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This Is Alphabeat
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This Is Alphabeat Image
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 9 Ratings

  • Summary: The Danish six-piece pop group releases its debut album.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. Observer Music Monthly
    100
    This Is Alphabeat feels like the story of a band having embarked on an ambitious experiment in classic pop, having pulled it off, and having turned in something of a modern pop masterpiece to boot.
  2. The Guardian
    80
    It's pop for blaring out when the sun has its hat firmly on, and, at only 10 tracks, remains a blast throughout.
  3. AllMusic
    80
    While the first half of the album is more eclectic, the second half is just as groovy although less varied. Unlike bands like The Maccabees, The Kooks and The Wombats, the album holds up all the way through, never repeating the same formula song after song.
  4. Q Magazine
    60
    At their best, as on Number 6 single 'Facination,' they are an invigoratingly upbeat experience. But too often they crash through the boundaries of good taste into out-and-out cheese. [July 2008, p.98]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. Drowned In Sound
    60
    In the end, what was once an exceptional record is now merely a rather good one. That’s a real shame, but it can’t entirely derail Alphabeat and their purist pop vision.
  6. Uncut
    60
    There's brio and craft behind the cosmetic nostalgia. [July 2008, p.100]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. Pitchfork
    55
    This Is Alphabeat feels labored, sacrificing identity in its endless eagerness to please.

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 1
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 1
  3. Negative: 0 out of 1
  1. Ricko
    May 21, 2013
    7
    At times I listen to parts of this record and think to my self what in gods name is this doing in my collection, but its almost as if theAt times I listen to parts of this record and think to my self what in gods name is this doing in my collection, but its almost as if the album hears my doubts and immediately moves to reassure me. At 10 tracks, its just long enough to make its point without losing focus. The record is pure pop that ,although doesn't necessarily sound like it, has a distinct underground feel. Largely inspired by the 80's, it takes the best of the synth pop bands of that decade and makes something new with it. Their cover of PIL's Public Image is the highlight of the record which in some ways takes away from the album as on this track you get a direct comparison to what they are trying to emulate and their own material comes up short next to this classic track. Overall well worth checking out if your open minded.… Expand

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