The Wave
by Tom Chaplin
  • Record Label: Island
  • Release Date: Oct 14, 2016
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 6 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
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  1. Mojo
    Oct 19, 2016
    80
    An impressive emotional ebb and flow on this heart-swelling debut solo effort. [Nov 2016, p.96]
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  2. Q Magazine
    Oct 19, 2016
    80
    Keane fans will be happily familiar with the piano-heavy pop-rock, but those who wanted a little more grit will fine it in spades on The Wave. [Dec 2016, p.105]
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  3. AllMusic
    Oct 19, 2016
    80
    Overall--despite the serious premise of addiction and recovery--The Wave is urgent and joyous, so achingly hopeful that it's hard not to root for Chaplin and his family.
  5. musicOMH.com
    Oct 24, 2016
    60
    It will obviously appeal to most long-term Keane fans (even without Rice-Oxley’s trademark tinkly piano chords) but anyone who’s gone through a bit of a tough time in their lives will find this to be comforting succour.
  6. The Guardian
    Oct 19, 2016
    60
    It’s not a sonically adventurous album, but Chaplin’s voice on tender songs such as the title track is as affecting as ever.
  7. The Independent (UK)
    Oct 19, 2016
    40
    The album arguably gets worse as he gets better, particularly in “Quicksand”, with its Coldplay-esque promise to “patch you up, we’ll work it out”.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 13 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 13
  3. Negative: 2 out of 13
  1. alejandro970
    Jul 30, 2017
    9
    Brilliant debut as soloist of the former vocalist of Keane. The effort is good with touching, compelling songs that reminds his previous yearsBrilliant debut as soloist of the former vocalist of Keane. The effort is good with touching, compelling songs that reminds his previous years as frontman of Keane.… Full Review »
  2. tomri2
    Nov 3, 2016
    10
    Great solo effort for the Keane frontman. I didn't expect him to do this well since Tim Rice Oxley writes Keane songs but I was wrong! I'mGreat solo effort for the Keane frontman. I didn't expect him to do this well since Tim Rice Oxley writes Keane songs but I was wrong! I'm just hoping he gets back together with Keane and makes more great albums.… Full Review »
  3. edd_gosbender
    Oct 24, 2016
    9
    Keane's frontman Tom Chaplin is back, this time on his own. In The Wave, he brings some familiar sounds to talk about his personal struggleKeane's frontman Tom Chaplin is back, this time on his own. In The Wave, he brings some familiar sounds to talk about his personal struggle with addictions a few years ago and that's what makes this album so special and authentic: a straightforward work in which Chaplin's voice sounds more passionate and honest than ever.… Full Review »
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