The Cost
by The Frames
  • Record Label: Anti
  • Release Date: Feb 20, 2007
Metascore
66

Generally favorable reviews - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 29
  3. Negative: 3 out of 29
  1. Stylus Magazine
    33
    The Cost is bleached of any sort of lifeblood, stumbling out of the gate and moping towards the finish line.
  2. Spin
    30
    A tepid effort that bogs down their previously rugged and introspective rock with power-ballad vibrato, lurid over-orchestration, and petulantly vague lyrics. [Feb 2007, p.83]
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  3. Austin Chronicle
    30
    Everything about The Cost is inflated and with little payoff, a blight for a band worth so much more.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 15 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 15
  3. Negative: 1 out of 15
  1. Ricko
    Jan 4, 2012
    7
    having been a massive frames fan for a decade before this was released, this was a big disappointment. There are at least 3 weak tracks onhaving been a massive frames fan for a decade before this was released, this was a big disappointment. There are at least 3 weak tracks on this - unheard of on previous frames efforts. The inclusion of People Get Ready boosts the albums score. Too many crossover songs from the Swell Season album as well. Feels like Glen spread himself too thin across the 2 projects he was working on around this time. The fact that there hasn't been a Frames album (Strict Joy is not a Frames album no matter what anyone says) since this suggests that the band realised there creative force has waned.… Full Review »
  2. ToddH.
    Sep 17, 2008
    8
    Uneven, but with several stand-out songs, most especially People Get Ready, which deserves far more international airplay than it has received.
  3. MatthewP.
    Feb 26, 2008
    10
    A fine album! Glen hansards voice echoes a sadness that only a few artists can match. If you're after an arena band, this is not it! A fine album! Glen hansards voice echoes a sadness that only a few artists can match. If you're after an arena band, this is not it! This is real people singing about real problems! Real music!… Full Review »
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