Pala
by Friendly Fires
  • Record Label: XL
  • Release Date: May 24, 2011
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
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  1. Q Magazine
    May 31, 2011
    60
    There is sparkling pop invention in abundance here, and, homage or not, that surely transcends any decade. [Jun 2011, p.106]
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  2. The Boston Phoenix
    Jun 6, 2011
    50
    For a densely layered, expertly produced dance-rock album, this second full-length from British three-piece Friendly Fires is perplexingly bland.
  3. Mojo
    May 16, 2011
    40
    This crisply produced second LP sticks rigidly to the same mandate--big beats and bigger tunes--and feels a little dated as a result. [Jun 2011, p.97]
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  5. Clash Music
    May 16, 2011
    40
    One thing is for certain: they've produced a much more pop orientated album. Clash isn't anti-pop, but we are anticheese.
  6. The Independent (UK)
    May 16, 2011
    40
    Friendly Fires' follow-up to their Mercury-nominated debut is a huge disappointment.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 24 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 24
  3. Negative: 1 out of 24
  1. DJunior
    Jun 11, 2017
    10
    Excellent album. All the tracks made me feel good. My favorite album of all time.
    I really hope they make a 3rd album. I've been waiting for    Excellent album. All the tracks made me feel good. My favorite album of all time.
    I really hope they make a 3rd album. I've been waiting for years and I know they're not gonna dissapoint me.
    Big fan of their work    … Full Review »
  2. JengoMango
    Jan 12, 2012
    9
    There's so much music coming at you from all directions that sometimes all behind your control you miss out on some of the good stuff. WhyThere's so much music coming at you from all directions that sometimes all behind your control you miss out on some of the good stuff. Why haven't I discovered this album during summer?! So bright, so unapologetically pop, so much fun! An unlistenable crap like Teenage Dream produces 5 #1 hits and this doesn't?! For another reference point it is also better than Cut Copy's Zonoscope, because it is preoccupied with abundant joy than contrivance.… Full Review »
  3. MaxRofls
    Aug 10, 2011
    10
    Forest and Matt have got it all wrong. Track for track, the only song from "self-titled" that exceeds ANY of the songs on Pala is "Jump in theForest and Matt have got it all wrong. Track for track, the only song from "self-titled" that exceeds ANY of the songs on Pala is "Jump in the Pool". Other than that, Pala is WAYYYYYYYYY better. Better hooks, better tone, better production, better EVERYTHING. This is a definite step forward for this band.… Full Review »
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