Girls in Peacetime Want to Dance
by Belle and Sebastian
  • Record Label: Matador
  • Release Date: Jan 20, 2015
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 36 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 36
  3. Negative: 0 out of 36
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. Mojo
    Feb 2, 2015
    60
    Those who have stuck with the Glasgow act this far will find much to enjoy here. [Feb 2015, p.90]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. The Telegraph (UK)
    Jan 20, 2015
    60
    Atlanta-based producer Ben H Allen (who has worked with Animal Collective and CeeLo Green) has beefed up their sound, although a taste for clean sonic lines and cheesy keyboards retains a power to grate.
  3. Rolling Stone
    Jan 20, 2015
    60
    Like many songs here, "The Party Line" pairs vaguely political lyrics with vaguely clubby music – an unusual combination for this band, and one that doesn't always work. Thankfully, there are also a handful of inventive standouts.
  5. DIY Magazine
    Jan 14, 2015
    60
    As a record, it lacks a coherent identity.
  6. Clash Music
    Jan 12, 2015
    60
    Since that reboot 12 years ago, they don’t really know what they want to be. So they try all things, and only succeed at some.
  7. Consequence
    Jan 20, 2015
    58
    Even with its stunning, heartfelt moments, it’s hard to think of Girls in Peacetime Want to Dance as a cohesive Belle and Sebastian album. The band manages to blend their signature brand of subdued indie pop with new, bombastic disco cuts, but sometimes the disparity can be jarring.
  8. Sputnikmusic
    Jan 20, 2015
    56
    In trying for everything, they’ve highlighted the disjointedness of the end product, turning a fully-fledged transformation into an erratic collection of middling-to-great Belle & Sebastian songs.
  9. The Quietus
    Feb 4, 2015
    50
    Unfortunately, Girls In Peacetime Want To Dance is the net effect of an effort that goes nowhere at all; and this deviation appears furtive, as if they're trying to hide their beloved quirks from an expanded audience.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 55 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 46 out of 55
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 55
  3. Negative: 1 out of 55
  1. Custom_Concerns
    Jan 20, 2015
    7
    The band's shift in sound worked for the better, but the songwriting itself took a slight hit. The album is a bit too long-winded and fluffy,The band's shift in sound worked for the better, but the songwriting itself took a slight hit. The album is a bit too long-winded and fluffy, but it is still fun… Full Review »
  2. gabrielfobia
    Sep 9, 2016
    9
    The album shows a true growth of the band, exploring different ares of electro pop and synth pop. Some songs, however, are too long, and whenThe album shows a true growth of the band, exploring different ares of electro pop and synth pop. Some songs, however, are too long, and when you listen to the full album it may sound tiring. But, individually, the songs are beautiful and well-arranged.… Full Review »
  3. redaktor
    Jul 24, 2015
    9
    It's not a cohesive album because the old-school B&S songs don't mesh well with the "disco" stuff. I find myself listening to the songs out ofIt's not a cohesive album because the old-school B&S songs don't mesh well with the "disco" stuff. I find myself listening to the songs out of sequence. However, taken individually, they are immensely listenable and enjoyable.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »