Places Like This
by Architecture in Helsinki
User Score
6.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 23 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 23
  3. Negative: 6 out of 23

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  1. DecepticonPom
    Aug 18, 2007
    7
    Yup, it's a bit smug (blame singer Cameron for part of that who moved to LA and created his bits there sending them over to Australia for the others) and a bit short (just over 30m) but it's still quality, shiny, unique pop music.
  2. Paul
    Aug 10, 2007
    8
    I just love this album right now. It might get annoying after a while, but for the moment its the perfect high energy , upbeat , party album. Theres hardly a track you wont end up singing (insanely) along to eg: wa wa wa wa wa wa wa in "Like it or not"
  3. mia
    Aug 13, 2007
    0
    bleagh. well, it's not my thing at all. i guess some people might like meaningless lyrics and hyped up vocals, but not this girl. yah, makes me cringe. not as bad as Operator Please, though.
  4. kevink
    Aug 27, 2007
    10
    It's all about being catchy for me. and it is.
  5. SebastianZ.
    Sep 7, 2007
    10
    they dont sound like anyone else, quirky as hell and extreamly entertaining to listen to
  6. BizN.
    Sep 7, 2007
    8
    Not quite as solid as their last two full lengths, but still solid in its originality and zaniness.
  7. stefanp.
    Aug 10, 2007
    10
    This is a great albumn. That the only problem with metacritic you get dicks like the people who gave it a 30 and it brings down the score. It is a great albumn as much fun as in case we die.
  8. mikes.
    Aug 13, 2007
    5
    Not a bad album, however, architecture in helsinki try to be more pop on this album. In the process they lose some of their charm and on some songs they sound down right annoying. This is an indie group that should be pushing the boundaries of experimentation and exploring creative possibilities. Instead they try to sound like the an 80's revival garage rock band and it doesn't Not a bad album, however, architecture in helsinki try to be more pop on this album. In the process they lose some of their charm and on some songs they sound down right annoying. This is an indie group that should be pushing the boundaries of experimentation and exploring creative possibilities. Instead they try to sound like the an 80's revival garage rock band and it doesn't work. A disappointment after their fantastic debut album and sophmore effort. This is a logical progression from "in case we die," but at the same time the band's novelty is starting to wear thin and more depth is needed instead of paper-weighted pop tunes. If i want to listen to pop music i'll listen to avril. Architecture in Helsinki has many flaws which include the band trying to hard to be mainstream and failing to create something of genuine substance.… Expand
  9. pihlly
    Aug 14, 2007
    0
    just rubbish.
  10. ClarenceW
    Aug 18, 2007
    0
    I don't understand what this is all about. When I get home from work, I put on my old big band or Jonny Mathis records, and relax with Buford (my dog). But they sent me this album instead, and I don't get it. Buford don't like it either. From now on when I eat sandwiches or anything else, I will stick with listening to my old good-time records.
  11. HotP.
    Aug 29, 2007
    9
    I have a very hard time believing in the sincerity of anyone who doesn't love AIH. How can you possibly dislike this band?! Everything they've done is irresistably catchy, the kind of melodies you remember the first time you hear them. Places is a step toward more accesible pop, but anyone who attempts to doubt their "indie cred" or compare them with Christina Aguilara is either I have a very hard time believing in the sincerity of anyone who doesn't love AIH. How can you possibly dislike this band?! Everything they've done is irresistably catchy, the kind of melodies you remember the first time you hear them. Places is a step toward more accesible pop, but anyone who attempts to doubt their "indie cred" or compare them with Christina Aguilara is either full of it or legitimately deluded. There maybe a point to wondering where the band is headed, though -- Places represents a honing of their songwriting and producing skills, but does not depart significantly from their style. The album gets a hearty injection of the kind of infectious energy they bring to their stage show, and if you can dig them live you'll love it.… Expand
  12. FreshCharlie
    Aug 31, 2007
    4
    There are moments, but this is easily the bands most disposable. Too bad, I was really hoping for more...
  13. Michael
    Aug 13, 2007
    9
    Pretty bloody sweet- pretty harsh to say it's unoriginal as it is completely different not only to their last album but to other music in general. Get a life and listen to it no ripcord.
  14. RadicalJ
    Aug 21, 2007
    0
    The proverbial cluster%$@ of retarded noise...I wish more listeners would be able to discern songwriting from jumbled and gimmicky diarrheic clave-virtuoso orgies of post teen angst for teens. Architecture in Helsinki?!?!?! My band is way better and called City Planning in Tel Aviv.
  15. BernardoR.
    Aug 27, 2007
    10
    I don't understand this poor score, it's a great record, for sure a top 10 of 2007.

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
66

Generally favorable reviews - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 29
  3. Negative: 1 out of 29
  1. BBC collective
    60
    All whoops and yelps, their third album jumps skittishly from primary-coloured electro to punk to poolside cabaret, with an impressive sense of its own silliness.
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  2. Drowned In Sound
    60
    With such a sprawling array of instruments on offer, Places Like This is surprisingly one dimensional.
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  3. No Ripcord
    30
    Unoriginal, haphazardly thrown together and lacking most of what could make it the least bit enjoyable, Places Like This just proves that Architecture in Helsinki is a one trick pony.
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