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Shangri La
by
Shangri La Image
Metascore
66

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 74 Ratings

  • Summary: The second release for the British singer-songwriter was produced by Rick Rubin in Malibu.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 16
  3. Negative: 1 out of 16
  1. The Independent (UK)
    Nov 15, 2013
    100
    If it's not quite the jump from Bob Dylan to The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan, it's the closest recent equivalent, a prodigious rate of development for such a tyro talent, all the more remarkable for not being reliant on significant musical progression, so much as raw songwriting ability.
  2. musicOMH.com
    Nov 18, 2013
    80
    Smug, smarmy, metropolitan critics might declare the album generic and derivative, but the kid undeniably has tunes--more tunes than such people have ever written even in their wildest rock star fantasies.
  3. Mojo
    Nov 21, 2013
    80
    The diversity and quality of his songwriting should be even harder to ignore on this second. [Dec 2013, p.84]
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  4. New Musical Express (NME)
    Nov 18, 2013
    60
    Shangri La is basically more of the same, and for many of his fans, that’ll be more than enough. It would be a shame, however, if it was enough for Bugg, too.
  5. The Fly (UK)
    Nov 20, 2013
    50
    Though Shangri La is at least entertaining, it’s without that lasting, killer incision that will guarantee longevity.
  6. PopMatters
    Feb 3, 2014
    40
    As much as the album’s production seems to (want to) suggest Bugg’s artistic growth, the songs, when you pick them apart, don’t show much in the way of maturation.
  7. Los Angeles Times
    Nov 19, 2013
    37
    The result isn't the clean-up job it might've been; Bugg, 19, still sings with a nasal edge that wouldn't last more than a round on "American Idol." Yet the songwriting here feels more evened-out, less appealingly pugnacious than it did last time.

See all 16 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 18
  3. Negative: 1 out of 18
  1. Teodoro
    Jun 20, 2014
    10
    A crítica pode não ter o aclamado como aclamou seu album de estréia,mas o album não foi descepcionante,veio com mais guitarra,menos folk,RickA crítica pode não ter o aclamado como aclamou seu album de estréia,mas o album não foi descepcionante,veio com mais guitarra,menos folk,Rick Rubin soube manusear esse menino.
    Tinha medo de ele vir com um péssimo album,mas veio com um tão bom quanto o primeiro.    … Expand
  2. leehead
    Jun 18, 2016
    10
    I think that this album isn't worse than Jake Bugg 1st album, "Jake Bugg.". This album has many good songs for example at "A song alout",I think that this album isn't worse than Jake Bugg 1st album, "Jake Bugg.". This album has many good songs for example at "A song alout", "What Doesn't Kill You".… Expand
  4. JordanMeehan
    Nov 25, 2013
    9
    Fantastic follow up album from Jake Bugg, which I certainly wouldn't call a sophomore slump. While it certainly isn't the biggest leap forwardFantastic follow up album from Jake Bugg, which I certainly wouldn't call a sophomore slump. While it certainly isn't the biggest leap forward in sound and subject matter, 'Shangri La' is still an extremely impressive album for someone so young, and who seems to still be finding his sound.… Expand
  5. josegmusic
    Dec 13, 2013
    8
    Jake Bugg repeats the formula that leaded him to success: folk electric guitars. However, it still makes it to the top, and it has a catchyJake Bugg repeats the formula that leaded him to success: folk electric guitars. However, it still makes it to the top, and it has a catchy sound that won't leave your head for days.… Expand
  6. MaxGuitarFan
    Jul 22, 2014
    7
    It may not be as great and fresh as it's predecessor, but Jake manages to explore his style and make the album diverse and fun. I can't waitIt may not be as great and fresh as it's predecessor, but Jake manages to explore his style and make the album diverse and fun. I can't wait for his next album.… Expand
  7. Muddsjr
    Jun 22, 2014
    6
    If I'm at my most honest here, I think, despite some great moments, the old 'second-album-syndrome' seems to have caught up with Jake. That'sIf I'm at my most honest here, I think, despite some great moments, the old 'second-album-syndrome' seems to have caught up with Jake. That's the annoying thing really though, how someone releases a really good debut album, gets a good range of success, and then feels too rushed into a new one.… Expand
  8. CriticoDubioso
    May 26, 2014
    3
    Jake Bugg loves to spout off about the superficiality of modern music while peddling social commentary so facile it makes Taio Cruz sound likeJake Bugg loves to spout off about the superficiality of modern music while peddling social commentary so facile it makes Taio Cruz sound like Chomsky. "The messed up kids are on the corner with no money/ Beautiful girls with eyes so dark beneath their sockets," whines Bugg, as if poverty was something he discovered after reading Junk in year 10. Jake Bugg claims to be an enemy of contemporary culture, but he's really an enemy of complexity and anything that isn't just bashing a guitar going "It's **** isn't it" ?… Collapse

See all 18 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

77
#77 Most Discussed Album of 2013

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