Up At The Lake
by The Charlatans UK
  • Record Label: MCA
  • Release Date: May 17, 2004
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. Under The Radar
    80
    The band's most organic and least groove-centric release, as well as their warmest and... most affecting. [#7]
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  2. The Guardian
    80
    Sensibly, Burgess has abandoned the curious falsetto of 2001's Wonderland in favour of his trademark (or Ian Brown's trademark) nasal whine, while the band have responded with some of their finest rollicking grooves.
  3. Logo
    80
    Their most accomplished album to date.
  5. Q Magazine
    80
    There's such a huge feelgood swagger it's impossible not to be swept along in its wake. [Jun 2004, p.96]
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  6. PopMatters
    80
    The Charlatans have never sounded this relaxed... or mature.
  7. Dot Music
    70
    "Up At The Lake" may not be The Charlatans' finest effort, but it’s certainly good enough to suggest they could still be around for another 14 years.
  8. Amazon.com
    60
    It's this lumpy consistency that ultimately lets them down, but this is a laudable effort from a band on a decade-long roll. [Amazon UK]
  9. Mojo
    60
    There's still much to link the group to their musical past. [Jun 2004, p.107]
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  10. Uncut
    60
    A curate's egg of tested pop styles.... Though hardly the album-length E-rush of career peak Tellin' Stories, this approach still offers small gems. [Jul 2004, p.101]
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  11. Playlouder
    50
    ‘Up At The Lake’ lifts the best bits from pop’s past and melds them into a largely agreeable, but ultimately underwhelming, classic rock album.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 6 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. EvertonC
    Dec 24, 2004
    8
    A good comeback after the understated "Wonderland". Slightly back to their Stonesy roots, with some new Beatles and Beach Boys influences, A good comeback after the understated "Wonderland". Slightly back to their Stonesy roots, with some new Beatles and Beach Boys influences, the Charlies have made a great effort, not so great as "Us and Us Only", but next to that level.… Full Review »
  2. LukeM
    Dec 16, 2004
    9
    The Charlatans are always on good form and this album is no acception. Its a shame not more people no about or listen to their stuff cos its The Charlatans are always on good form and this album is no acception. Its a shame not more people no about or listen to their stuff cos its all good. I saw them live last night and the new songs fit perfectly with their old hits. A very good album!… Full Review »
  3. GilesR
    Sep 9, 2004
    8
    For a Charlatans fan, the rating could go up to a 10, for the non belivers it could go down to a 6. It's an odd album, there are so many For a Charlatans fan, the rating could go up to a 10, for the non belivers it could go down to a 6. It's an odd album, there are so many styles and vocal ranges that are incorporated into 'Up at the lake' it leaves you bemused but satisfied at the same time. There is some of best material released by the Charlatans on this, but also some very underwhelming songs. Skip to the good tracks and it's a corker! … Full Review »
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