The Life Pursuit
by Belle and Sebastian
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

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  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 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 outThis 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.    … Expand
  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 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 wonderfulBelle & 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-… Expand
  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.
  4. RG
    Mar 29, 2007
    8
    great b & s album, they have been on a downhill slump, dear catastrophee was ok ( loved i m a cuckoo) but this is looking back at a great age of pop and making great pop for today. they are very comfortable with themselves, and i think dear castrophee helped with that. def their best album since if you are feeling sinister
  5. Guy
    Jan 4, 2007
    10
    Best album of the year hands down.
  6. BrendanD
    Dec 27, 2006
    10
    Simply put, this is the best record of the year, and quite possibly it's the best pop record of the decade. Honestly, I know there are a lot of B&S fans out there, but I've never, ever been one of them. They were always to cute, to precious, too twee for me, which is kind of funny, considering I absolutely adore the Sea and Cake. So I turn on "The Life Pursuit," and I'm Simply put, this is the best record of the year, and quite possibly it's the best pop record of the decade. Honestly, I know there are a lot of B&S fans out there, but I've never, ever been one of them. They were always to cute, to precious, too twee for me, which is kind of funny, considering I absolutely adore the Sea and Cake. So I turn on "The Life Pursuit," and I'm listening to the first track. Ho-hum. La-de-da. Then the chorus of "Act of the Apostle" comes in, replete with its ringing organ and Carol Kaye-esque bass line, and I get kind of happy. 'Okay,' I think, 'This might not be too bad.' And then, "Another Sunny Day" comes on and absolutely blows my mind. I remember distinctly that it was springtime here in Chicago. I remember that because it was nearing the end of my last year in college, the trees were coming back, the weather was warming up, and I wasn't sober a day. And Belle & Sebastian made it all the better. I'd walk down the street listening to "The Life Pursuit" on my now dearly-departed iPod, smiling irrepressible smiles because the music made my so freakin' happy, like the Beach Boys' "Sunflower" or any number of Polyphonic Spree live shows I've got. Art Brut's got the chops, the Secret Machines have the emotion; Grandaddy's got the sentiment, and Jenny Lewis has the beauty. But Belle & Sebastian get my vote -- easily -- for album of the year.… Expand
  7. D
    Dec 19, 2006
    9
    They made it!
  8. ReubenF
    Dec 18, 2006
    6
    My first musical love was The Smiths, and so predictably enough, I kinda like Belle & Sebastian as well. I know they don't like being described as 'Twee Pop', and most likely their fans wouldn't like that description either, but it seems to me quite apt. The website World Wide Words gives the definition as follows: "It means excessively or affectedly quaint, My first musical love was The Smiths, and so predictably enough, I kinda like Belle & Sebastian as well. I know they don't like being described as 'Twee Pop', and most likely their fans wouldn't like that description either, but it seems to me quite apt. The website World Wide Words gives the definition as follows: "It means excessively or affectedly quaint, sentimental or mawkish, sometimes coupled with words like nauseatingly. It… Expand
  9. ArikK
    Dec 11, 2006
    9
    The pop melodies are well crafted and well produced. The lyrics are amazing and fit extremely well, and the album as a whole flows together incredibly. Probably one of my favorite albums this year.
  10. ScottE
    Oct 18, 2006
    8
    Not their best overall, but certainly better than anything since Sinister -- the above reviews have it right.
  11. MattA
    Aug 27, 2006
    6
    It's not nearly as bold or compelling as other pop indie rock albums (such as Of Montreal's Sunlandi Twins), and it seems like a step back to the sunshiney fluff of The Beach Boys from decades before. For what it's worth, the album sounds great even if it's fairly forgettable in comparison to much bolder Indie efforts this year.
  12. time
    Aug 8, 2006
    10
    Score another point for the greatest indie band in the world.
  13. MarioP
    Jun 29, 2006
    3
    Totally agree with Michael. The arrangements are even worse than those of Dear Catastrophe Waitress, and the tunes are totally forgettable, barring a good (Another Sunny Day) and a decent (Funny Little Frog) one. A huge disappointement from them, and I guess after listening to this and DCW there's no way back. I really loved them from Tigermilk through Fold Your Hands Child. Shame Totally agree with Michael. The arrangements are even worse than those of Dear Catastrophe Waitress, and the tunes are totally forgettable, barring a good (Another Sunny Day) and a decent (Funny Little Frog) one. A huge disappointement from them, and I guess after listening to this and DCW there's no way back. I really loved them from Tigermilk through Fold Your Hands Child. Shame really that they've gone for this idiotic sunny pop.… Expand
  14. JaimeZ
    May 23, 2006
    10
    The first B&S that made me smile for an hour or two....Morrissey meet The Monkees in a summer resort.
  15. kickstand
    May 16, 2006
    10
    Features the best song ever written about laundry ... what more can you ask for?
  16. AaronQ
    Apr 28, 2006
    8
    Solid pop record. Makes me want to explore the band's entire catalog.
  17. TomB
    Apr 28, 2006
    9
    Without a doubt, B&S's best album. I really liked this when it came out, and now I utterly love it. Probably the most charming album I've heard, ever.
  18. RichardA
    Apr 19, 2006
    9
    Cracking stuff, a really joyous and infectious record. Takes them far beyond the old stuff, and all the better for it.
  19. AndrewC
    Apr 17, 2006
    10
    My favourite B&S album since 'Sinister'. Their sound has truly evolved into something great. Makes 'Dear Catastrophe Waitress' sound like a mediocre transitional album.
  20. psst
    Apr 15, 2006
    8
    i like it a lot. a bit too much hysteria.
  21. Ant
    Apr 9, 2006
    9
    While not as lyrically funny as Dear Catastrophe Waitress, this album is incredibly catchy and addicting. I really can't stop listening to it.
  22. BlayzeH
    Apr 4, 2006
    9
    Great, an improvement on the songwriting from Dear Catastrophe Waitress, just if they had the same producing.
  23. sk
    Apr 2, 2006
    10
    it could be their best album
  24. jdg
    Mar 31, 2006
    5
    I highy anticipate this album coz I love DCW. except of "Another Sunny Day" the album is disappointing. No more smart lines and forggettable tunes. Shame.
  25. Simon
    Mar 30, 2006
    8
    This is one of Belle & Sebastian's best albums, withiout doubt. The song writing is strong as is the musicianship. The band plays to their strenghts but equally creates something fresh and very today. Definitely one of the best pop bands of the modern era.
  26. MarkO
    Mar 29, 2006
    10
    I have everything thing they've recorded and this is hands down their best. Variety, energy and heart make this one of the best of the year.
  27. PiotrW
    Mar 20, 2006
    8
    Brings a beatiful springtime to still winter Poland... Each song seems like a different separate jewel... Makes me smile every time I put this into my player.
  28. DanB.
    Mar 19, 2006
    9
    A third of it is like a Bowie tribute album, but it's more awesome than derivative. I love 'sukie in the graveyard' best, at the moment.
  29. CaitieF
    Mar 16, 2006
    10
    Fantastic. Definitely one of the best albums of the 2000s by far, with catchy song after catchy song throughout the album. I bought this on a whim and was instantly in love with it on the first listen. "The Blues Are Still Blue" was stuck in my head for days and is by far the best song on the record, but that's not to say less of the rest of it, it has a wonderful combination of Fantastic. Definitely one of the best albums of the 2000s by far, with catchy song after catchy song throughout the album. I bought this on a whim and was instantly in love with it on the first listen. "The Blues Are Still Blue" was stuck in my head for days and is by far the best song on the record, but that's not to say less of the rest of it, it has a wonderful combination of uptempo songs and wistful ballads. I was never into B&S prior to this, but now I think I shall do a bit more exploring of their stuff!… Expand
  30. BernardA
    Mar 8, 2006
    10
    This cd proves once again why I think that the B & S are one of the best bands of the last decade & a half. I know many people will compare this to IYFS & DCW but it is great on its own terms. Songs like Another Sunny Day, Funny Little Frog & Dress Up in You are classic B & S. Most of the other songs show the band going in a different directions with lots of success. I do hear some glam This cd proves once again why I think that the B & S are one of the best bands of the last decade & a half. I know many people will compare this to IYFS & DCW but it is great on its own terms. Songs like Another Sunny Day, Funny Little Frog & Dress Up in You are classic B & S. Most of the other songs show the band going in a different directions with lots of success. I do hear some glam influences in songs llike The Blues are Still Blue. Another great release by the B & S.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

36
#36 Most Discussed Album of 2006

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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. Q Magazine
    70
    The presence of more filler than is comfortable does not detract from the creative health in evidence on the better songs. [Feb 2006, p.100]
  2. The A.V. Club
    91
    The band sounds reinvigorated even when returning to well-trodden turf, and even livelier when moving away from it.
    Read full review
  3. Dot Music
    80
    Hence we get an album which, musically at least, veers all over the place, from chamber pop to glam to, God help them, hotel lobby jazz. In other hands, this would be a terrible mess, but in each instance you feel like the group are inching ever closer to that perfect pop moment.
    Read full review
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