The Only Place
by Best Coast
Metascore
66

Generally favorable reviews - based on 37 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 37
  3. Negative: 2 out of 37
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  1. Mojo
    Jul 18, 2012
    60
    It's still summer music, but The Only Place captures that moment when it's time to wrap a cardigan around your shoulders against the chill. [Jun 2012, p.83]
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  2. Q Magazine
    Jun 19, 2012
    60
    Themes of fun, sun and beach-bum ennui pervade, but even if it fails to reach the summery stoner highs of their previous record, there's no denying The Only Place's indomitable West Coast pop-rock melodies and sugary thrills. [Jun 2012, p.97]
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  3. Magnet
    May 24, 2012
    60
    The songwriting is flat-footed, with few moments that break from the homogeneous stupor. [No.87 p.54]
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  5. Delusions of Adequacy
    May 21, 2012
    60
    While there's certainly something to be said for BestCoast's paeans to the utopian side of life near the Pacific, the subtle shifts in Cosentino's songwriting are best experienced when the rays of sunshine are muted.
  6. The Observer (UK)
    May 14, 2012
    60
    There are still moments of magic but it sounds like the work of a band in transition, and not necessarily for the better.
  7. Consequence
    May 14, 2012
    60
    She's a wreck and she's out of her element, but she's flesh and blood, and that's something to love about her. It's just a shame there's not enough of it here.
  8. AllMusic
    May 18, 2012
    50
    Too bad it all falls apart so drastically when you factor in Cosentino's disastrous lyrics.
  9. Boston Globe
    May 16, 2012
    50
    With Cosentino's voice free of effects and upfront in the mix, it's more apparent just how rudimentary her songwriting is.
  10. Tiny Mix Tapes
    May 16, 2012
    50
    It's the clingiest and most needy record I've heard in a while.
  11. PopMatters
    May 15, 2012
    50
    Not to say The Only Place doesn't have its moments, but they're ultimately not bold and fresh enough to avoid being drowned out by the self-absorbed kvetching.
  12. Slant Magazine
    May 15, 2012
    50
    The band sounds like they're struggling to come up with a new template, a feeling that leaves The Only Place sounding shiftless and adrift.
  13. Prefix Magazine
    May 14, 2012
    50
    Only Place doesn't say or feel much, which would be fine if it didn't sound like it was trying so hard to say or feel a lot.
  14. New Musical Express (NME)
    May 29, 2012
    40
    Here they're going through the motions, missionary style, with mechanical jangly pop and the wince-inducing triteness of Cosentino's lyrics.
  15. The Guardian
    May 17, 2012
    40
    Elsewhere, the tunes sag rather than sing, and Bethany Constantino's lyrics about being bored and lazy become cloudily familiar.
  16. No Ripcord
    May 14, 2012
    40
    Each song is tediously nonspecific, the sort of doggerel any other prominent indie-rocker would cringe at the idea of singing out loud.
  17. Under The Radar
    May 14, 2012
    40
    It's not terrible, but it is a weaker effort.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 37 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 37
  3. Negative: 3 out of 37
  1. jmcpIII
    Aug 12, 2012
    4
    This album REALLY disappointed me. Crazy for You was fun and breezy, and the kitschy lyrics could be forgiven amidst the great melodies andThis album REALLY disappointed me. Crazy for You was fun and breezy, and the kitschy lyrics could be forgiven amidst the great melodies and stoner vibes. But trying to go all Neko Case on us Best Coast ends up falling flat on their face. Thing whole country thing just flat out doesnt work. Maybe if the rhymes weren't recycled from the last album and the subject matter matched the aesthetic, the album can be enjoyed, but the whole album just seems at odds with itself. But lets give credit where credit is due. With her vocals right up front in the mix, Beth Cosentino shows just how great her voice is, something that I think a lot of people missed on the first album, which again was a great album and I dont think a complete re-hashing of it would have worked out either so trying a new sound is at least commendable but just not likeable in this case.… Full Review »
  2. jeneboe
    Jul 21, 2012
    8
    Best Coast's second album seems to ditch the Lo-Fi sound, which I had enjoyed a lot; however, with better production value, the album exposesBest Coast's second album seems to ditch the Lo-Fi sound, which I had enjoyed a lot; however, with better production value, the album exposes increased depth in lyrics (compared to 'Crazy for You') and Bethany Consentino's vocal talents. Some tracks have more of a somber tone, which is different from their debut album. Not every track is a stunner, but it definitely worth the listen!
    Favorite tracks: Dreaming My Life Away, The Only Place, Why I Cry    … Full Review »
  3. Ricko
    May 24, 2012
    7
    I absolutely loved Crazy for You - thought it was a superb album and not just a summer record. Best Coasts sound on their debut was prettyI absolutely loved Crazy for You - thought it was a superb album and not just a summer record. Best Coasts sound on their debut was pretty basic (drums, bass, guitar and vocals) but it was all they needed to get their sound out. I did wonder in what direction the band would go next and how they would build on Crazy for You. The Only Place has many of the elements that made its predecessor so likeable but the production is definitely different. There are more layers on this record and it's got a slicker sound. Unfortunately at times the energy and the songs get a bit lost underneath. This record has got good tunes on it but they are still using the same chord sequences and song formula they applied on their first. Essentially there isn't much progression but I'd still recommend the record and would definitely recommend the band.… Full Review »
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