The Remote Part
by Idlewild
Metascore
83

Universal acclaim - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. Magnet
    90
    An embarrassment of riches. [#58, p.91]
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  2. New Musical Express (NME)
    90
    It's every ounce of Idlewild's potential fulfilled at once.
  3. Drawer B
    90
    This is arguably Idlewild’s finest hour.
  5. Dot Music
    90
    They've become accomplished, exciting, restrained and wise.
  6. Mojo
    90
    Sounding assured and triumphant, Scotland's finest finally have realised their true potential. [Aug 2002, p.112]
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  7. Austin Chronicle
    89
    Giddy, confident, and instantly memorable, The Remote Part is great Brit pop and great rock & roll.
  8. E! Online
    83
    The four-piece has transformed into a genuine powerhouse, blowing away any so-called new rock revolution contenders with lovely melodies and effortless intensity.
  9. Rolling Stone
    80
    They ratchet up the latent R.E.M.-isms, elevating themselves heads above their musical kin.
  10. Playlouder
    80
    There is nothing groundbreaking about this LP; it's just classic.
  11. AllMusic
    80
    The Remote Part captures a divinely aged five-piece.
  12. Neumu.net
    80
    Idlewild are rapidly outgrowing their influences as they forge a unique identity that leads me to suspect that they may soon be inspiring a slew of like-minded new bands.
  13. Blender
    80
    THe result is like a cross between R.E.M. and Coldplay, but Idlewild show their true smarts by continuing to attack every track with youthful energy and passion. [Apr 2003, p.124]
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  14. Q Magazine
    80
    Idlewild have added a new "dirty bomb" to their armoury: the emotional resonance of prime Morrissey/Marr. [Aug 2002, p.128]
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  15. Delusions of Adequacy
    80
    While it doesn't have as many flat-out terrific songs as its predecessor, I'd venture to say that The Remote Part is the record that Idlewild has wanted to write all along.
  16. Entertainment Weekly
    75
    It's overshadowed by many of the band's recent, U.K.-only B sides. [21 Mar 2003, p.113]
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  17. PopMatters
    70
    It may be the album Idlewild was born to make, but despite some spectacular moments, its momentum wanes a tiny bit as it gets closer to the end.
  18. Uncut
    70
    The Remote Part is Idlewild Mark II--sleeker, bolder, better. [Oct 2002, p.107]
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  19. The A.V. Club
    70
    Merely good-but-not-great.
  20. Spin
    67
    Idlewild are compelling when they put Woomble's sad-sack lyrics front and center, but on aggressively average rockers like "You Held The World In Your Arms" and "Century After Century," the band's turgid squall swamps his words. [Jun 2003, p.103]
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  21. Pitchfork
    65
    The album starts to wear thin by the homestretch.

Awards & Rankings

53
#53 Best Album of 2003

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 18 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 18
  3. Negative: 1 out of 18
  1. reynoljo
    Feb 11, 2019
    9
    I'm honestly questioning why these lads didn't become worldwide superstars. Everything is there: beautiful hooks, delightful melodies, rousingI'm honestly questioning why these lads didn't become worldwide superstars. Everything is there: beautiful hooks, delightful melodies, rousing beats, moving basslines, satisfying harmony (in relation to the melody) and excellent mixing and arrangement.

    All I can say is you should listen to this album and prepare to be moved and altered; I've always considered these guys to be 60% ABV (I.E. powerful and worth hearing) Pop Music -- thus I can't understand why they aren't renowned, as they add bind their own artistic sensibilities so perfectly to words and melodies that are both catchy and genuinely adventurous. Call me a fool, but I think more people should listen to Idlewild.    … Full Review »
  2. Rikardsen
    Aug 15, 2011
    10
    One of the best albums every recorded, Idlewild have a delicate way of summing up things about life and the world without ever mentioningOne of the best albums every recorded, Idlewild have a delicate way of summing up things about life and the world without ever mentioning them, still sounds as fresh today as it did when it was a released.… Full Review »
  3. Nightkin
    Feb 14, 2006
    6
    The instrumentals sounds are quite fresh but the band could sound a lot better if only the singer stopped trying to sound like an American The instrumentals sounds are quite fresh but the band could sound a lot better if only the singer stopped trying to sound like an American punk-pop artist and let his beautiful Scottish accent through.… Full Review »
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