So Much For The City
by The Thrills
  • Record Label: Virgin
  • Release Date: Nov 4, 2003
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. Uncut
    90
    This is the best childhood summer holiday you ever had, condensed into 45 minutes of delicately arranged, beautifully performed, big, bright, cheery music. [Jul 2003, p.118]
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  2. Junkmedia
    88
    The smart pop hook chops displayed on So Much For the City make it clear that this is one retro-minded band that may just make it to the future.
  3. Filter
    86
    A modern day West Coast classic. [#7, p.90]
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  5. ShakingThrough.net
    84
    Gentle harmonies and twinkling keys dot most every track, and Conor Deasy's relaxed vocals never get in the way of the band's engaging melodies.
  6. E! Online
    83
    Sure, the lyrics are a bit weak at times, but when a band's having this much fun, you can't help but want to join in.
  7. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    It's hard to take them too seriously, but their convincing tribute to Neil Young and the Byrds is still quite lovely. [15 Aug 2003, p.74]
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  8. Spin
    83
    High grade West Coast guitar pop. [Dec 2003, p.131]
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  9. Q Magazine
    80
    Genuinely and heart-stoppingly bittersweet. [jul 2003, p.112]
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  10. AllMusic
    80
    At times a beautifully rendered album with surprisingly solid songwriting; it's an unashamedly nostalgic musical postcard from the American West Coast.
  11. Mojo
    70
    Top-down pop that sparkles like a lifeguard's teeth. [Jul 2003, p.109]
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  12. Under The Radar
    70
    Sometimes, the cheesy Americana is spread on too thick.... But turn the music up a bit louder, and all is forgiven. [#5, p.103]
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  13. PopMatters
    70
    The Thrills' sound is a marvel of kaleidoscopic ambition and fervor, as enthralled with production intricacies as it is with the pleasures of simple melody.
  14. Dot Music
    70
    This is a great album, choc-a-bloc with great hooks, melodies and harmonies that evoke the great songwriting of the 70s.
  15. Rolling Stone
    70
    So Much for the City is dragged down by a handful of meandering slow songs, but a group of Cali-bred beach bums with an armload of Neil Young records couldn't have done much better -- and that's a compliment.
  16. Pitchfork
    69
    The Thrills' external, sometime vaccuous pinching is clearly self-conscious, a carefully premeditated breach of expectation that causes more of a wince than a flash of pleasant surprise.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 16 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 16
  3. Negative: 3 out of 16
  1. Ricko
    Jun 8, 2012
    8
    For a debut record it was really excellent looking back in hindsight. It was commerically successful but also critically well received. ItsFor a debut record it was really excellent looking back in hindsight. It was commerically successful but also critically well received. Its front loaded with 4 chart singles in the first 5 tracks. The first 3 songs have you thinking this is a classic summer pop album. It doesn't manage to keep the tempo up to the blistering start but the remainder of the album is still very strong with only one or two tracks that border on forgettable. Very enjoyable and the big pity is that The Thrills never followed up on the promise they showed on this.… Full Review »
  2. LiamM
    Jan 6, 2004
    10
    Feel good music....which we all need from time to time.
  3. LiamM
    Jan 6, 2004
    10
    Feel good music....which we all need from time to time.
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