The Coral
by The Coral
Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. AllMusic
    80
    The result is a bit jarring, but there's a fervent originality at work here, despite all of the referencing of the halcyon past.
  2. Alternative Press
    80
    The Coral blow through genres like Top 40 radio does flavors of the week. [Apr 2003, p.74]
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  3. Austin Chronicle
    78
    There are hints of everyone from Pink Floyd to the Animals here, but somehow the Coral feels remarkably now.
  5. Blender
    60
    There are enough moments to suggest that, should they ever concentrate on, say, just 10 of their favorite styles, they could be fab. [#14, p.133]
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  6. Dot Music
    80
    A more disparate and yet strangely coherent collection of moods and styles you will not hear this year outside a supremely eclectic compilation.
  7. Entertainment Weekly
    75
    A record that's as hard to ignore as it is to pin down. [14 Mar 2003, p.66]
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  8. Mojo
    90
    Fantastic! [Aug 2002, p.112]
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  9. New Musical Express (NME)
    90
    The funniest, most refreshing British debut in years.
  10. Pitchfork
    68
    There's definitely a lot to like throughout this disc; the band has boatloads of talent, and the eclectic spread gels much better than you'd expect.
  11. Playlouder
    60
    This is no whimsical, fey take on folk music, rather a bold, buoyant frug with the skeletons of The Doors, Teardrop Explodes and other likeminded explorers of the stoned side.
  12. PopMatters
    90
    Might be one of the most original albums you'll ever hear.
  13. Q Magazine
    80
    It's clever, zesty and kaleidoscopic and sometimes... quite brilliant. [Aug 2002, p.121]
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  14. Rolling Stone
    60
    Their selling point is an eclecticism that evades Oasis-style overkill with compact songs that hop all over the place.
  15. Spin
    83
    Rich in minor-key melancholia, twangy reverb, and retro keyboards. [Apr 2003, p.108]
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  16. Stylus Magazine
    82
    Part Banana Splits, part The Wicker Man, part genius, The Coral may just have produced the most intriguing, tuneful, humorous and enjoyable debut album of the year, and then some.
  17. The A.V. Club
    80
    Had the band not approached it with such skill and obvious joy, it might run the risk of sounding indulgent, but The Coral sounds happy to let its old 45s melt together in a glorious puddle.
  18. Trouser Press
    70
    Jaunty, rambunctious, and youthful.
  19. Uncut
    70
    An eclectic, often crazed debut album.... They have all the hallmarks of an excellent, innovative band that won't be undone by their own hype. [Sep 2002, p.105]
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Awards & Rankings

87
#87 Best Album of 2003
19
#19 Most Shared Album of 2003

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 29 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 29
  3. Negative: 2 out of 29
  1. MarcusMarcus
    Apr 10, 2013
    9
    The album is lots of fun, among the best British debuts of the decade. The occasional beefheart guitar work is nice. Nothing to inventive, butThe album is lots of fun, among the best British debuts of the decade. The occasional beefheart guitar work is nice. Nothing to inventive, but its ambitious for a debut, especially considering the average age of the band when they made this.… Full Review »
  2. SteveH
    Feb 20, 2008
    10
    A great album that gets even better with repeat listening
  3. SophieM
    Oct 18, 2007
    8
    I like it a lot.
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