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I've Been Trying to Tell You Image
Metascore
83

Universal acclaim - based on 8 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 9 Ratings

  • Summary: The 10th full-length release for the British trio of Sarah Cracknell, Bob Stanley and Pete Wiggs was recorded remotely with field recordings and samples from 1997-2001.
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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. Sep 16, 2021
    90
    What Saint Etienne articulate across I’ve Been Trying To Tell You is that thirty-one years into their career, their propensity to completely envelop their audience is as palpable as ever. Without hesitation, their latest offering is amongst their finest work. One that will certainly sound and feel as resonant and elevating over the next three decades and beyond.
  2. Sep 10, 2021
    90
    Fans of the group more interested in songs might feel short changed at first, but further listens only intensify the cohesive power and pocket grandeur of the record.
  3. Sep 9, 2021
    80
    There’s no sudden rush or instantaneous hit, but that’s not the point. Its hazy, dreamlike and enveloping charms unfold anew with further layers of melancholic woozy, summery beauty each time, as you contemplate about contemplation. As it all forms into focus, and the dots connect, you’ll find that I’ve Been Trying To Tell You is yet another fine addition to Saint Etienne’s soundworld.
  4. Mojo
    Sep 9, 2021
    80
    I've Been Trying to Tell You works wonderfully on many levels. Those harsh first impressions give way to something altogether more beautiful. [Oct 2021, p.94]
  5. Sep 13, 2021
    80
    A hugely impressive achievement, ‘I’ve Been Trying To Tell You’ is technically exquisite, while remaining incredibly difficult to pin down. A project to bathe in, rather than simply enjoy.
  6. 70
    The distant foginess of nostalgia creeps in the background but doesn't overwhelm the record. A hopeful undertone allows that era to be reflected upon with acceptance and the old feelings to shine as clearly as they can through the mist of memory.
  7. Sep 13, 2021
    69
    I’ve Been Trying to Tell You feels passive, lost in nostalgia for an age it hasn’t fully reckoned with. Bet it sounds gorgeous on the radio.

See all 8 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. Sep 11, 2021
    10
    What a wonderful album. I think it's straight in my top 3 Saint Etienne albums.
  2. Sep 12, 2021
    9
    Coming up on 30 years since Foxbase Alpha and somehow Saint Etienne is able to keep things fresh with every new release, "I've Been Trying toComing up on 30 years since Foxbase Alpha and somehow Saint Etienne is able to keep things fresh with every new release, "I've Been Trying to Tell You" being no exception. They eschew traditional verse/chorus/verse structures on this one, creating evocative and moody interludes that all work well together. I look forward to whatever they do next. Expand
  3. Oct 5, 2021
    9
    30 years on from Foxbase Alpha. Evokes memories whilst sounding fresh. May need to invest more time into their music inbetween. Pleasant surprise.

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