Time's Arrow
by
Time's Arrow Image
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
6.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 8 Ratings

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  • Summary: The seventh full-length studio release for British electronic pop band Ladytron took over two years to complete due to COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. Dusted Magazine
    Mar 7, 2023
    80
    The pulse and stomp of opener “City of Angels” or the sparkling twilight balladry of “Misery Remember Me” are classic examples of what Ladytron has always done well and why it’s good to have them back. Especially on the back half of Time’s Arrow, though, there are some new wrinkles.
  2. The Line of Best Fit
    Jan 19, 2023
    80
    Defying the years and possibly expectations, Time’s Arrow sees a band revitalised, creating music with those rare qualities of nuance and complexity, flowing in a dreamlike state where, just maybe, darkness loses the battle against light. Or, if you prefer, it’s simply a collection of damn fine synth-pop.
  3. AllMusic
    Jan 20, 2023
    80
    With Ladytron, the band proved they could more than hold their own with the like minded acts who sprang up in their wake. The thought and skill they put into Time's Arrow, however, could only come from years of perspective and experience.
  4. DIY Magazine
    Jan 18, 2023
    70
    While the album may find itself guilty of treading the line of pretty-but-unassuming at times - the sheer beauty of every detail is impressive, if not a little tiring - ‘Time’s Arrow’ remains a sumptuous listen.
  5. No Ripcord
    Jan 24, 2023
    70
    Even with its perceived flaws, it offers some real moments of beauty to get swept away in if you're looking for an escape from the world around you.
  6. musicOMH.com
    Jan 20, 2023
    70
    The band have fully reasserted themselves, taking equal parts past and future to make a record that fits the present day like a glove. Twenty years in and the fires are still burning brightly.
  7. 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.

See all 11 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 4
  3. Negative: 1 out of 4
  1. 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.… Expand
  2. 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.… Expand
  4. 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.… Expand
  5. EludiumQ36
    Jan 22, 2023
    3
    "Time's Arrow" (Ladytron, 10 songs, 41 mins, rel 1/20/23) is primarily for licensing and maybe for "I'll buy anything Ladytron" fans. I love"Time's Arrow" (Ladytron, 10 songs, 41 mins, rel 1/20/23) is primarily for licensing and maybe for "I'll buy anything Ladytron" fans. I love Ladytron's 3-5 albums but this one, ugh. First, every song sounds the same or nearly so. Second, the vocals, whenever they occur, are backgrounded to the instrumentals, they always sound far off in some chamber. Finally, this album is most definitely not for traditional music enjoyment. I really think it's intended to be licensed by Hollywood studios as closing theme music to drama shows or as activity accompaniment for scenic drone footage or for those snow or water skiing. Maybe the Ladytron of albums 3-5 is gone and we're doomed for attempts like this till their time ends.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

48
#48 Best Album of 2023
24
#24 Most Discussed Album of 2023

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