the title track), for me it held such an oddly meaningful message. There is an innocence to the entire album, permeated by the aftermath of the war. Barricade is absolutely heartrending, there is a sad truth to the lyrics. I found personal meaning in the album, I've been to Cuba often (beautiful country, amazing people, my favorite place on earth), and that country seems to work well in the context of this record. The aftermath of a revolutionary war is still evident in the place, even after all these years, though there is always hope, spirit, and heart. That's probably reading too much into it, but whatever ;) My favorite tracks (are all of them) in particular are: 1. In Our Bedroom After the War 2. Barricade 3. The Beginning After the End 4. Take Me to the Riot So all in all......... Everyone! Go out and buy this album! The songs are beautiful and even the album artwork is fantastic!!!!!… Full Review »
  2. EricC.
    Aug 19, 2008
    5
    I'm not sure why, but the Stars annoy the hell out of me. I get why people are so in to them, but... I just don't like them, and I I'm not sure why, but the Stars annoy the hell out of me. I get why people are so in to them, but... I just don't like them, and I keep trying to like them with each new album. All I'm trying to say is that hear some songs first before dropping some cash on their records (and not just "Take Me to the Riot", because that's all I heard before buying this one).… Full Review »
  3. MikeB.
    Dec 10, 2007
    7
    the first listen was very disappointing. The songs seemed watered down, too radio friendly. After a few listens, it is starting to grow on me.
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