Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 30
  2. Negative: 0 out of 30
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  1. Mar 15, 2012
    78
    The Brooklyn duo returns with material that stays true to its trademark song structure but turns the musicality up considerably.
  2. Q Magazine
    Feb 21, 2012
    80
    The music is as compelling and versatile as Polachek's voice. [Mar 2012, p. 97]
  3. Feb 10, 2012
    84
    Something is a huge leap of cohesive maturity.
  4. Feb 10, 2012
    90
    Something's exquisite charms confirm that Chairlift mk.II are a much-improved proposition.
  5. Feb 10, 2012
    80
    Something is like a grand, multi-branched, ageing tree of 80s synth-pop, encompassing every variance of style and genre and recreating each classic movement with honour and aplomb.
  6. Feb 9, 2012
    80
    Not all of the songs are hits ("Met Before" falls way short as a flat, unmemorable filler), but it's much more cohesive and really helps Chairlift establish a more recognizable sound.
  7. Feb 2, 2012
    60
    On slick, feckless romance ballads like I Belong In Your Arms, that rooted-in-the-past sound can seem like empty nostalgia, but it blooms with freshness when used as a springboard for experimentation.
  8. Feb 2, 2012
    70
    Something contains pop par excellence. Lush, fragrant, bright, elegant.
  9. Jan 30, 2012
    75
    It's encouraging to watch a band shift and grow and manage to stay essentially true to form-such is the case here, as is for the album in entirety.
  10. Somewhere between Ladyhawke and M83, it's 1980's fetishism all the better for the apparent lack of irony.
  11. Jan 27, 2012
    70
    However, as difficult second albums go; and given the circumstances Something emerged from, difficult would be the operative word; Chairlift can be proud at what they've accomplished.
  12. Jan 27, 2012
    60
    Caroline Polachek and Patrick Wimberly, now a duo following Aaron Pfenning's departure, are on to something beguiling with this third album.
  13. Jan 26, 2012
    70
    Her voice single-handedly eliminates all accusations of the sameness that could be shot at the songs, evens the pace of the album, and although it may not make up for the album's flaws entirely, it certainly helps hide them and is reason enough on its own to find enjoyment on this album.
  14. Jan 25, 2012
    64
    Chairlift are perfectly capable of producing a really good album; Something just isn't it.
  15. Jan 25, 2012
    80
    It's a brilliantly focused, glittering and energetic classy pop album that you'd never have expected from the authors of the disparate, overly quirky 'Does You Inspire You'.
  16. Jan 25, 2012
    80
    Something could end up a strong and satisfying default listen for forward-thinking pop fans.
  17. 70
    The '80s revival taken to its spangliest, synthiest, chino-flappiest extreme.... Our flashback to a dead decade has thrown up both guilty pleasures and glistening horrors.
  18. Jan 24, 2012
    60
    Something is a generally enjoyable, but nonetheless generally unremarkable next step for the band.
  19. Jan 24, 2012
    91
    Chairlift still transcends the cool-kid ghetto for more elevated climes.
  20. Jan 24, 2012
    70
    The overall affect is a travelogue falling between chillwave's lo-fi explorations and the sophisticated melancholy of Lykke Li's Wounded Rhymes: tightly economic pop tunes that draw on aural largesse as much as claustrophobic bricolage.
  21. Jan 23, 2012
    80
    Something is a different beast: wilder than its predecessor, stronger in the songwriting department, and totally, wonderfully weird.
  22. Jan 23, 2012
    82
    While their sound has come together quite well, its really Polachek's vocal abilities that leave the best impression.
  23. Uncut
    Jan 20, 2012
    40
    For the most part, tired melodies and banal lyrics make for a disappointing collection. [Feb 2012, p.83]
  24. Jan 20, 2012
    70
    Something is exactly what Chairlift fans asked for.
  25. Jan 20, 2012
    80
    If anyone was intrigued but underwhelmed by Chairlift's debut then they will find much to be impressed with on a second album that is focused, coherent and, more importantly, absolutely chock full of excellent pop songs.
  26. Jan 20, 2012
    80
    Cleaner and more elegant [than previous album, Does You Inspire You], buffing their crisp electronic pop to an immaculate sheen.... Truly great.
  27. Under The Radar
    Jan 19, 2012
    80
    Now an out-and out pop band, Chairlift veers towards the catchy on all 11 tracks of Something. [#39, p.67]
  28. Jan 19, 2012
    70
    In producing a focussed follow-up that completely transcends its litigious backstory, Chairlift have summoned a watertight case for the defence with Something.
  29. Jan 19, 2012
    70
    They've set aside such Scooby-Doo-ish pretensions and brightened things up, embracing the refined, airy side of 1980s New Wave with help from alt-rock production heavies Alan Moulder and Dan Carey.
  30. Jan 19, 2012
    88
    Veteran rock legend Alan Moulder and eclectic electro-guy Dan Carey make sure Something sounds as huge as its aspirations, bringing an impeccably massive sheen to every note.
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 34 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 34
  3. Negative: 1 out of 34
  1. Jan 3, 2023
    10
    There is really something special about this album; very catchy synths and great lyrics sung by the wonderful Caroline Polachek. A veryThere is really something special about this album; very catchy synths and great lyrics sung by the wonderful Caroline Polachek. A very underrated album in my opinion. Full Review »
  2. May 10, 2022
    10
    With the recent release of Heartstopper I decided to listen to this album and well... Something is more than a good album, it is a surpriseWith the recent release of Heartstopper I decided to listen to this album and well... Something is more than a good album, it is a surprise with good songs with excellent lyrics Full Review »
  3. Oct 20, 2012
    8
    I didn