A Weekend In The City
by Bloc Party
  • Record Label: Vice
  • Release Date: Feb 6, 2007
User Score
6.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 320 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 211 out of 320
  2. Mixed: 37 out of 320
  3. Negative: 72 out of 320

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  1. JohnB
    Feb 5, 2007
    8
    The first half of A Weekend in the City is better in every aspect compared to the second half. Lyrically, I hear honesty coming from Kele and that is something I can really sympathize with. His words will hit a core with the targeted age group even though they may seem overly simplistic and not so interesting at times. Lyrically and musically Bloc Party tries to create a concept of every The first half of A Weekend in the City is better in every aspect compared to the second half. Lyrically, I hear honesty coming from Kele and that is something I can really sympathize with. His words will hit a core with the targeted age group even though they may seem overly simplistic and not so interesting at times. Lyrically and musically Bloc Party tries to create a concept of every day life in the UK and for that they deserve credit as well as exploring different sounds, leaving behind the dance punk so prevalent on Silent Alarm. This album really shows how far Bloc Party has progressed as well as its beauty with multiple listenings. A Weekend in the City may be overproduced and several songs are misfires, but it is not a failure by any means and it deserves its due respect.… Expand
  2. alanl
    Mar 14, 2007
    8
    Evolution might bother some poeple but for some of us it's fresh air after a long time in the darkness. Bloc Party shows they are more than just a band with dull riffs. A great sentimental album
  3. Sean
    Feb 12, 2007
    8
    This is good. Different from Silent Alarm... but still good. As another reviewer said, it has great energy. I can't understand the negative reviewers, either. Listen for yourself and I think you'll be pleased.
  4. MusicMaven
    Feb 12, 2007
    8
    Bloc Party have lost some of the crackling, live-wire energy displayed on Silent Alarm, but they make up for it with craftsmanship and skill. The songs strike a balance between direct political broadsides and introspective personal reflections. The album as a whole takes a few listens to really appreciate, which may be why the initial reaction has been mixed. While this may not be the Bloc Party have lost some of the crackling, live-wire energy displayed on Silent Alarm, but they make up for it with craftsmanship and skill. The songs strike a balance between direct political broadsides and introspective personal reflections. The album as a whole takes a few listens to really appreciate, which may be why the initial reaction has been mixed. While this may not be the near-masterpiece Silent Alarm was, it's a fine album in its own right, and miles ahead of most of their contemporaries. It would definitely have made my top ten albums list for last year -- and I'm guessing it probably will this year, too.… Expand
  5. amelia
    Mar 22, 2007
    8
    excellent follow up to silent alarm. some fans may feel its too different - less of the rock sound that penetrated silent alarm. i however love to see a band experiment and grow, as bloc party clearly has. love it. hope you all do too!
  6. Ricko
    Aug 21, 2016
    8
    A loose concept album based on life in London, this is a solid follow up to their excellent debut Silent Alarm, showing lots of ambition and progress but still packing in the tunes. "A Weekend In The City" has all the ingredients that made the bands debut so enjoyable, and in many places expands and improves on it. Having said this, while Kele's vocals have improved, his lyrics here areA loose concept album based on life in London, this is a solid follow up to their excellent debut Silent Alarm, showing lots of ambition and progress but still packing in the tunes. "A Weekend In The City" has all the ingredients that made the bands debut so enjoyable, and in many places expands and improves on it. Having said this, while Kele's vocals have improved, his lyrics here are at times cringeworthy. Sometimes they work and to be fair they do sound very personal and you have to give credit to him for attempting to wear his heart on his sleeve, but most of the time it's close to poor teenage poetry. On the surface they are fine and probably dont take away from the record, unfortunately I listened a bit too carefully. Musically excellent though and a record that has aged well especially when stood next to their later material.… Expand
  7. NobodyDream
    Feb 20, 2021
    8
    An amazing album after all but in my opinion with songs like "Hunting For Withches" or "Flux" the feeling of the album to be some melancholic and sadnnes seems to be overshadowed but NOT making it worst, only mixing feeling, which some may find confusing, normal or terrible. But for me it's perfect in the way it is. The feeling of leaving things behind, to understand life, to overthinkAn amazing album after all but in my opinion with songs like "Hunting For Withches" or "Flux" the feeling of the album to be some melancholic and sadnnes seems to be overshadowed but NOT making it worst, only mixing feeling, which some may find confusing, normal or terrible. But for me it's perfect in the way it is. The feeling of leaving things behind, to understand life, to overthink memories; that's what "A Weekend In The City" means to me a travel to the past. And yeah the rating is quite low, is not the best album of the world but not as bad as they say… Expand
  8. pierreb
    Feb 11, 2007
    7
    It's like sex and like pizza. Even if it's bad, it's still pretty good. I agree with a lot of listeners: the production is rubbish. I think the album is a mix of Bloc Party B-sides, the weakest album of U2 and the least tracks on the Silent Alarm remix album. Further it contains 2 or three tracks that outstand. But hey, that;s still pretty good!
  9. SteveO
    Feb 9, 2007
    7
    Bloc Party's freshman effort, Silent Alarm, set the bar very high. It's not to say that we, the listening public, couldn't hope for more greatness from the promising Brit indie/pop group, but it's certainly unfair to expect it. By comparison, A Weekend in the City is not nearly as good as its predecessor, but when judged on the same scale as other albums, and not Bloc Party's freshman effort, Silent Alarm, set the bar very high. It's not to say that we, the listening public, couldn't hope for more greatness from the promising Brit indie/pop group, but it's certainly unfair to expect it. By comparison, A Weekend in the City is not nearly as good as its predecessor, but when judged on the same scale as other albums, and not merely compared with Silent Alarm, it still stands out as a solid effort. What's even more commendable is that Bloc Party weren't trying to create a continuation of their first effort as so many other bands are guilty of doing. Kele and company instead set out to make a fresh sound while not alienating the following they had earned from Silent Alarm. The new album is at times energetic, anthemic, and contemplative. But to be fair, the second half loses the youthfulness and a lot of the egde for which we love Bloc Party. In the end, Bloc Party should get a pat on the back for trying a different direction and for creating a good, if not great, album.… Expand
  10. joris
    Feb 9, 2007
    7
    Good but a disappointment after Silent Alarm. Standouts are the beautiful KREUZBERG, THE PRAYER, UNIFORM and SONG FOR CLAY. While I wasn't expecting a Silent Alarm II, this just lacks the energy, creativity and the excitement of its predeccesor. It's almost Bloc Party goes U2 sometimes and that's definitely not meant as a compliment... HUNTING FOR WITCHES is the only Silent Good but a disappointment after Silent Alarm. Standouts are the beautiful KREUZBERG, THE PRAYER, UNIFORM and SONG FOR CLAY. While I wasn't expecting a Silent Alarm II, this just lacks the energy, creativity and the excitement of its predeccesor. It's almost Bloc Party goes U2 sometimes and that's definitely not meant as a compliment... HUNTING FOR WITCHES is the only Silent Alarm-esque song, but is only half as good as let's say Heliopter, Like Eating Glass or Banquet in my opinion... I find the first 8 tracks varying from very good to great, but quite boring ballad-like songs as Sunday and I Still Remember should have been replaced by something more energetic, again that's what this album misses. SXRT however is a good one, kind of Bloc Party goes Elbow... 7,5/10… Expand
  11. BenS
    May 20, 2007
    7
    The previous reviewer claims that Bloc Party fans merely represent those who have grown out of Blink 182, is there any truth in this statement? Blink 182, let's not forget, were a truly hideous band, releasing album after album of puerile immaturity, and then suddenly becoming serious in the apex of their career. Sadly, when they realised that their fanbase was moving on, they The previous reviewer claims that Bloc Party fans merely represent those who have grown out of Blink 182, is there any truth in this statement? Blink 182, let's not forget, were a truly hideous band, releasing album after album of puerile immaturity, and then suddenly becoming serious in the apex of their career. Sadly, when they realised that their fanbase was moving on, they released their eponymous album, a collection of dirges that managed to wipe away all the dregs of fun that may have once clung to them. This, of course, left Blink 182 fans slightly confused. Adolescent teenagers the lot of them, they were undergoing the tortous effects of muddled hormones and youthful alienation, but could not connect with middle aged men whining about ghosts, tidal waves and broken relationships. Where now do they go? Well, maybe they would hear a Bloc Party song; full of the melody and longing, and yet blessed with intelligence, musicianship and true passion. These teenagers have grown up with Blink 182, and have found their adolescent fantasies crushed, and therefore the confusion and alienation would connect with them. Here, truly, was a band for them. Then comes 'A Weekend In The City', an album with a wider scope, one that moves their perspectives from themselves and onto the wider world, a place of similar confusion. It is not all alienation and world-wearyness however, as songs such as the glorious 'I Still Remember' give a true anthem of love and longing, that is poignant but hopeful, and will move a generation weaned on pranks and bestiality onto genuine emotion..........of course, that may all be rubbish but it's interesting to speculate.… Expand
  12. Bezus
    Feb 13, 2007
    7
    good album..i agree with most..not as good as the first album but still alot of fun....a little over produced....kinda like the rough sound of the first album....gives it charecter...but overal the lyrics are lacking but the music is still jsut as jumpy.....would recomend hearing for yourself before purchase.
  13. jeffs
    Feb 5, 2007
    7
    More like a 6.5, but it's way way better than the leaked version. Unfortunately it's too often sappy and sentimental, like most of these reviews will tell you, but when it gets its groove.. it's like we're right back in 2004.
  14. MCF
    Apr 28, 2007
    7
    Slightly dissapointed, but it is better than any other crap out there. Silent Alarm set the bar way too high. This album has "Cabernet" potential and can improve over time. Still one of the best live acts to emerge in the last few years.
  15. ughnicewatch
    May 12, 2015
    7
    If you are able to detach your preconceptions about Bloc Party based on Silent Alarm, this emerges as an imaginative, attention-grabbing and genuinely strong release.
  16. DecepticonPom
    Mar 12, 2007
    6
    Musically, it's like one of those dreams where - BRILLIANT! - you're Superman. But you can't actually fly properly or take off...
  17. MattH
    Feb 9, 2007
    6
    To be honest, I think it's the users here who've gone off-base and the critics who've got it right. The album might be a change in direction, sure, but it's just not interesting. Whilst there are good songs (I particularly enjoy Song For Clay, The Prayer and Uniform), the rest of the bunch are fairly weak by comparison and some - Waiting For The 7:18, Sunday and SXRT - To be honest, I think it's the users here who've gone off-base and the critics who've got it right. The album might be a change in direction, sure, but it's just not interesting. Whilst there are good songs (I particularly enjoy Song For Clay, The Prayer and Uniform), the rest of the bunch are fairly weak by comparison and some - Waiting For The 7:18, Sunday and SXRT - are nothing but dull-as-dishwater album filler materlal. The thing that made Silent Alarm great was that it bristled with energy and anger. The way Helicopter, Banquet, Positive Tension and Luno built up and exploded was fantastic. Only in sparse moments does A Weekend In The City match that kind of energy, and it's no coincidence that those moments are the ones fans seem to be enjoying the most. I would agree with it being a grower, and it grew on me. This time last week I would have given it a 4. Despite the good moments though, I can't help but be seriously disappointed by an album which should have been much better.… Expand
  18. HotChip
    Feb 6, 2007
    6
    His 'philosophical' themes. Quite. Bad teenage poetry set to passable music.
  19. matth
    Feb 7, 2007
    6
    Huge step backward for the band. An example of the sophomore slump of nearly "Sam's Town" proportions. Middle-of-the-road music and preachy lyrics. If this sounds like your cup of tea, by all means rush out to buy this one.
  20. BobA
    Feb 9, 2007
    6
    Definitely a step back for Bloc Party. I thought the first half was quite good - a natural progression of their sound to something a little slinkier, slicker, sexier (albeit at the expense of the immediacy and energy that made Silent Alarm so addictive). But things fell apart towards the end, when they started to settle for some pretty plain and forgettable arrangements. I sort of get the Definitely a step back for Bloc Party. I thought the first half was quite good - a natural progression of their sound to something a little slinkier, slicker, sexier (albeit at the expense of the immediacy and energy that made Silent Alarm so addictive). But things fell apart towards the end, when they started to settle for some pretty plain and forgettable arrangements. I sort of get the impression that they miscalculated their strengths and weaknesses: Kele Okereke is a good vocalist on the more bombastic numbers, but he's NOT a good crooner. His vocals have lost a lot of their bite. And the de-emphasis of the rhythm section on some of the numbers was also disappointing, although drummer Matt Tong gets a chance to shine on several numbers. Expecting another album of Silent Alarm-quality may have been unreasonable, but this isn't even close. Still a worthwhile listen, but pretty forgettable.… Expand
  21. GaryM.
    Feb 9, 2007
    6
    The problem with this album is that I have no idea what direction Bloc Party wants to head towards to. But, by no means is this a Fall Out Boy (yuck!), or any other of those s*****y bands, kind of album. So, I'm not really recommending that you buy it or not. Decisions, decisions... Well, check out "Song For Clay (Disappear Here)" and/or "I Still Remember" and judge for yourself. If The problem with this album is that I have no idea what direction Bloc Party wants to head towards to. But, by no means is this a Fall Out Boy (yuck!), or any other of those s*****y bands, kind of album. So, I'm not really recommending that you buy it or not. Decisions, decisions... Well, check out "Song For Clay (Disappear Here)" and/or "I Still Remember" and judge for yourself. If they don't really appeal, then Bloc Party has got a big problem on their hands.… Expand
  22. LukeM
    Feb 15, 2007
    6
    I was a huge fan and consider this album a big disappointment. The first album was fun, catchy, and different - this one's just different. Except for "Hunting for Witches" this album is a inundated with the slow/mysterious whiny-voiced ballads that only took up a couple tracks on the debut (and were a welcome change of pace). This album strives to be more serious - "hey lets start I was a huge fan and consider this album a big disappointment. The first album was fun, catchy, and different - this one's just different. Except for "Hunting for Witches" this album is a inundated with the slow/mysterious whiny-voiced ballads that only took up a couple tracks on the debut (and were a welcome change of pace). This album strives to be more serious - "hey lets start the song slow for 3 minutes, and then suddenly pick up the pace!" - but falls flat.… Expand
  23. davim
    May 2, 2015
    6
    For Bloc Party, following up their seminal debut album 'Silent Alarm' was always going to be a challenge. After only two years out of the limelight, 'A Weekend in The City' was released in early 2007. The album definitely sees a progression in Bloc Party's music. It's quite impressive how much they matured musically in just a two year period, with a much more electronically driven soundFor Bloc Party, following up their seminal debut album 'Silent Alarm' was always going to be a challenge. After only two years out of the limelight, 'A Weekend in The City' was released in early 2007. The album definitely sees a progression in Bloc Party's music. It's quite impressive how much they matured musically in just a two year period, with a much more electronically driven sound than 'Silent Alarm'. Despite some notable high points with the music however, it's certainly the lyrics that let this album down. Kyle Okereke trying to be almost too realistic in a lot of these songs, and almost comes across as cringeworthy at times. After getting off to a fairly reasonable start with 'Songs for Clay (Disappear Here)', 'Hunting for Witches' and 'Uniform', the album is somewhat let down by a collection of very weak songs towards its latter stages such as 'Where Is Home', 'Kreuzberg' and 'Sunday'.

    One particular bright spark; the single 'Flux' which was part of the re-release is one of the best songs Bloc Party ever produced. An electronically driven indie classic. Unfortunately, the same can't be said for the entire album, but writing another album which was up to the standards of 'Silent Alarm' was always going to be a challenge in itself.    … Expand
  24. Alex
    Feb 6, 2007
    5
    This is absolute bordedom compared to Silent Alarm. Nothing Impressive.
  25. AndyC
    Mar 7, 2007
    5
    A massive dissappointment - rather than build on the promise of Silent Alarm, Bloc Party have come back with an album that for the most part is a dour, self-indulgent, unlistenable shambles.
  26. RaphaelE
    Feb 15, 2007
    5
    Very average album, couple of good songs but rest are instantly forgettable. Not one I'll copy for the car, probably one for ebay!
  27. JasonC.
    Feb 5, 2007
    5
    I realize that they have to "mature" and that some people think that any objections to this album are ignorant because they don't recognize some sort of growth. I'm all for maturing but this is just boring. The melodies are unbelievably similar from song to song and the energy of classics like "Positive Tension" is nowhere to be found. There are definitely redeeming moments, in I realize that they have to "mature" and that some people think that any objections to this album are ignorant because they don't recognize some sort of growth. I'm all for maturing but this is just boring. The melodies are unbelievably similar from song to song and the energy of classics like "Positive Tension" is nowhere to be found. There are definitely redeeming moments, in which the epic brit-pop sound works somehow, but this is generally a really dragging bunch of songs that is only made cohesive by the fact that they all sound the same.… Expand
  28. Pfttt
    Feb 5, 2007
    5
    I can't "fail" Bloccers for this because Silent Alarm was so good...but when I heard that poxy bonus track after SA's intial release "Two More Years " I became very worried about the production values of AWITC. Sure enough, from Kele's contrived vocal intro on Song for Clay...my stomach churned. This is U2-esque overproduced pap; any goodness is completely overshadowed by I can't "fail" Bloccers for this because Silent Alarm was so good...but when I heard that poxy bonus track after SA's intial release "Two More Years " I became very worried about the production values of AWITC. Sure enough, from Kele's contrived vocal intro on Song for Clay...my stomach churned. This is U2-esque overproduced pap; any goodness is completely overshadowed by Kele's inability to sing well and what has to be the most pretentious bag of lyrics I've ever hear. They even voxed some of the lyrics for crying out loud. Whereas I waited until U2's "All That You Can't Leave Behind" (which turned out be everything!) to switch them off, I get the feeling it may start here with Bloc Party - no longer my beloved Bloccers! They'll probably have a best of out next year!!!… Expand
  29. Mr.Hankey
    Feb 5, 2007
    5
    Silent Alarm wasn't on the menu, I didn't want it anyway. A Weekend in the City is a mediocre mess of glitchy trance pop and distorted '80s synth prog. Yes, it sounds different than their impressive debut but that doesn't mean that it's as good or even close.
  30. MusicNut
    Apr 25, 2007
    5
    Doesn't touch Silent Alarm...
  31. LeroyB.
    Aug 15, 2008
    4
    Kele's vocals have been brought to the forefront of the arrangements....... big mistake! , the guy cant sing particularly well and his lyrics are laughable. When Kele's not singing the band are at their best. Awesome drummer , great lead guitarist , why aren't they building they're songs around these things?
  32. DP
    Feb 8, 2007
    4
    Gone are the visceral guitar riffs, explosive drums and Keles' uplifting stream of consciousness lyrics. In come a pedestrian pace and overwrought lyrical musings. RIP Helicopter, Banquet, She's hearing voices.
  33. BoM
    May 10, 2007
    4
    What happened guys? Silent alarm was right on the mark: energetic, powerful, and crisp. Weekend in the City is boring, self-important, and whiny. Where did the simplistic genius go? Why does this new album remind me of 9th grade? When was the turning point where Okereke decided that he would strain his voice beyond hideous IN EVERY FREEKIN SONG!?! If he wanted his vocals to sound like What happened guys? Silent alarm was right on the mark: energetic, powerful, and crisp. Weekend in the City is boring, self-important, and whiny. Where did the simplistic genius go? Why does this new album remind me of 9th grade? When was the turning point where Okereke decided that he would strain his voice beyond hideous IN EVERY FREEKIN SONG!?! If he wanted his vocals to sound like hoobastank, then I guess he made it to the big leagues… Expand
  34. Andy
    Feb 7, 2007
    4
    So disappointing. The lyrics are just downright cheesy at some points and evey song sounds like they're trying to create some sort of epic masterpiece. It comes off pretentious and dull. What happened to their pop sensibilities?
  35. BryanW
    Feb 9, 2007
    4
    Serious disappointment, esp. after seeing them absolutely kill it at McCarren Pool in Bklyn this summer.
  36. ScottI
    Feb 21, 2007
    4
    The album is either too quiet or too bombastic. I personally can't find much beauty in Okereke's voice either - he doesn't enunciate or have much eloquence/subtlety. Their louder, more intense tracks work for the most part. Hunting for Witches is a highlight and there are some other songs that have a nice driving riff. But this is a very inconsistent and a sloppy second The album is either too quiet or too bombastic. I personally can't find much beauty in Okereke's voice either - he doesn't enunciate or have much eloquence/subtlety. Their louder, more intense tracks work for the most part. Hunting for Witches is a highlight and there are some other songs that have a nice driving riff. But this is a very inconsistent and a sloppy second outing for Bloc Party.… Expand
  37. ColbyS
    Feb 8, 2007
    4
    Damn you, Jacknife Lee. I am a die-hard Bloc Party fan, won over by their amazing Silent Alarm. Leave it to Jacknife Lee to go screwing around with something that already worked beautifully. He did it to another of my favorites, Snow Patrol, turning them from vibrant, rough-edged indie to sappy, overplayed radio pop. I almost fell asleep listening to this. I'm not saying Bloc Party Damn you, Jacknife Lee. I am a die-hard Bloc Party fan, won over by their amazing Silent Alarm. Leave it to Jacknife Lee to go screwing around with something that already worked beautifully. He did it to another of my favorites, Snow Patrol, turning them from vibrant, rough-edged indie to sappy, overplayed radio pop. I almost fell asleep listening to this. I'm not saying Bloc Party doesn't make good slow songs, but there should be a balance, perfectly evidenced by Silent Alarm. Why would he (and I'm assuming it was Lee, he being the producer and all) try to twist Kele's amazing, character-filled yelp into a soft, crooning whimper for an entire album? The formidable wiry guitar work of Russell Lissack is masked as background when it should be showcased; it's what won myself and many other fans over with the first album. In short, I'm near-incensed-- not at the band, but at the producer. They were herded away from their roots to be more "accessible"? If accessible means weak sauce, I understand completely. I'm expecting later work they're capable of. The only songs I enjoyed were The Prayer and the two bonus tracks, Once and Future King and Secrets.… Expand
  38. JermA
    May 25, 2007
    4
    Who the fuck are these 10's? People are really rating this album 10/10? On the flip side this album is shitty, but it doesn't deserve a 0/10. I would rate it a 5 or maybe even a 6 because the music is decent. Unfortunately Bloc Party's last album was so great that in comparison A Weekend in The City gets a 4.
  39. matt
    Mar 14, 2007
    4
    so disappointing after their first record, typicl sophomore screw ups - over produced, etc...
  40. altmex
    Mar 25, 2021
    4
    Thanks to "Song for Clay" and "Hunting for Witches", this album is not entirely horrible, but the rest of it is bad, plain and simple. The lyrics are cringy, the vibes are strange. I've genuinely tried to like this album many times but as soon as track #3 starts, I feel genuine desire to experience silence rather than this record. If you were attracted by Silent Alarm, like I was, this isThanks to "Song for Clay" and "Hunting for Witches", this album is not entirely horrible, but the rest of it is bad, plain and simple. The lyrics are cringy, the vibes are strange. I've genuinely tried to like this album many times but as soon as track #3 starts, I feel genuine desire to experience silence rather than this record. If you were attracted by Silent Alarm, like I was, this is a disappointment.… Expand
  41. PG
    Feb 12, 2007
    3
    This album is awful, totally overhyped by the NME as usual, its good to see such a low rating on here, its no more than it deserves. The lyrics make me cringe, both guitarist are cheap jonny greenwood rip offs. Argh, english music is so poor at the moment
  42. CharlesB
    Feb 10, 2007
    3
    A deception follow-up.
  43. aliciam
    Feb 12, 2007
    3
    I hated this album.
  44. ClaudeM
    Feb 9, 2007
    3
    I didn't like the way the they turns on.
  45. JC
    Apr 4, 2007
    3
    Loved the first album - was one of the best of 2005 but this is awful. Upon the first few listens I hoped it might grow on me but it is just as cack now as it was then. A poor follow-up full of it's own self-importance.
  46. luiggi
    Feb 17, 2007
    3
    im disappointed. Silent Alarm was much better. I'm just sad right now.
  47. GigiL
    Feb 26, 2007
    3
    Was really looking forward to this album as I loved Silent Alarm. There are absolutely no stand out songs on the album and lyrically is far weaker than it's predecessor. They seem to have lost the sound that made them endearing in the first place.
  48. Jenna
    Feb 7, 2007
    3
    Let me just preface this by saying that Silent Alarm was one of my three favorite records of 2004. It just had a certain, I dunno, flair that elevated every single song to dance-anthem status if that exists. But on A Weekend... they just shoot for anthem status and fall awfully short. I've tried to will myself in to liking it but it's not something I'll likely ever revisit.
  49. AlexD
    Mar 13, 2007
    3
    A huge disappointment. Kele tries too hard for a Bono persona, and the end result is an overly pretentious set of sub-par songs. I loved Silent Alarm, but this album doesn't do it for me.
  50. MaxC
    Feb 8, 2007
    2
    Just two songs are good in this record, Hunting for the Witches and On, the rest is rubbish.
  51. FredM
    Feb 9, 2007
    2
    This album really has a serious problem of listen to.
  52. RobertN
    Feb 9, 2007
    2
    what ever happened to bloc party? Hard to swallow.
  53. DaBears
    May 10, 2007
    2
    I don
  54. ChrisT.
    Aug 29, 2007
    2
    The Prayer = 8 The Rest = 1
  55. fredh
    Feb 14, 2007
    2
    poor record. very disappointing.
  56. KatheeR
    Feb 7, 2007
    2
    A disappointed sophomore Album.
  57. Jahar
    Mar 28, 2007
    2
    Blah blah blah. This singer has some serious vocal issues. Not enjoyable to listen to at all. The only thing keeping this band afloat is the sound of the guitars.
  58. VincentH
    Mar 19, 2007
    2
    I tried...dammit I tried, but this album just doesn't have the tunes to stand the test of time. I hoped that maybe it would get better with repeated listenings (like the new Shins or Of Montreal LP's), but unfortunately that's not the case. Even after one accepts the fact that this is not going to be anything similar to "Silent Alarm", and opens his/her mind totally to the I tried...dammit I tried, but this album just doesn't have the tunes to stand the test of time. I hoped that maybe it would get better with repeated listenings (like the new Shins or Of Montreal LP's), but unfortunately that's not the case. Even after one accepts the fact that this is not going to be anything similar to "Silent Alarm", and opens his/her mind totally to the new sounds and directions of the band, the songs still just don't stick. The album is not without its singular values (interesting variety of subjects, much more ambitious and spacey production, denser lyrics, etc.), but none of that really matters if you are not writing good songs. And Bloc Party is not writing good songs right now. I honestly am very saddened by this record because it makes me think that perhaps this band was just a one-album wonder, a group of guys who really only had one great album in them, and nothing more to offer. That may sound harsh, but this album really has nothing to offer listeners. It is a chore to sit through and like the new Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, it shows a once-great band trying new things and (seemingly) forgetting what made them great in the first place. Silent Alarm will be a masterpiece forever though.… Expand
  59. celsos
    Feb 10, 2007
    1
    Where is the Bloc Party from Silent Alarm?? This cd is boring....sorry
  60. ToddRundgren
    Feb 8, 2007
    1
    "A Weekend in the City"s got nothing on "Bert's Blockbusters."
  61. AdamF
    Feb 22, 2007
    1
    What an utter disappointment. Perhaps it's unfair to compare this effort to Silent Alarm, but this is such a step back for a great band. You keep waiting for the punch that never comes. "I Still Remember" is the only decent track on this album. I can't believe I waited two years for this.
  62. MattW
    Feb 8, 2007
    1
    All efforts ends in a hole.
  63. CarlJ
    Feb 10, 2007
    0
    The worst album of the year, horrible.
  64. MarkW
    Feb 7, 2007
    0
    The worst album of the year, Bloc Party turns to a Emo band now, unfortunately.
  65. CarlosV
    Feb 8, 2007
    0
    Their effort went for nothing. Wait their third album, horrible record, I didn't recommend to my worst enemy. This sux a lot.
  66. AleonM
    Feb 8, 2007
    0
    Maybe the worst record of 2007 so far.
  67. KristinW
    Feb 9, 2007
    0
    bad energy, dull lyrics and a horrible unity.
  68. NancyP
    Feb 11, 2007
    0
    Bloc EMO Party
  69. BettyK
    Feb 12, 2007
    0
    the worst record of the year.
  70. JackK
    Feb 10, 2007
    0
    waste of money and time.
  71. JustinW
    Feb 7, 2007
    0
    The most disappointed album of the year, they turns an EMO band, that is horrrible.
  72. AmandaC
    Feb 7, 2007
    0
    Don't wast your money in this album, is a waste of time, I'l sell mine after the deception emo album.
  73. WallyM
    Feb 8, 2007
    0
    Bloc Party lost one more fan with this horrible album
  74. RobbieW
    Feb 8, 2007
    0
    We don't need this album! For what? Only to put in the garbage.
  75. MarciaI
    Feb 8, 2007
    0
    I'm very disappointed with this record, silent alarm is much better. Not even one good song in the record.
  76. EmilyH
    Feb 8, 2007
    0
    I liked "Silent Alarm" but the last record is the worst thing I've ever heard in my life. Terrible.
  77. RachelE
    Feb 8, 2007
    0
    The worst effort of Bloc Party until now.
  78. BernardH
    Feb 8, 2007
    0
    They had the ambitions to be huge and bigger with this album like U2 and Coldplay, though they didn't good enough to reach the rock stars. Dull songs and Tracks. They appear to reach an EMO status.
  79. RickA
    Feb 9, 2007
    0
    A disappointed new album.
  80. MikeW
    Mar 1, 2007
    0
    The worst and pretentious album of the year, they now forget your indie roots and wanna be Coldplay or any Panic at The disco kind emo band. To the garbage.
  81. RogerM
    Feb 7, 2007
    0
    I'm very disappoint with this album, the look likes another band, I don't know what happened to them. Boring songs, long lyrics about her sexual life. Who cares? I like Bloc Party like in Silence Alarm, dance and party, listen just once and I forget it. Worst album of 2007.
  82. ZekeM
    Feb 7, 2007
    0
    There isn't a good song in the album, ridiculous.
  83. MarkS
    Feb 7, 2007
    0
    I Hated this album, just crappy songs and dull lyrics. They're not an indie band anymore, now they are an EMO band.
  84. PeteU
    Feb 7, 2007
    0
    Bloc Party is another band, the worst album of the year so far.
  85. RobertS
    Feb 7, 2007
    0
    They don't dance anymore, slow album, ambitious and dull songs.
  86. PattiH
    Feb 8, 2007
    0
    a disaster.
  87. FaniM
    Feb 8, 2007
    0
    Odiei o album, achei uma porcaria! A trash!
  88. FaniO
    Feb 9, 2007
    0
    One word: Deception
  89. JamieN
    Feb 9, 2007
    0
    Klaxons give us what the Bloc Party did not do this year. Tedious sound, I don't care about her sexual life, I wanna Party!!
  90. JordanH.
    Jun 6, 2007
    0
    Fuck you Jerm this gets a 0. Maybe a 10 if I was trying to wean myself from bestiality.
  91. MarkG.
    Sep 15, 2008
    0
    Horrible, emo album!!!!!!
  92. MarkS.
    Nov 6, 2007
    0
    The worst record of the decade.
  93. MarianneW
    Feb 11, 2007
    0
    It's a crash in the band run.
  94. MattZ
    Feb 13, 2007
    0
    The worst album of the decade.
  95. James
    Feb 13, 2007
    0
    Even worse than their first. Their first had a few good tracks, this is even more flat. Avoid!
  96. RaffW
    Feb 17, 2007
    0
    An Emo Album, this album is ridiculous and pose.
  97. JustinF
    Feb 18, 2007
    0
    Creepy emo album.
  98. JamesW
    Feb 26, 2007
    0
    Not necessary to release this crap, Kaiser Chiefes did much better than this horrible emo brit record.
  99. MacyW
    Feb 7, 2007
    0
    Waste of money, don't spend your time on this. Horrible songs.
  100. NormaW
    Feb 7, 2007
    0
    The deception of the year.
Page:

Awards & Rankings

9
#9 Most Discussed Album of 2007
88
#88 Most Shared Album of 2007

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
65

Generally favorable reviews - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 30
  3. Negative: 0 out of 30
  1. Observer Music Monthly
    60
    Those hoping to be converted are likely still to doubt the 'voice of a generation' tag.
    Read full review
  2. Under The Radar
    80
    It's a given that some people will miss the raucous Bloc Party, but there are enough in-your-face moments and hidden gems to keep A Weekend In The City on regular rotation. [#16, p.90]
  3. Urb
    70
    A post-electronica, post-rave production that jettisons genres and cherishes uncut creativity. [Jan/Feb 2007, p.77]
See all critic reviews »