Oceans Apart
by The Go-Betweens
  • Record Label: Yep Roc
  • Release Date: May 3, 2005
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 43 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 35 out of 43
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 43
  3. Negative: 4 out of 43

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  1. PedroB
    May 6, 2005
    4
    A few nice tracks but quite dull on the whole
  2. TylerX
    Sep 5, 2005
    6
    Finally got around to listening to one of their reunion albums. I wasn't thrilled or disappointed with Oceans Apart because I knew it wouldn't be as good as the songs collected on Bellavista Terrace. Here Comes a City would be better if it was split into different songs - the music excites and the lryics seem to depress. Finding You has a good match with its lyrics and music - Finally got around to listening to one of their reunion albums. I wasn't thrilled or disappointed with Oceans Apart because I knew it wouldn't be as good as the songs collected on Bellavista Terrace. Here Comes a City would be better if it was split into different songs - the music excites and the lryics seem to depress. Finding You has a good match with its lyrics and music - it just not that great - might grow on me. Born to a Family is one of my favorites, but it is a little shallow and simple, I think it could have been more. No Reason to Cry is very good, but I've never been to Lisbon or stayed in a black hotel. Boundary Rider is alright, sounds like Americana alt-country. Darlinghurst Nights - this song isn't good. I think they might have been going for a improvisational jazz-like track punched up with some rock n roll, but it just doesn't sound good. And the lyrics are perhaps too self indulgent, but it fits in with beats-go-rock feel. Lavender - forgettable. The Statue - odd vocal mix. This Night's for You has a decent chorus. The Mountains Near Dellray, and the album fades out. I was eager to listen to the first 'side' again, but utimately if I get this album it will just sit idle behind their eighties albums.… Expand
  3. DavidM
    Jul 27, 2005
    6
    Not bad...but plays it oh so safe, even for pop. Good for neutral moments when you don't care what you're listening too, but hardly something you'll turn to for inspiration. Simple in concept and execution and seriously overrated considering the many fine, superior albums it's presently rated higher than on megacritic.
  4. GlennD
    Jan 11, 2006
    6
    Top class tunes let down by poor lyrics. Which s odd, given their reputation. Perfect example - Lavender

Awards & Rankings

22
#22 Best Album of 2005

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
85

Universal acclaim - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. AllMusic
    80
    With its imagination, startling creativity, and sheer pop soul, Oceans Apart is the first great Go-Betweens' record of the 21st century.
    Read full review
  2. Blender
    80
    The album is wonderfully cohesive. [May 2005, p.119]
  3. Entertainment Weekly
    91
    They remain one of rock's most pleasurable hand-me-down discoveries. [29 Apr 2005, p.148]
See all critic reviews »