Time's Arrow
by Ladytron
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
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  1. The Telegraph (UK)
    Jan 20, 2023
    60
    A brew of sinister synth waves nearly stagnates where we want it to cascade, and harmonies twine around one another where we want them to soar into anthems. In short, a potential blaze delivers a fizzle.
  2. The Skinny
    Jan 18, 2023
    60
    At its best, Time's Arrow is mystical but commanding, with electric synthscapes pulling you deeper inward. However, at times the sonic landscape they’ve created risks suffocation, leaving little room for manoeuvre between one song to the next – a lighter touch in areas could stand to draw out more subtle nuances and make for a more compelling journey overall.

Awards & Rankings

79
#79 Most Discussed Album of 2023

User Reviews

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User Score
6.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 8 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 8
  3. Negative: 1 out of 8
  1. DSGX
    Jan 23, 2023
    7
    Agreeing with most reviews. It’s about 7 of 10. The first half of album is a 9, the second half not so much. Marnie, although I love herAgreeing with most reviews. It’s about 7 of 10. The first half of album is a 9, the second half not so much. Marnie, although I love her music and style independently, has her fingerprints as a solo act on too much, particularly side B. Some of this feels like a Marnie album, which would have been great for a Marnie album. This all being said, it’s a fine piece of work.… Full Review »
  2. musicbox
    Jan 23, 2023
    6
    this feels like an autopilot album for ladytron, other than the occasional electrifying highlight (the night, faces). some songs however feelthis feels like an autopilot album for ladytron, other than the occasional electrifying highlight (the night, faces). some songs however feel like they're too closely channeling other artists - misery remember me sounds like a blend of chvrches-esque vocal manipulation partnered with a fleetwood mac melody and we never went away bears jarring similarity to pet shop boys. the bigger issue here though is that most of these tracks don't do enough to make you sit up and listen.… Full Review »
  3. sonicboy
    Jan 22, 2023
    9
    Fantastic album! It's perhaps less immediate and more of a slow grower than some of their work, so give it a bit of time – at least 3 to 4Fantastic album! It's perhaps less immediate and more of a slow grower than some of their work, so give it a bit of time – at least 3 to 4 full listens – before making snap judgements. Once the hooks sink in, it's a pretty dazzling set! The standout track for me right now is definitely California...love that it incorporates a nod to the Joni classic of the same name in its chorus, and sort of flips the earnest sentiment of the former on its head with a dark, clever lyrical twist...some awesome guitar work as well! Yes, there is a cinematic feel to it in places (a good thing in my book), and with the mixing they were clearly looking to capture an early 80's warm analogue tape sound. It's also a very wet with generous reverb, which pairs up nicely with the overall mix. I dig the sonic vibe they were going for, and I'm really enjoying the result! Glad they're still driven to try new things with each album. Previous reviewer projects his view that this album is "most definitely not for traditional music enjoyment". What is traditional music enjoyment? Sounds like a drag.… Full Review »
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