The Magic Whip
by Blur
  • Record Label: Elektra
  • Release Date: Apr 28, 2015
Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 35 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 35
  3. Negative: 0 out of 35
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  1. Record Collector
    Apr 24, 2015
    60
    There is heart here, despite the often airless production, deliberately claustrophobic, like the city that inspired it. Repeated listens make the gems shine brighter.... Yet other moments weather less well, sounding exactly like what they are: raw material worked up in just five days.
  2. Consequence
    Apr 29, 2015
    58
    If it rocks, it fits perfectly in a live setting, easy to place among their best-ofs. But when it slumps, it really crumbles.

Awards & Rankings

63
#63 Most Discussed Album of 2015
79
#79 Most Shared Album of 2015

User Reviews

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User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 141 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 125 out of 141
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 141
  3. Negative: 3 out of 141
  1. davim
    Apr 28, 2015
    9
    Its been 12 years, but in February 2015 Blur finally announced a long awaited new album; the group's first album since their 2003 effortIts been 12 years, but in February 2015 Blur finally announced a long awaited new album; the group's first album since their 2003 effort 'Think Tank’. ’Think Tank' saw a much more experimental and electronic sound to Blur's music, minus the distinctive guitars of Graham Coxon, who was only present on one song on the album. Damon Albarn took care of all the guitar parts, and despite the fact ‘Think Tank’ attracted worldwide critical and commercial acclaim, the absence of Coxon’s distinctive guitar style was rather difficult to ignore.

    'The Magic Whip’, recorded by classic Blur producer Stephen Street sees a triumphant return to the Blur of the 90’s and their britpop/alternative rock roots. Press play on the majestic opening track ‘Lonesome Street’ and the combination of Graham Coxon’s jangly guitar sounds and Damon’s witty, yet intelligent lyrics are back “what do you got? mass produced in somewhere hot”. A song that sets the tone for the album perfectly. After that is a collection of songs that just about covers the sound of every Blur album of the 90’s. Songs such as ‘New World Towers’ and ‘Thought I Was a Spaceman’ are similar to the studio jams that formed ’13’, other songs could’ve been taken directly from Parklife, such as the lead single ‘Go Out’. One song in particular ‘I Broadcast’ reminded me of songs like ‘M.O.R’ and ‘Song 2’ from the self-titled 1997 album, with overdriven guitars and raw energy.

    The standout track however, is definitely ‘Pyongyang’, identified by drummer Dave Rowntree as his favourite track on the album. It typifies everything that’s so great about Blur; beautiful instrumentation, possessing a somewhat gloomy and mysterious feel. Just what we've missed about this band in the last 12 years. A triumphant return for Britpop’s old boys. There’s still life in them yet!    … Full Review »
  2. Reedly
    May 4, 2015
    10
    It took me a few listens before the obvious tracks really kicked in but I'm glad I had some patience. The album slowly revealed itself to beIt took me a few listens before the obvious tracks really kicked in but I'm glad I had some patience. The album slowly revealed itself to be a cohesive, modern day take on their entire career. It definitely isn't as gloriously bombastic as some of early work however, this release is its own beast and is brilliant because of it. I've had a few friends who are fans say they don't like it as a whole yet both gave up after the first run through. If given time this album could win over any longtime fan.… Full Review »
  3. StolenDance
    May 3, 2015
    10
    The band's first album in 12 years almost made me cry, not just because the wait, also because I still feel the old, 'vintage' Blur on theThe band's first album in 12 years almost made me cry, not just because the wait, also because I still feel the old, 'vintage' Blur on the album.
    A triumphant comeback, anything else to say.    … Full Review »
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