The Life Pursuit
by Belle and Sebastian
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 35 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 35
  3. Negative: 0 out of 35
  1. Blender
    60
    Sits squarely in the middle of B&S's comfort zone: never bad but rarely inspiring. [Mar 2006, p.109]
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  2. The Guardian
    60
    Literate, droll, moving and often very beautiful, The Life Pursuit certainly isn't a bad album, but it's a disappointment after Dear Catastrophe Waitress.
  3. Rolling Stone
    60
    When the experiments work... it's clear that band leader Stuart Murdoch still has plenty of major-league tunes left in the tank. [9 Feb 2006, p.64]
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  5. Dusted Magazine
    50
    Though these may succeed as pop songs, Belle & Sebastian ultimately subvert their appeal by contradicting precious, self-effacing sentiments with brash music.
  6. Magnet
    50
    There's a strange, practiced quality to the pop numbers that robs them of their buoyancy. [#71, p.87]
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  7. Alternative Press
    50
    The Life Pursuit is less confused than the three albums that precede it, but it's also just as forgettable. [Mar 2006, p.124]
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Awards & Rankings

36
#36 Most Discussed Album of 2006

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 120 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 109 out of 120
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 120
  3. Negative: 4 out of 120
  1. Fall_Guy
    Jun 11, 2013
    10
    This is my first Metacritic review, and even though The Life Pursuit is 7 years old, I have to rave about this album. This is Belle andThis is my first Metacritic review, and even though The Life Pursuit is 7 years old, I have to rave about this album. This is Belle and Sebastian at their best: catchy, well-crafted melodic indie-pop with thoughtful, self-aware lyrics. Highlights for me: Funny Little Frog's boppy piano pop and hilarious lyrics, and White Collar Boy's perfectly balanced mix of thumping drums, fuzzed out bass line, plus its subtle and not-so-subtle social commentary.
    If you like being happy, listen to this album.    … Full Review »
  2. Vampire25
    Apr 1, 2012
    9
    Belle & Sebastian really have made a fantastic record. The Life Pursuit has some of the best tracks that this band has ever written. It neverBelle & Sebastian really have made a fantastic record. The Life Pursuit has some of the best tracks that this band has ever written. It never gets old and it always seems to get better with each listen. The first time I listened to it, I put it on again after I was done the first time. All In All, Belle & Sebastian haven't failed yet and this certainly fits perfectly in their wonderful discography. A-… Full Review »
  3. JTR
    Jul 2, 2007
    9
    It's always nice to be reminded why you love a band. This is such a solid album, so full of joy, wit, and inspiration.
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