User ratings in Music are temporarily disabled. More info

Machineries of Joy
by
Machineries of Joy Image
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 14 Ratings

  • Summary: Some early versions of the songs on the sixth full-length studio release for the British indie rock band were released as part of six EPs that were released in conjunction with its monthly Krankenhaus club nights.
Buy Now
Buy on

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. Record Collector
    Jun 4, 2013
    80
    Machineries Of Joy proves that BSP are still in bloom.
  2. The Observer (UK)
    Apr 1, 2013
    80
    Their fifth album finds them playing it relatively straight, and it's no bad thing.
  3. Mojo
    Apr 9, 2013
    80
    One of their most consistently impressive releases. [May 2013, p.90]
    All this publication's reviews
  4. Under The Radar
    Mar 29, 2013
    70
    If Machineries Of Joy doesn't win global adoration, there are songs here very likely to at least make someone's day, which is possibly an even more admirable goal. [Mar-Apr 2013, p.91]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. AllMusic
    Apr 1, 2013
    70
    It's an environment that rewards more often than it disappoints.
  6. musicOMH.com
    Apr 1, 2013
    70
    While British Sea Power do occasionally revert back to the anthemic formula that worked so well on previous albums, on the whole, Machineries Of Joy is a more considered and composed effort.
  7. Filter
    Apr 5, 2013
    50
    Unfocused and uninspired, Machineries lacks the sprawling majesty and well-forged hooks of earlier efforts.

See all 21 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 1
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 1
  3. Negative: 0 out of 1
  1. Ricko
    Oct 31, 2014
    6
    It is clear that alot of work went into making this album. When you listen to the album closely you can hear the intricate details layeredIt is clear that alot of work went into making this album. When you listen to the album closely you can hear the intricate details layered onto each song and the time and effort put in to the songs is obvious. The thing is, unfortunately the raw material (i.e. the songs) just isn't as potent or precious as was previously the case. The band do their best to mold as much melody and beauty from what they have to work with and the results are impressive enough when you consider how standard the basic songs actually are. There are some great moment but they are sparse and for the most part the album stays in the shadows of the bands best days. Album opener "Machineries of Joy" and closer "When a warm wind blows through the grass" are the album highlights. Its too easy to get distracted on the journey in between.… Expand

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 Iechyd Da - Bill Ryder-Jones
90 This Could Be Texas - English Teacher
89 I Got Heaven - Mannequin Pussy
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
87 Bright Future - Adrianne Lenker
87 Bite Down - Rosali
All Current Music »