Romantica
by Luna
  • Record Label: Jetset
  • Release Date: Apr 23, 2002
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. Almost Cool
    70
    Fans of the group's early work might find the album a bit trying at first, but it's still the same old group for the most part.
  2. AllMusic
    90
    Romantica charges out of the gate with a new vigor, brightness, and sensitivity that, in retrospect, hasn't really come together within one package for them since maybe Bewitched.
  3. Alternative Press
    80
    Largely standard Luna fare: smooth, loungey, literate alt-pop with quirky yet instantly moving melodies. [Apr 2002, p.79]
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  5. Stylus Magazine
    80
    The songs are light, the production both relaxed and relaxing... the music breathes.
  6. PopMatters
    70
    A solid, thoroughly pleasing and engaging record that is certain to delight the fans who continue to pay attention.
  7. Splendid
    80
    The songs are simpler, livelier, a little more direct and a lot more hummable.
  8. Resonance
    70
    Minor missteps aside, Romantica is a very good album of compelling, original verses. [#34, p.68]
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  9. Uncut
    80
    Six albums on and Luna have never sounded better. [Jul 2002, p.112]
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  10. Mojo
    80
    Exuberant and undeniable... if you don't own a Luna album, start here. [Aug 2002, p.112]
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  11. Magnet
    80
    It finds Wareham in rare form. [#54, p.95]
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  12. Q Magazine
    80
    Buoyed by a blissful, lovestruck mood, this album's sumptuous tone elevates it beyond familiar terrain. [Aug 2002, p.128]
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  13. Billboard
    80
    By making an album that's utterly listenable without sacrificing its integrity, Luna provides the season's greatest guilty pleasure--without the guilt.
  14. Pitchfork
    78
    What separates the album from previous Luna product is not so much instrumental alterations as the newly unabashed sentimentality of Wareham's lyrics.
  15. E! Online
    67
    The sonic pleasure of the band's languid guitar balladry still pulses, and bassist Britta Phillips adds pleasant Stereolab-y vocals to some tracks, but there isn't much here you haven't heard before from Luna.
  16. Drawer B
    80
    The smarmy lyrics are back in full force, but the music is so crisp, clean, and catchy that it hardly matters at all.

Awards & Rankings

96
#96 Best Album of 2002
67
#67 Most Shared Album of 2002

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 8 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 8
  3. Negative: 1 out of 8
  1. Romulus
    Feb 3, 2005
    9
    A Fabulous Album
  2. VoldavD.
    Mar 19, 2004
    7
    Listen, 'tis good. But in the Luna catalogue -- in the shadow of such tall trees as 'Penthouse', 'Pup Tent', and Listen, 'tis good. But in the Luna catalogue -- in the shadow of such tall trees as 'Penthouse', 'Pup Tent', and 'Bewitched' -- it leaves much to be desired. Second-tier Luna. Still, it is Luna, it is Dean Wareham, its great.… Full Review »
  3. JudsonG
    Oct 13, 2002
    9
    It's a shame that Metacritic doesn't appear to be rating CLOSE COVER BEFORE STRIKING, the folow up EP to Romantica - and an EP It's a shame that Metacritic doesn't appear to be rating CLOSE COVER BEFORE STRIKING, the folow up EP to Romantica - and an EP culled from its covers and b-sides sessions. Both releases are fantastic. That an album that, in any way, spawns material this good says one thing, but the caliber of said spawned material being this good is truly astounding. You need both off these if you have any taste for quality rock.… Full Review »
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