• Record Label: Columbia
  • Release Date: Jul 24, 2006
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 6 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. Mojo
    80
    A typically heartfelt and demonstrative record given to wistful glances backward. [Aug 2006, p.90]
  2. New Musical Express (NME)
    80
    Sounds like a man freed from the shackles of history. [22 Jul 2006, p.31]
  3. An Everything Must Go-ish vein of melodrama runs through the music, which stands up to being sung along to in the shower... but Bradfield also deserves plaudits for his lyrics.
  4. Uncut
    80
    Real-life dramas wrapped in uplifting tunes. [Aug 2006, p.86]
  5. It is modest, lucid and tender.
  6. Q Magazine
    70
    The Great Western is arguably stronger than either of the last two Manics albums. [Aug 2006, p.116]
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 10 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 10
  2. Negative: 1 out of 10
  1. Aug 9, 2020
    9
    As perfect as an album JDB could have produced. Under the strain of a Manic Life Crisis this album is as uplifting as it is biopic.
  2. HarrietHa.
    Jul 17, 2007
    10
    Not one song I would skip on this, they're all class! JDB's voice is just a thing of beauty. It won't change the world of rock Not one song I would skip on this, they're all class! JDB's voice is just a thing of beauty. It won't change the world of rock 'n' roll, but sometimes all you want from an album is quality tunes, an amazing voice, and epic guitar riffs. It's just a greay great album. Full Review »
  3. adils
    May 11, 2007
    9
    It's a great album, I love it. It's better than Lifeblood.