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The Courage Of Others
by
The Courage Of Others Image
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 32 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 53 Ratings

  • Summary: Released on Bella Union Records, The Courage Of Others is Midlake's third full-length album.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 32
  3. Negative: 2 out of 32
  1. The A.V. Club
    100
    Coming after the hauntingly archaic The Trials Of Van Occupanther, the more personal The Courage Of Others is bracing—stunning, even.
  2. Chicago Tribune
    88
    With "The Courage of Others" (Bella Union), Midlake singer Tim Smith sounds like a refugee from the late ‘60s English-folk scene, with songs delivered in an unaffected, understated voice that could’ve easily complemented Sandy Denny or Anne Briggs, or fit in with Pentangle or Fairport Convention.
  3. Tiny Mix Tapes
    80
    Yet despite its cryptic, apocalyptic themes, it’s more appropriate to say that Courage Of Others is a more formal, deliberate album than its predecessor, owing less to “take it easy” leanings and more to the prodigious prog-folk of E.L.P., Giles & McDonald, or the most minor-key offerings of Pentangle.
  4. Billboard.com
    79
    "The Courage of Others" doesn't offer anything as immediately captivating as "Van Occupanther" gems like "Roscoe" and "Young Bride," but the new songs slowly take shape and are unafraid to choose interesting detours.
  5. Dot Music
    70
    Furthermore, the way that 'Rulers Of Ruling Things', 'The Horn' and 'The Courage Of Others' arch effortlessly into trippier psych-rock inflected territory suggest a more expansive, weirder Midlake to come.
  6. Rolling Stone
    50
    Yet they never come, and without the vivid talents of their heroes — Sandy Denny, Richard Thompson, John Renbourn — Midlake's abstracted invocations of maidens, merchant ships and "ancient light" feel a bit bookish and distant.
  7. Pitchfork
    36
    With precious little exception, these songs are just so wispy, and the band's treatment of them so delicate, it turns Courage into a museum piece, stuffy, bloodless

See all 32 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 1 out of 6
  1. Entersceptre
    Nov 27, 2016
    10
    This is one of the most achingly brilliant records I have ever heard. The entire record evokes a peace, love and wisdom that enthralls myThis is one of the most achingly brilliant records I have ever heard. The entire record evokes a peace, love and wisdom that enthralls my mind, touches my heart, and quiets my soul. I'm desperate to hear Harp. Thanks for your courage and patience, Tim.… Expand
  2. KaitlynGuest
    Jan 31, 2010
    10
    Amazing.
  4. DF.
    Feb 2, 2010
    9
    Great album...took awhile to grow on me and get over the fact that this is no Van Occupanther 2. A great move forward for a really incredible band.
  5. Trevskii
    Jun 27, 2013
    9
    I have been awestruck by this album. Multiple plays later it still enchants my ears with its total difference to just about everything else.I have been awestruck by this album. Multiple plays later it still enchants my ears with its total difference to just about everything else.

    No, it's not The Trials of Van Occupanther. But is that what you'd really want? Go straight to the iTunes chart if the answer is 'yes', please. No, this is a thought-out, restrained gem made with a clear vision. Its quiet restraint pulls me in to soak up every subtle lick and lyric. Its odd, elsewhere world is fascinating. What happened? Is it the past or the future? Why is its condition both attractive and daunting?

    Beautiful.    … Expand
  6. Ricko
    Feb 24, 2012
    8
    strong 3rd album from the lo-fi folk-rockers. Midlake have a real unique sound that stands out amongst other releases over the last decade.strong 3rd album from the lo-fi folk-rockers. Midlake have a real unique sound that stands out amongst other releases over the last decade. It's hard to say what their influences are. This album is a mix of acoustic and electric guitars blend in with a host of other instruments, topped off with dark and dreary vocals which really suits the style of the music. At times I'm reminded of Led Zep's quieter tracks, but in general they just sound from a completely different era. Some of it has a medieval feel to it. It's take a lot of listens to really hear what's going on here but it's worth sticking with it. The opener "Acts of Man", "Children of the Grounds" and the title track "The Courage of Others" are the highlights for me.… Expand
  7. SamF.
    Jan 30, 2010
    3
    WHAT?! This is such a POOR follow up to Trials of Van the Occupanther! The vocals are low and drab, the songs less sophisticated and repetitive.

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