Total Life Forever
by Foals
  • Record Label: Sub Pop
  • Release Date: Jun 15, 2010
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 30
  3. Negative: 0 out of 30
  1. Under The Radar
    60
    Fortunately, when grooves meander and sometimes gets a bit ponderous, the band's creative instincts usually kick in to right the ship. [Summer 2010, p.83]
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  2. Prefix Magazine
    60
    All in all, though, Total Life Forever is a slightly more assured record from Foals; this time out they sound like they've taken complete ownership of their music.
  3. Q Magazine
    60
    While this album carries more instrumental and emotional heft than its predecessor, something remains off-balance. [Jun 2010, p.130]
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  5. Tiny Mix Tapes
    60
    At its core, Total Life Forever is a good dance record: something you could leave on at a party and not stop moving to until its full 50 minutes have finished. But as much as it tries to run away from that, it isn't a whole lot else.
  6. Austin Chronicle
    50
    Foals' major label debut, Total Life Forever, keeps those elements intact, most notably on the title track and in the calculated urgency and cold sweat of "After Glow," but the band has redesigned the template to include a more expansive pop approach evinced by sprawling centerpiece "Spanish Sahara."

Awards & Rankings

81
#81 Most Discussed Album of 2010
66
#66 Most Shared Album of 2010

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 112 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 101 out of 112
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 112
  3. Negative: 4 out of 112
  1. SilverMan
    Jun 12, 2012
    8
    A huge change for the band, not bad at all. First half of the album it's really great, but the second half, the album slows down and gets moreA huge change for the band, not bad at all. First half of the album it's really great, but the second half, the album slows down and gets more sentimentalist. Just "After Glow"(maybe the best song) gives power to this part. Overall, it shouldn't be taken as a big mistake of the band...… Full Review »
  2. darthpat
    Sep 14, 2011
    10
    I love this record, a lot. I love the aquatic sound, how every guitar strum sounds like an echo underwater. I love the melodies and the lyricsI love this record, a lot. I love the aquatic sound, how every guitar strum sounds like an echo underwater. I love the melodies and the lyrics and the whole kit and caboodle.… Full Review »
  3. Raininbows
    Feb 19, 2011
    9
    Brilliant record. Some genuinely euphoric moments- the climaxes of Blue Blood, After Glow, Spanish Sahara- the comedowns in 2 Trees and BlackBrilliant record. Some genuinely euphoric moments- the climaxes of Blue Blood, After Glow, Spanish Sahara- the comedowns in 2 Trees and Black Gold. An emotionally powerful tour de force. My favourite record of 2010 without a doubt.… Full Review »
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