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Kingdom Of Rust
by
Kingdom Of Rust Image
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 43 Ratings

  • Summary: The fourth album for the British rock band was co-produced with Dan Austin and John Leckie.

Top Track

Kingdom Of Rust
I hear a sound Asound above my head Distant sound of thunder Moving out on the moor Blackbirds flew in Into the cooling towers I'll pack my... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. musicOMH.com
    90
    Kingdom Of Rust is a triumph, and the best album the band have ever produced.
  2. AllMusic
    80
    This is still a bright record, however, one that finds catharsis in the gloomier songs and strength in the tracks that resemble Lost Souls' measured anthems.
  3. Drowned In Sound
    80
    Even if the album loses its way with its final two tracks, you are left so exhausted by this stage that it almost comes with a sense of relief. By reinventing what they do best, Doves have fearlessly strutted back onto everyone's radar.
  4. New Musical Express (NME)
    80
    Whatever way you look at Kingdom Of Rust it’s a magnificent rock record, one which will delight the faithful and also surely see them pick up new devotees.
  5. Pitchfork
    72
    Doves' fourth album is another sterling example of why the Doves should be household names and why they probably won't ever be: their unwavering flair for producing mountainous, Wembley-worthy pop anthems that are nonetheless invested with a palpable degree of grace and humility.
  6. Hot Press
    70
    Good, not great, comeback from epic Mancs.
  7. No Ripcord
    50
    For the most part though, it adds little to a genre that’s already saturated and is disappointing from a band whose past evidence has shown can do better.

See all 23 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. StigSonsterudbraten
    Apr 23, 2009
    10
    Brilliant album full of harmony and rythm that sticks to your Brain. Everything is packed in a delicate produced sound with a vocal so gently Brilliant album full of harmony and rythm that sticks to your Brain. Everything is packed in a delicate produced sound with a vocal so gently flowing on top of every song. The surprice of this Album makes it even better. Maybe I have to rate this album over the earlier ones....maybe.… Expand
  2. PedroF
    Apr 7, 2009
    10
    This album is as close to perfect as I've seen since Animal Collective's "Merriweather Post Pavilion." It manages to at once be This album is as close to perfect as I've seen since Animal Collective's "Merriweather Post Pavilion." It manages to at once be gloomy and hopeful, combining the best elements of dream-pop with those of prog-rock. The result is a sumptuous, slick album whose first seven tracks are a study in confidence, musical pluck, and the avant-garde, and whose final four are just icing on the cake. An inspired, accomplished album, and Doves' greatest since the beautiful The Last Broadcast--and perhaps even superior to that.… Expand
  4. TomK
    Apr 9, 2009
    10
    There may not be any obvious singles on this album but the whole album fits together incredibly well. The best way to listen to it is from There may not be any obvious singles on this album but the whole album fits together incredibly well. The best way to listen to it is from start to finish and and at the end you feel greatly rewarded.… Expand
  5. nickw
    Apr 7, 2009
    9
    Probably their best CD. only a couple of tracks are lukewarm for me and the rest are just jaw-droppingly good.
  6. JackP
    Apr 13, 2009
    9
    A complete vision of a Doves album. A proper record from start to finish without filler.
  7. TomB
    Apr 10, 2009
    9
    Best album I've heard so far this year. The rare album where the second half is even better than the first - and the first half is Best album I've heard so far this year. The rare album where the second half is even better than the first - and the first half is great. Standout tracks include House of Mirrors, 10:03, Kingdom of Rust and Compulsion, but there's not a single bad track on the album. Compares favorably with all their other albums but I think is probably their best.… Expand
  8. KaiserZ
    May 29, 2009
    6
    Glimpses of something more that didn't pan out is what this albumn feels like to me. Mixed in with a lot of "familiar" melodies is a Glimpses of something more that didn't pan out is what this albumn feels like to me. Mixed in with a lot of "familiar" melodies is a couple rewarding moments but it feels more like I've been on this path before. Jetstream is a mess of a song and Compulsion is so Blondie-esque that it's distracting. Most of the albumn lacks the percussion pop of older Doves and mellows out in areas instead of cranking it up. 10:03 and Outsiders inject some life in a Moody Blues stream of songs that don't go fast enough but at least don't drag. A hazy albumn for reflection--not inspiration.… Expand

See all 18 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

85
#85 Most Discussed Album of 2009

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