This is PiL
by Public Image Ltd.
Metascore
66

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 25
  3. Negative: 0 out of 25
  1. Rolling Stone
    Jun 18, 2012
    60
    This Is PiL proves that the taunting weaponry of his voice is still a delight, as he drawls out syllables like an over-the-top TV villain.
  2. Kerrang!
    Jun 15, 2012
    60
    It's edgy. inventive, and occasionally frustrating. [2 Jun 2012, p.53]
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  3. Slant Magazine
    Jun 4, 2012
    60
    If lyrically This Is PiL marks a step forward for Lydon, then musically the album seems caught in a mid-'90s production rut, the color and texture of the band's rhythm section feeling leached out.
  5. Beats Per Minute
    Jun 22, 2012
    53
    It's an album that alternates between being rewarding and punishing.
  6. Consequence
    May 31, 2012
    50
    On the surface, it looks and sounds (somewhat) like P.I.L., but in the end, it's a rather soulless copy.
  7. The A.V. Club
    May 29, 2012
    42
    PiL's last album, 1992's That What Is Not, left the outfit hanging on a slick and inconsequential note, one that couldn't be further from the dubby murk of the group's pioneering work from the '70s. This Is PiL circles back to that murk, then buries its head in it.
  8. Under The Radar
    Aug 22, 2012
    40
    On the majority of This is PiL, they are overshadowed by Lydon's barking vocals.
  9. Paste Magazine
    Jun 6, 2012
    40
    With none of the tension or electricity of the music PiL is best-remembered for, This is PiL is a disappointing return.
  10. The Independent (UK)
    May 25, 2012
    40
    A comeback shouldn't sound this much like treading water.
  11. Alternative Press
    May 25, 2012
    40
    The biggest failure of This Is PiL, sadly, is the band's centerpiece: Lydon. As fine as he can be (see again "Deeper Water"), he sounds downright unhinged. Not in the puckish, sinister way that made PiL live albums so bracing, either-no, his work here sounds tossed off, and too often just plain off.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 6 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. AlexxTrusc
    May 31, 2012
    6
    The first album in 20 years from Public Image Ltd despite its rock tone is quite strange. We can find both reggeae compositions ("One Drop")The first album in 20 years from Public Image Ltd despite its rock tone is quite strange. We can find both reggeae compositions ("One Drop") and indie rock ("Human") or electronic experiments ("The Room I Am In"). John Lydon on vocals continues experimenting, sometimes giving it a psychedelic character ("Deeper Water "), while the songs are characterized by a somewhat antiquated arrangements - which sometimes can be counted on the bands' plus, but usually causes only a bad impression.… Full Review »
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