World Be Gone
by Erasure
  • Record Label: Mute
  • Release Date: May 19, 2017
Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
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  1. Mojo
    May 16, 2017
    80
    This is a triumph of achingly beautiful pop protest music. [Jun 2017, p.94]
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  2. The Line of Best Fit
    May 22, 2017
    75
    It will of course satisfy long time fans, but those that have overlooked the band over the years would be wise to reunite with them for the battle ahead.
  3. The A.V. Club
    May 19, 2017
    75
    Ffor the most part, World Be Gone is better suited for relaxing after a rousing march or successful phone-bank campaign than something that would rally the troops.
  5. AllMusic
    May 18, 2017
    70
    While there's no real dance anthem in the bunch, World Be Gone does deliver on vocals and memorable Vince Clarke melodies, as well as on arrangements that add some oomph to slower tempos. At the time of its release, it seems on point.
  6. Record Collector
    May 25, 2017
    60
    Sometimes chilly, this set has occasional echoes of Vince’s former bandmates Depeche Mode and this largely successful, surprise direction so late in their career is certainly welcome.
  7. musicOMH.com
    May 22, 2017
    60
    Full credit should be given for bringing an extra dimension to the Erasure legacy, but World Be Gone makes for far from easy listening.
  8. The Independent (UK)
    May 17, 2017
    60
    It’s an odd album, split between full-on dancefloor stompers like the euphoric summer romance anthem “Love You To The Sky” and less successful stabs at political commentary such as “Lousy Sum Of Nothing”, an overly simplistic bout of finger-wagging about how “the world has lost its loving” in respect of the refugee crisis.
  9. Q Magazine
    May 16, 2017
    60
    Vince Clarke's melodic electro-motifs and Andy Bell's dramatic voice may be in place, but laments for long romance and fake news alerts make for sombre listening. [Jul 2017, p.107]
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  10. Uncut
    May 16, 2017
    60
    While sticking well within their comfort zone, electro-pop veterans Vince Clarke and Andy Bell sound a little more restrained and reflective than usual on their 17th studio album. [Jun 2017, p.28]
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  11. Magnet
    May 16, 2017
    60
    The lyrics are overwrought, and the music is dark but lacking the edge that would make the songs compelling. ... Thankfully they bracket the album with "Love You To The Sky" and "Just A Little Love," up-tempo gems that prove they haven't lost their magic touch. [No. 142, p55]
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User Reviews

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User Score
6.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 12 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 12
  3. Negative: 1 out of 12
  1. Spazgadget
    May 25, 2017
    5
    As a lifelong far of Erasure, it's hard for me to parse just what is so unsatisfying on this particular release. Andy's voice, as always, isAs a lifelong far of Erasure, it's hard for me to parse just what is so unsatisfying on this particular release. Andy's voice, as always, is in fine form, but the songs just aren't there. Highlights like album-closer "Just a Little Love" and dreamy club opener "Love You To The Sky" confirm they still have great pop stories to tell, but so much of the album goes by without moving the needle, it's hard to care very much. Where other low-key Erasure albums like Erasure s/t, Union Street, and Nightbird dripped with beautiful melancholy, this one just feels steeped in boredom to me.… Full Review »
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