The Blackest Beautiful
by Letlive
  • Record Label: Epitaph
  • Release Date: Jul 9, 2013
Metascore
86

Universal acclaim - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
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  1. Kerrang!
    Jul 31, 2013
    100
    It helps the record sounds amazing. [6 Jul 2013, p.52]
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  2. Absolute Punk (Staff reviews)
    Jul 8, 2013
    95
    Given the proper attention and respect, Letlive's The Blackest Beautiful will reveal itself as a masterpiece--a record that will redefine your musical preconceptions and tastes for the better,
  3. Alternative Press
    Jul 9, 2013
    90
    The Blackest Beautiful is a brutally stunning document full of soul and purpose. [Aug 2013, P.88]
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  5. Classic Rock Magazine
    Oct 23, 2013
    80
    The quartet's explosive indignation is undeniably thrilling, as is their deft mastery of the genre's roaring dynamics. [Sep 2013, p.91]
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  6. The Quietus
    Sep 20, 2013
    80
    For all its complexity and dazzling scope, The Blackest Beautiful never loses its ability to channel the seething madness and, most importantly, fun of the band's live show.
  7. Q Magazine
    Jul 10, 2013
    80
    Writhing and urgent, it's the record that might make them stars. [Aug 2013, p.101]
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  8. Sputnikmusic
    Jul 9, 2013
    80
    Songs on Fake History sometimes sounded like they were simply vehicles for Butler’s frenetic performances instead of complete songs. That isn’t the case here, which means that most of these songs aren’t as immediate, but lack of immediacy is generally a good indicator of an album’s longevity, especially in post-hardcore.
  9. DIY Magazine
    Jul 8, 2013
    80
    If the hype machine had previously inflated letlive's worth beyond their means then with this LP they are most certainly redressing that balance.
  10. AllMusic
    Jul 8, 2013
    80
    Fans will be overjoyed and those unfamiliar with Letlive or even modern hardcore circa 2013 should begin with this compelling document of anger, loss, and struggle.
  11. New Musical Express (NME)
    Jul 8, 2013
    80
    The Blackest Beautiful is a strong, focused record from beginning to end.
  12. Clash Music
    Jul 9, 2013
    70
    There is melody here, clear structure. The Blackest Beautiful is a pop record, of a kind. The kind that eats the other albums racked next to it.

Awards & Rankings

19
#19 Best Album of 2013

User Reviews

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User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 31 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 31
  3. Negative: 1 out of 31
  1. VillageGreenRec
    Aug 24, 2013
    4
    I don't know exactly how there can be so much buzz about this album. The trumped-up brashness of bravado is immature and sounds out of placeI don't know exactly how there can be so much buzz about this album. The trumped-up brashness of bravado is immature and sounds out of place against the HUGELY over-produced moments of clean vocals wait, scratch that; not just clean vocals but also TONS of Vocoder! The album feels completely unfocused, all the moments of urban/rap attitude, vocoding, lo-fi than extreme hi-fi production creates a document that is anything but brilliant or the future of 'Punk', if this is the future of 'punk' than I am ****

    I can't help but think of Refused "The Shape of Punk to Come" ...a honest big production 'punk' album, but in every way that album succeeded this album fails! I am also reminded of Blood Brothers large slabs of blood gutteral catchy indie punk/hardcore.

    "Unique" has been a common word used for this album. But this album is everything BUT. Wow they borrow elements from so many different genres, but that has nothing to do with anything. None of that matters, especially when used so un-natural. How can anyone take this so seriously (and they damn do demand that listening to the lyrics), the production and voice manipulations are overdone and made to sound accessable, corporate even!

    I can't imagine all of the extremely high marking reviews being some how or another influenced by a 'payola'.    … Full Review »
  2. Nitroussoda
    Apr 29, 2015
    10
    I only found letlive a few weeks ago, but now I can't stop listening to this and their other albums!! Great energy and passion in the soundI only found letlive a few weeks ago, but now I can't stop listening to this and their other albums!! Great energy and passion in the sound and the lyrics, definite recommendation for anyone looking to add to their hardcore punk collection.… Full Review »
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