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Small World
by
Small World Image
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 9 Ratings

  • Summary: The seventh full-length release for British electronic group Metronomy features a guest appearance from Porridge Radio
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. AllMusic
    Feb 18, 2022
    80
    Writing happy songs that aren't annoying is a tall order, but Mount and company pull it off with enough flair to make Small World a satisfying microcosm of Metronomy's music.
  2. Clash Music
    Feb 17, 2022
    80
    A pleasing work of subtle evolution that taps into the group’s core values while teasing out fresh ideas.
  3. New Musical Express (NME)
    Feb 18, 2022
    80
    ‘Small World’ might be the biggest diversion from their main stage sound to date, but it’s also one of the most heartfelt and rewarding. Metronomy, it’s good to have you back.
  4. Uncut
    Feb 16, 2022
    70
    Modestly presented, then, but as skillfully turned as ever. [Mar 2022, p.31]
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  5. musicOMH.com
    Feb 17, 2022
    70
    As it is Small World is melodious and twee in a good way.
  6. The Line of Best Fit
    Feb 16, 2022
    70
    Whilst Small World doesn't quite pack as much of a punch as Metronomy Forever, it’s a sweet and uplifting album.
  7. Under The Radar
    Feb 25, 2022
    40
    Where Forever was inspired by the excesses of Drake et al, wherein an album is more a morass of disconnected ideas, the suitably titled Small World narrows Mount’s vision. But without the creative divergences of its predecessor, you’re left with a fairly forgettable mush, saved only by its brevity.

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User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. sshpv
    Feb 18, 2022
    8
    A calm and humble record, 'Small World' sounds comforting at this uneasy time. I feel like the band was not very ambitious about this one andA calm and humble record, 'Small World' sounds comforting at this uneasy time. I feel like the band was not very ambitious about this one and it's fine. Some music just makes you feel better and sometimes it's all you really need.… Expand
  2. nozaman
    May 18, 2022
    8
    It's true that Small World isn't as ambitious as Metronomy Forever-- or Mount's last couple albums, actually. Still, it's a lovely pop recordIt's true that Small World isn't as ambitious as Metronomy Forever-- or Mount's last couple albums, actually. Still, it's a lovely pop record that might be his most affecting. It has all the quirks you love, but more feeling and more focused songcraft. "Life and Death" in particular is a stunner and doesn't fit with all the "happy music" reviews of this album. The production is immaculate, as always, and at only nine songs there is no filler. Small World is Metronomy's best album since The English Riviera.… Expand
  4. Menios
    Feb 21, 2022
    7
    The songwriting's solid and the sound is warm and inviting, and yet I still feel more efforts could have been made to innovate, sonically speaking.
  5. Kremyy
    Feb 22, 2022
    5
    I am a huge, long-time Metronomy fan but I just can't get into this record. I listened to it like 10 times but I get bored by it. It's notI am a huge, long-time Metronomy fan but I just can't get into this record. I listened to it like 10 times but I get bored by it. It's not bad, but rather mediocre. Very disappointing after the absolute banger of an EP they put out last year.… Expand

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