The Great Pretenders
by Mini Mansions
  • Record Label: Capitol
  • Release Date: Mar 24, 2015
Metascore
84

Universal acclaim - based on 7 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
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  1. New Musical Express (NME)
    Mar 30, 2015
    90
    The Great Pretenders is an emotional, emboldened triumph.
  2. AllMusic
    Dec 22, 2015
    80
    It's the way they bring their pop skills to the fore that makes The Great Pretenders solid evidence that Mini Mansions should be as well-known as the company they keep.
  3. Mojo
    Apr 22, 2015
    80
    An album whose wider appeal reaches for powerpop nirvana. [May 2015, p.98]
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  5. Drowned In Sound
    Apr 1, 2015
    80
    A great, and fun, album.
  6. Uncut
    Mar 30, 2015
    80
    The Great Pretenders inhabits that dreamy lysergic terrain staked out by The Flaming Lips and early MGMT. [May 2015, p.77]
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  7. DIY Magazine
    Mar 30, 2015
    80
    After eleven songs of depth, colour and excitement--songs that grow more vivid with every listen--it’s always a shame to reach the slow decompression of ‘The End, Again’, but as the title suggests, it won’t be the first time, nor the last.
  8. musicOMH.com
    Mar 30, 2015
    70
    It’s a record that follows in the footsteps of its predecessor, offering up melodic psyche-pop numbers in which walls of sound are daubed with deceptively dark lyrics.

Awards & Rankings

48
#48 Best Album of 2015

User Reviews

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User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 17 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 17
  3. Negative: 1 out of 17
  1. nootherdavenz
    Apr 3, 2015
    9
    Very cleverly written & composed, catchy & a very cohesive album to boot. Definately deserving of more attention than it is currently gettingVery cleverly written & composed, catchy & a very cohesive album to boot. Definately deserving of more attention than it is currently getting in the media so far.… Full Review »
  2. ItsFromMars
    Jul 27, 2015
    9
    One of the most unique, fresh albums in the pop-realm that I've heard in a long time. There isn't a weak track on here, and the wayOne of the most unique, fresh albums in the pop-realm that I've heard in a long time. There isn't a weak track on here, and the way songwriting duties are shared between Tyler Parkford and Michael Shuman really shine. The vocals remain interesting and catchy throughout the whole album. The instrumentals throughout are quirky and unique. I would recommend that anyone give this album a fair shot, it's definitely worth a listen!… Full Review »
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