Sequel to the Prequel
by Babyshambles
Metascore
59

Mixed or average reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 17
  3. Negative: 2 out of 17
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  1. Record Collector
    Oct 30, 2013
    80
    Sequel To The Prequel’s catchy riffs also induce a sense of familiarity, making it addictive from the off.
  2. Mojo
    Sep 20, 2013
    80
    Sometimes great, often enchanting, and always disarmingly self-aware portrait of a doomed and wounded hero. [Oct 2013, p.87]
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  3. musicOMH.com
    Aug 30, 2013
    80
    All in all, Sequel To The Prequel is a consistent and accomplished return from Babyshambles.
  5. Classic Rock Magazine
    Oct 23, 2013
    70
    Sequel lacks any major melodic cornerstone in the vein of Kilimanjaro or Down In Abion but it's also without the dreary, narcotic ska rambles that made previous Babyshambles efforts only half-listenable. [Oct 2013, p.90]
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  6. The Quietus
    Sep 3, 2013
    70
    It's a sunny, sweet, excitable record, but it doesn't forget a couple of moments of contrast.
  7. New Musical Express (NME)
    Sep 3, 2013
    70
    Doherty is actually flirting with optimism on Sequel To The Prequel.
  8. Clash Music
    Aug 30, 2013
    70
    some of Doherty’s lyrics are very... peculiar.... But even the weird lyrics merely add charm to this impressive return.
  9. Sputnikmusic
    Oct 10, 2013
    66
    So why does every record feel like a Year Zero? It’s because each release comes with a caveat; that being “could do better”.
  10. The Line of Best Fit
    Sep 3, 2013
    65
    Nothing to rival ‘Time For Heroes’, then, but this as accessible, and as listenable, as anyone may have hoped for.
  11. Q Magazine
    Feb 4, 2014
    60
    A hit-and-miss affair that sporadically hints at what the man is capable of. [Oct 2013, p.111]
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  12. DIY Magazine
    Sep 6, 2013
    60
    In the grand scheme of things, Sequel To The Prequel is a definite step in a positive direction.
  13. The Guardian
    Aug 30, 2013
    60
    Doherty sings repeatedly about holding his head up high. With this unexpectedly united offering, he has earned that right.
  14. Drowned In Sound
    Aug 30, 2013
    50
    Babyshambles once promised to keep the Arcadian dream alive. Instead, they’ve fizzled out in a fit of mediocrity.
  15. The Independent on Sunday (UK)
    Sep 3, 2013
    40
    [A] bog-standard shamateur indie rock, with riffs borrowed from The Smiths and Velvets, lyrics borrowed from Dylan and Iggy.
  16. The Independent (UK)
    Aug 30, 2013
    40
    The bawled slur that passes for Doherty's vocals is less agreeable the older he gets, while the flaccid grunge plaints and raggedy punk thrashes have diminishing appeal.
  17. PopMatters
    Sep 24, 2013
    30
    He leans more towards his softer, folksy side here than he did on Shotter’s Nation, and works hard to preserve the instrumental slop and shamble, while ignoring compelling melodies, energy, or a sense of purpose.
  18. The Fly (UK)
    Sep 11, 2013
    10
    Listening to Babyshambles’ horrible third album is like being stuck on a roundabout with no exits.

User Reviews

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User Score
6.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 14 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 14
  3. Negative: 2 out of 14
  1. WadeVS
    Sep 6, 2013
    5
    Overall there is nothing incredibly wrong here, but nothing incredibly right either. If this is your first introduction to Babyshambles, it'sOverall there is nothing incredibly wrong here, but nothing incredibly right either. If this is your first introduction to Babyshambles, it's bound to be a decent one. What they do, they do well. But like so many pop/rock/indie Brit bands who have gone before them (The Kooks, The Wombats, The Cribs), it seems Babyshambles seem destined to have had their day in the sun. The overall theme of this album seems to do little to deny that. Yeah it's alright but Pete you're getting a bit long in the tooth there mate. Don't worry we can't all be Jagger.… Full Review »
  2. SuperstarVenom
    Sep 6, 2013
    8
    This is my first introduction to Babyshambles, I was listening to the current weeks new album releases on my phone, just flitting through toThis is my first introduction to Babyshambles, I was listening to the current weeks new album releases on my phone, just flitting through to see what was good and what wasn't, this album came on and I was well impressed. Really enjoyable chirpy songs and good songwriting by Pete Doherty who I originally thought a complete plank. From this experience, I'm going back to their previous albums.
    Good Album.    … Full Review »
  3. MatthewColombia
    Sep 4, 2013
    9
    I'm enjoying this album a lot. I don't know why the critics seem to not like the Babyshambles music. It's got a lot of influences fromI'm enjoying this album a lot. I don't know why the critics seem to not like the Babyshambles music. It's got a lot of influences from British rock, from 60s, 70s, 80s indie, and even 90s indie/britpop sounds. Once more, Pete did it again. Welcome back! You should listen to the bonus tracks, they're great also (specially the Velvert Underground cover, which is amazing on Pete's voice).… Full Review »
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