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Simple Math
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Metascore
73

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

User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 35 Ratings

  • Summary: The Atlanta alternative band release a third album of grunge-y indie-pop.
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Simple Math
Hunter eyes I'm lost and hardly noticed, slight goodbye I want to rip your lips off in my mouth And even in my greatest moment doubt The line between... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. Alternative Press
    May 16, 2011
    100
    Simple Math is a perfect interpretation of an imperfect man's life, and hopefully just another chapter in the larger story Manchester orchestra have yet to reveal. [Jun 2011, p.105]
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  2. Rock Sound
    May 9, 2011
    90
    Throughout, the highs are tinged with sadness and the lows with hope, making Simple Math a complex and rewarding album that soars above the pack.
  3. American Songwriter
    May 10, 2011
    80
    They've perfected the balance of gorgeous songwriting and rabid musicianship, so we can't wait to see what they do next.
  4. Drowned In Sound
    May 9, 2011
    70
    They seem satisfied enough with their place as one of the underappreciated underdogs of the American alt rock scene, and it's hard not to get a kick out of hearing such an independent spirit raging through this album, even if commercially, Simple Math doesn't quite add up.
  5. Sputnikmusic
    May 9, 2011
    70
    Remember what I said about this band being capable of a classic? Well 'Simple Math' is their first. Just a shame about Simple Math.
  6. Q Magazine
    May 31, 2011
    60
    The follow-up to 2009's Everything To Nothing crackles with energy. [Jun 2011, p.119]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. Pitchfork
    May 27, 2011
    55
    His belief in his own profundity is kind of endearing as Manchester Orchestra's driving force. It's hard to imagine something like the title track, which uses infidelity as a jumping-off point to question the entire basis of human existence, even standing a chance without it.

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User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. LagPlay
    Jun 4, 2011
    10
    This and Goblin by TTC are the best indie releases of the year, amazing album, amazing wordplay, amazing instrumentals, nothing wrong withThis and Goblin by TTC are the best indie releases of the year, amazing album, amazing wordplay, amazing instrumentals, nothing wrong with this album, perfect.… Expand
  2. dukeofmoriac
    Oct 26, 2012
    10
    They never disappoint , the end of a song only means another great one is coming . A absolutely great album. Andy hulls voice is somethingThey never disappoint , the end of a song only means another great one is coming . A absolutely great album. Andy hulls voice is something everybody should hear… Expand
  4. throwinken
    May 14, 2011
    10
    Don't go in expecting something musically that you've never heard before, but go in expecting to hear the shockingly honest lyrics that AndyDon't go in expecting something musically that you've never heard before, but go in expecting to hear the shockingly honest lyrics that Andy Hull has become known for.… Expand
  5. gnwaucil
    May 10, 2011
    9
    The few reviews I've read of "Simple Math" seem to focus on the progression of the band through its first three albums. While I have listenedThe few reviews I've read of "Simple Math" seem to focus on the progression of the band through its first three albums. While I have listened to "I'm Like a Virgin Losing a Child" and "Mean Everything to Nothing," neither have stuck with me like this one. It reminds me of several of my favorite bands while sounding distinctly original at the same time. I have listened to the streamed album over the last week and am glad it's now released in full downloadable form.

    It's fun to compare new music to bands we love, but maybe not completely fair. Anyway, here I go. The most notable tracks for me leave me with a desire to pull out The Format (Deer), Death Cab (Simple Math), Brand New (Virgin), and Wilco (Pale Black Eye). But, instead, I just replay "Simple Math" again. April Fool is perhaps the catchiest song I've found in 2011, perfectly flawed and relistenable. It's both haunting and fun, and is sure to put Manchester Orchestra on the map of those who write about music. Just not yet on the charts, leaving me wondering if they'll try too hard to sell records on #4. I hope not. I'm enjoying this too much.    … Expand
  6. jredekop
    May 11, 2011
    9
    Before I listened to the new MO Cd I had listened to the new Sam Roberts Record which was a huge disappointment. Not expecting much fromBefore I listened to the new MO Cd I had listened to the new Sam Roberts Record which was a huge disappointment. Not expecting much from Manchester Orchestra either, I pressed play and I was automatically connected. Instantly catchy, but with amazing depth, Andy Hull hit it perfect with this album. A mix of prog and indie, it was amazing. From the strings section in the title track to the children's choir in 'Virgin,' this is an inspired album. In the first couple of seconds of Deer, I already knew this would be one of my favorite records of the year. With a lot of great bands coming out with music in May, go with Manchester Orchestra's. The only downer about this one is that it ended.… Expand
  7. opiatedsherpa
    May 13, 2011
    8
    Keeping in stride with their previous works, Manchester Orchestra works the same feeling into Simple Math. It has that low centre of gravity,Keeping in stride with their previous works, Manchester Orchestra works the same feeling into Simple Math. It has that low centre of gravity, powerful feeling that drives through you from start to finish. I immediately fell in love with the title track when they had previewed it and other highlights on the album for me are Pensacola and Virgin, all three songs have such a unique feel, which also blends easily with the other tracks. It's quickly becoming a favourite in my collection.… Expand
  8. jugoyupi
    Dec 7, 2011
    8
    The complex sound of this piece of the work of Manchester Orchestra, proved the development of ideas and senses that can by expressed throughThe complex sound of this piece of the work of Manchester Orchestra, proved the development of ideas and senses that can by expressed through this music genre.… Expand

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