Language. Sex. Violence. Other?
by Stereophonics
  • Record Label: V2
  • Release Date: Mar 29, 2005
Metascore
57

Mixed or average reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 14
  3. Negative: 2 out of 14
  1. Dot Music
    90
    A darkly, slathering record of frustration and disillusionment, “Language. Sex. Violence. Other?" may, in time, even come to be seen as one of the true masterpieces of the noughties guitar revival.
  2. AllMusic
    80
    The punk-inspired spark that made their 1997 debut, Word Gets Around, so impressive is rekindled.
  3. New Musical Express (NME)
    70
    An excellent modern rock record. Dense, intelligent, user-unfriendly and challenging. [12 Mar 2005, p.57]
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  5. Q Magazine
    70
    Stereophonics have never sounded so brooding, mysterious and -- dammit -- sexy. [Apr 2005, p.122]
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  6. The Guardian
    60
    The music may seem invigorated and fresh, but lyrically, the usual ingredients are all present, correct and indigestible as ever.
  7. Mojo
    60
    Fierce, minimalistic but defiantly pop-sensible hard rock. [Apr 2005, p.88]
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  8. PopMatters
    60
    This album will not bear up to being played too often.
  9. Stylus Magazine
    50
    In some ways is a step backwards towards their rockist, meat-and-potatoes roots, and in other ways is a quantum leap into the unknown.
  10. Uncut
    50
    A masterclass in menace. [Apr 2005, p.97]
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  11. Pitchfork
    45
    Jones still croaks out songs with that wretched voice of his, an amalgam of nicotine, alcohol and AOR. The guitars still churn out feeble riffs more appropriate for a Hot Wheels commercial than a grown-up's rock album, and even when they're on to something it feels like they're only fumbling with a good idea.
  12. Rolling Stone
    40
    They sound like a marginally smarter American modern-rock act, screaming their pain over raw-boned riffs that could sure use some technicolor pizazz.
  13. Alternative Press
    40
    For all of his wild swinging, Jones never fully connects. [May 2005, p.136]
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  14. Drowned In Sound
    30
    Stereophonics have in effect 'done a U2', packing in the arena-filling songs but with added AOR. Elements of rock dinosaurs such as ELO, Chicago and Fleetwood Mac all crop up over the course of 11 songs.
  15. Playlouder
    20
    The ham-fisted attempt to modernise Stereophonics' sound... falls flat at every attempt as samples, effects and the odd electronic buzz avoid the underlying mulch like gas-gun fired dried peas off titanium.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 25 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 25
  3. Negative: 1 out of 25
  1. Ricko
    Sep 3, 2019
    7
    Stereophonics are one of those bands who over the years have garnered a reputation for being boring. After showing early promise in theirStereophonics are one of those bands who over the years have garnered a reputation for being boring. After showing early promise in their career, they've slid off the credibility scale a bit now. So when Dakota came out it was a bit of surprise to hear such a vibrant track from them. It's one of their finest moments and it gave their flagging career a 2nd wind. "Dakota" is undoubtedly the high point of the record but there is more to the record than that song. Overall its a consistently strong album with predominantly rocky numbers carrying you through the record and at least 3 other top end Stereophonics songs to go with that lead single. Their best since "Performance and Cocktails" and this record will make sure that people will keep interested in future Stereophonics releases just in case there is another Dakota in them.… Full Review »
  2. owenrw89
    Dec 10, 2016
    8
    This was the point that Stereophonics became a globally recognised band - and rightfully so. It perfectly demonstrates proper British Rock.This was the point that Stereophonics became a globally recognised band - and rightfully so. It perfectly demonstrates proper British Rock. Every single Phonics album has a few humdingers, but this seems to have the least. It's loud, proud, raw-yet-structured and shows just how stunning Kelly's distinct voice can be when used correctly. Like albums by other modern-day Brit-rock icons (Oasis, Manic Street Preachers, Arctic Monkeys) it may not be perfect, but that's what makes it quintessentially British.
    This was the album that assured their legacy.    … Full Review »
  3. ScottA
    Jul 19, 2006
    8
    I've never liked the Stereophonics that much until this one arrived last year, with most of their past singles theyve always seemed to I've never liked the Stereophonics that much until this one arrived last year, with most of their past singles theyve always seemed to churn out radio friendly material which eventually got overplayed to hell here in the uk. Hardly the british equivalent of truly dull bands such as the Creed (no matter what anyone says, since the Stereophonics can actually write.!). and although they've never been truly dull, some of their work hasnt always inspired.. This album is different. Although not exactly a Marilyn Manson style shout-fest (although edgier tracks such as Deadhead come close) this LP is easily the hardest and most interesting they've ever released. If youve never liked the Stereophonics and/or have lent towards much more rockier material, give this album a go- you might just be surprised.… Full Review »
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