Yes, It's True
by The Polyphonic Spree
Metascore
63

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
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  1. Classic Rock Magazine
    Oct 23, 2013
    80
    This album skips by far lighter than more ponderous collections like 2004's Together We're Heavy. [Sep 2013, p.88]
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  2. The Independent on Sunday (UK)
    Aug 5, 2013
    80
    With its unrelenting positivity, Yes, It's True sounds like the Flaming Lips fronted by Deepak Chopra, and valiantly courts the daytime radio play that will inevitably elude it.
  3. Uncut
    Aug 5, 2013
    80
    Yes, it's true--this is a great record. [Sep 2013, p.94]
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  5. AllMusic
    Aug 5, 2013
    80
    Though this makes for a different kind of listening experience than fans might be used to, it's one that's ultimately pretty satisfying, feeling like it's not just manifesting the will and desire of the Polyphonic Spree's fans, but also reflecting the mission of brightness and hope that the band has been on for over a decade now.
  6. The A.V. Club
    Aug 6, 2013
    75
    Even with the group’s slight retraction, it’s that madcap sense of wonder and lofty ambition that helps keep Yes, It’s True healthily afloat.
  7. musicOMH.com
    Aug 8, 2013
    70
    For their entire career, The Polyphonic Spree have succeeded not necessarily when they’ve sounded big, but when they’ve been the leader of the pack of the weird. Many of the tracks on Yes, It’s True suggest that the band is thankfully moving back in that direction.
  8. Q Magazine
    Feb 4, 2014
    60
    It's only on a frazzled but euphoric Raise Your Head that DeLaughter achieves the sonic rapture the Spree promised from the outset. [Oct 2013, p.109]
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  9. Mojo
    Sep 20, 2013
    60
    The continuing resemblance of their lyrics to motivational speeches may still grate on non-fans. [Oct 2013, p.88]
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  10. New Musical Express (NME)
    Aug 5, 2013
    60
    As ever, their relentless chirpiness can grate, but the orchestral indulgence has been pared back, giving ringleader Tim DeLaughter’s songwriting room to breathe.
  11. Under The Radar
    Aug 7, 2013
    55
    Yes, It's True has interesting moments, but ultimately makes for an insubstantial and at times deeply vapid experience.
  12. The Line of Best Fit
    Aug 19, 2013
    50
    While it’s likely to be the most enthusiastic record you hear all year, Yes, It’s True is probably the band’s weakest album yet.
  13. Slant Magazine
    Aug 7, 2013
    50
    The album's charms are entirely rooted in the familiar, and while that makes it go down smoothly, it doesn't give one any reason to listen again once the last notes fade away.
  14. Drowned In Sound
    Aug 6, 2013
    50
    On record Yes, It's True feels insubstantial, which is disappointing because when they don't go overboard they can still craft interesting music.
  15. PopMatters
    Aug 5, 2013
    50
    All DeLaughter is left with is this record of weak dos and strong don’ts. DeLaughter can live in the past, but he certainly can’t recreate it.
  16. Record Collector
    Sep 9, 2013
    40
    Yes, It’s True starts out along a rather pedestrian path of nod-along rock-by-numbers.
  17. Austin Chronicle
    Aug 8, 2013
    40
    An inconsistent collection of life-affirming pop that lurches uncomfortably like a 50-year-old twerking at a bar mitzvah.
  18. Consequence
    Aug 5, 2013
    40
    Unlike Rubble Guts & BB Eye, Yes, It’s True never surprises itself with its own excitement.

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User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. WadeVS
    Aug 28, 2013
    7
    On this album The Polyphonic Spree surpass their "novelty band roots" and become a legitimately stable-sounding band with something pertinentOn this album The Polyphonic Spree surpass their "novelty band roots" and become a legitimately stable-sounding band with something pertinent to offer. Their music still drips in sunshine and sweetness, which can be annoying after 11 tracks. But they continue to stand out as a band because of it… Full Review »
  2. heulun
    Aug 9, 2013
    9
    Another wonderfully uplifting album from a very special, yet under rated band. Probably their most refined collection of songs with some someAnother wonderfully uplifting album from a very special, yet under rated band. Probably their most refined collection of songs with some some cool new flavours added to their choral power pop mix. A band that people seem to either love or hate- but loving them is so much more fun!… Full Review »
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