User ratings in Music are temporarily disabled. More info

Life In Cartoon Motion
by
Life In Cartoon Motion Image
Metascore
55

Mixed or average reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 108 Ratings

  • Summary: Lebanon-born, London-based 23-year-old singer-songwriter Michael Holbrook Penniman makes his debut with this campy LP produced by Greg Wells.

Top Track

Grace Kelly
"The last time we talked, Mr. Smith You reduced me to tears I promise you it won't happen again!" Do I attract you, do I repulse you With my queasy... See the rest of the song lyrics
See Full Track List »
Powered by

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 23
  3. Negative: 6 out of 23
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    Nothing quite matches the crystal-shattering exuberance of hit ''Grace Kelly,'' but singing along doesn't get much cheerier than with this Cartoon.
  2. Observer Music Monthly
    80
    Life in Cartoon Motion is so exuberant, so accomplished, so crazysexycool that it's all a little overwhelming.
  3. Mojo
    70
    The influences here are smart, the music smarter. [Feb 2007, p.100]
    All this publication's reviews
  4. Billboard
    60
    "Life in Cartoon Motion" is like Scissor Sisters-lite: Retro disco with heavy doses of rollicking piano and funk. [31 Mar 2007]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. Slant Magazine
    60
    It's irreverent, in-your-face, sexually nebulous, and infuriatingly catchy.
  6. Hot Press
    40
    The clunkers come thick and fast.
  7. The Guardian
    10
    At their most laudable, Queen eschewed good taste in order to make unique records: Bohemian Rhapsody or the baffling Bicycle Race. Here, you get all the kitsch and none of the ambition.... With little behind it except a desire to be loved, the showboating becomes wearyingly relentless.

See all 23 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 34 out of 51
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 51
  3. Negative: 14 out of 51
  1. WillF.
    Mar 28, 2007
    10
    Awesomely catchy pop. In a time when it seems a good pop song is hard to find, Mika brings with him fun, accolade gems.
  2. BradH
    Apr 30, 2007
    10
    While some may write it off as glam pop tripe, I see it as a young 23 year old musician experimenting with his range. This was only his first While some may write it off as glam pop tripe, I see it as a young 23 year old musician experimenting with his range. This was only his first album, and if he can keep building, then he will have an impressive career. Even Queen's debut album was rather dull at times, and look how they turned out. I think Mika was just experimenting here, and once he gets more experience with crafting songs and lyrics, he will be putting his talents to greater use. I predict great things from him in the future.… Expand
  4. ToniS.r
    Jan 3, 2008
    10
    he is fantastically talented and i would be the first to defend him on this album... pure talent and originality.
  5. OrlandoC
    Mar 28, 2007
    9
    How can you not have fun listening to this album? It makes you tap your feet sing along its absolutely fabulous. Fun fun funI love him!
  6. [Anonymous]
    Jul 15, 2007
    7
    the album is not all that bad if you prepare yourself before hand and don't expect much. then again it's easy to see why he is the album is not all that bad if you prepare yourself before hand and don't expect much. then again it's easy to see why he is likely to be a one hit wonder featuring songs with weak lyrics, or that struggle to convey a proper message. there are some decent tracks though, relax take it easy, grace kelly, erase and ring ring. other than that though, i couldn't see myself listening to this on repeat.… Expand
  7. OtisDriftwood
    Aug 3, 2007
    3
    really really bland. it actually made me wince at parts too from his annoying falsetto voice. It's also very overproduced.
  8. MattL
    Apr 16, 2007
    0
    Rubbish

See all 51 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

60
#60 Most Discussed Album of 2007

Current Music Releases

Full List »
99 Band on the Run [50th Anniversary Edition] - Paul McCartney & Wings
95 If I don't make it, I love u - Still House Plants
95 The Sky Will Still Be There Tomorrow - Charles Lloyd
91 COWBOY CARTER - Beyoncé
91 The Carnegie Hall Concert - Alice Coltrane
90 1989 (Taylor's Version) - Taylor Swift
90 Iechyd Da - Bill Ryder-Jones
90 This Could Be Texas - English Teacher
89 I Got Heaven - Mannequin Pussy
89 Black Bayou - Robert Finley
89 Tigers Blood - Waxahatchee
89 All Born Screaming - St. Vincent
88 Only God Was Above Us - Vampire Weekend
88 What Now - Brittany Howard
88 Hey Panda - The High Llamas
88 Orquídeas - Kali Uchis
88 The Past Is Still Alive - Hurray for the Riff Raff
87 Filthy Underneath - Nadine Shah
87 i/o - Peter Gabriel
87 Blue Lips - ScHoolboy Q
All Current Music »