User ratings in Music are temporarily disabled. More info

The Ballad of Darren
by
The Ballad of Darren Image
Metascore
84

Universal acclaim - based on 24 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 27 Ratings

  • Summary: The first full-length release from British rock band Blur since 2015's The Magic Whip was produced by James Ford.
Buy Now
Buy on

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. The Independent (UK)
    Jul 20, 2023
    100
    If such bittersweet reflections came packaged on a solo Albarn release, they’d probably be set to sorrowful, detached, acousto-electronic sounds. But his old friends have alchemised those sentiments into songs that elevate his suburban tristesse into moments of sheer ecstasy.
  2. Clash Music
    Jul 17, 2023
    90
    Tense, manic strings chop away at the languid celebration, presaging a gathering storm of noise that reaches its peak only to be plunged abruptly into silence. No neat resolutions here, folks. Onwards.
  3. The Quietus
    Jul 17, 2023
    80
    If their late 90s records were marked by the fallout of Britpop and the fallout of relationships, The Ballad Of Darren is marked by this existential contemplation — not quite a breakup or a crisis, but the weight of the changes through the years. It’s a statement of where Blur are now.
  4. New Musical Express (NME)
    Jul 19, 2023
    80
    They have a way of transporting you to a precise moment or emotion. It’s why ‘The Ballad of Darren’ is so memorable and touching: you can feel it, everything, in every line sung or note played.
  5. The Line of Best Fit
    Jul 21, 2023
    80
    As Albarn croons, “Every generation has its gilded poseurs” and The Ballad of Darren prove that Blur are some of the best ever to do it.
  6. Paste Magazine
    Jul 24, 2023
    75
    The songs on The Ballad of Darren are measured and contained. In fact, the calm gravitas which pervades the record occasionally plods. Perhaps it’s a meta-commentary on the album’s subject matter, or, perhaps, it’s just hard to make new music for 30 years straight. Yet, there is a relief that is interspersed amid the LP’s gloom that arrives on more high-spirited, familiar tracks that are reminiscent of the group at their spiky-haired zenith.
  7. Slant Magazine
    Jul 18, 2023
    70
    While The Ballad of Darren may be an emotional journey, it lacks a proper conclusion—though that’s likely by design.

See all 24 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 14
  3. Negative: 3 out of 14
  1. joaogabriel_lf
    Jul 21, 2023
    10
    The lenght could be longer, but what it shows us is perfection! Blur is back and hope that is not their last attempt!
  2. dougiam
    Aug 3, 2023
    10
    Their best album, without question.

    I've not posted a review here before, but had to sign up and post one for this album. It's THAT good.
  4. Geraldo0
    Jul 22, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A fantastic Album! It’s definitely a grower, but give it time and you will be rewarded. A nice mix of gorgeous ballads, more up tempo songs like Barbaric and The Narcissist and even a nod back to their Britpop years with St. Charles Sqaure.… Expand
  5. ArchieandErnie
    Jul 24, 2023
    9
    The more I listen to it the more I adore it, which is the sign of a great LP. Could even be my second favourite Blur album (after '13'The more I listen to it the more I adore it, which is the sign of a great LP. Could even be my second favourite Blur album (after '13' obviously). Also The Narcissist is probably the greatest Blur single ever. That song is ace.… Expand
  6. DBowieStan
    Aug 5, 2023
    9
    I wish we could see more of this Damon, beautiful sound, every ballad has their unique style, a mature Damon in every way, great lyrics,I wish we could see more of this Damon, beautiful sound, every ballad has their unique style, a mature Damon in every way, great lyrics, atmospheric is well achieved.… Expand
  7. Lajaleaa
    Aug 25, 2023
    7
    I know Blur is a pretty popular band, and I don't want to come in any way as a hater or something like that, but I was actually expecting aI know Blur is a pretty popular band, and I don't want to come in any way as a hater or something like that, but I was actually expecting a lot more. My mistake. This is just nice enough. The band feels comfortable playing all of these songs, which is great, I'm happy they are having a good time, but this all feels all too safe. There are no big moments, no catharsis, no big rushes of energy or important signs of sensibility. This is all very mellow, with the same good writing of Albarn and the band and that comfort sound that can not fail, but, in a way, it also won't prevail.… Expand
  8. Lumki
    Aug 5, 2023
    0
    Generic alternative rock. Was not missed. Done and heard before.
    Nothing memorable or standing out. Album is short and insignificant. This is    Generic alternative rock. Was not missed. Done and heard before.
    Nothing memorable or standing out. Album is short and insignificant. This is Blur’s attempt to cash in on The Arctic Monkey’s (equally unexplainable) success by trying to make album that kinda sounds like them, like to say “we could have done it too, look”. The band remains a staple highly overrated act, loved because they remind aging millennials of a time they were the relevant demo target of the music industry.    … Expand

See all 14 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

67
#67 Best Album of 2023
37
#37 Most Discussed Album of 2023

Current Music Releases

Full List »
99 Tim: Let it Bleed Edition [Box Set] - The Replacements
97 Picture of Bunny Rabbit - Arthur Russell
95 Fountain Baby - Amaarae
95 Fly or Die Fly or Die Fly or Die (world war) - Jaimie Branch
95 Smash: The Singles 1985-2020 [Box Set] - Pet Shop Boys
95 Who's Next/Life House [Super Deluxe Edition] - The Who
93 Evenings at the Village Gate: John Coltrane with Eric Dolphy - John Coltrane
91 The Greater Wings - Julie Byrne
91 Black Rainbows - Corinne Bailey Rae
91 Guts - Olivia Rodrigo
90 Joni Mitchell Archives, Vol. 3: The Asylum Years 1972-1975 [Box Set] - Joni Mitchell
90 1989 (Taylor's Version) - Taylor Swift
90 The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We - Mitski
89 Black Bayou - Robert Finley
89 Sanguivore - Creeper
89 I Am Not There Anymore - The Clientele
88 Chrome Dreams - Neil Young
88 The Complete Dirty South - Drive-By Truckers
88 Valley of Heart's Delight - Margo Cilker
87 My Back Was a Bridge for You to Cross - Anohni & the Johnsons
All Current Music »