How Did We Get So Dark?
by Royal Blood
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 102 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 77 out of 102
  2. Mixed: 19 out of 102
  3. Negative: 6 out of 102
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  1. TheAverageNerd
    Jun 16, 2017
    9
    A genuine treat to listen to. A much more refined sound when compared to the first album and some slight variation on the formula they gained notoriety for with their first album. It is essentially more of the same, but that's not always a bad thing; especially when it sounds as good as it does. Here's hoping that their next album mixes up their established sound a little bit more, butA genuine treat to listen to. A much more refined sound when compared to the first album and some slight variation on the formula they gained notoriety for with their first album. It is essentially more of the same, but that's not always a bad thing; especially when it sounds as good as it does. Here's hoping that their next album mixes up their established sound a little bit more, but this album is still a great listen.… Expand
  2. ADAWGWV89205
    Jun 19, 2017
    10
    Sophomore jinx? I think NOT! Another excellent display of brutal rock and roll. I like when a band challenges themselves and attempts to do something different They deserve this 10.
  3. Bookmaster
    Jun 17, 2017
    9
    As a followup to their self titled album, How Did We Get So Dark feels like their first genuine step forward as a band. From front to back, every song is presented with new, refreshing ideas, and brutally satisfying songs. The title track shows the character of their songs expanding to include vaster chords with layering vocal harmonies to make very interesting sounds, and a genuine funAs a followup to their self titled album, How Did We Get So Dark feels like their first genuine step forward as a band. From front to back, every song is presented with new, refreshing ideas, and brutally satisfying songs. The title track shows the character of their songs expanding to include vaster chords with layering vocal harmonies to make very interesting sounds, and a genuine fun time. Lights Out has been my favorite jam waiting for this album to come out, with its dramatic break downs and desperate vocals. I Only Lie When I Love You is a fine simple jam, though one of the weaker tracks. She's Creeping starts out grating but reveals complexity as the idea keeps layering up to make something worthwhile by the time of the last verse. Look Like You Know continues to show the sound of the band expanding beyond, adding more satisfying layering and style. The vocals and spooky little guitar add so much, and this is one of their best breakdowns. Where Are You Now is fast, easy to move to, and luckily doesn't drop on the building up they've done on the guitar harmonies. Don't Tell is probably the least remarkable song on the album, but still offers a nice little listen in between all the more frantic and demanding songs. Case in point, Hook Line and Sinker. This tune demands head banging hard enough to break your neck. Structurally it is as simplistic as some of my less favorite songs on this album, but rules what it does hard. A song to rock to. Hole In Your Heart is the song that convinces me the most that this is a band to watch. The new sounds they incorporate into their style are so nice, and it is very satisfying to hear their range expand. The outro is so massive and epic, that by the end when the electric piano comes back it feels like a satisfying exhale. And with Sleep, we get a fine outro with a steady jam with a dramatic chord progression, and a downer, long sustain, of an ending. Easily, one of my favorites of the year.… Expand
  4. stgrunu
    Apr 4, 2018
    9
    I originally gave it a 7 but with time this album just gets better and I love listening to this one better than their debut.
  5. gilsimcha10
    Jan 5, 2018
    8
    this was a very good album in many ways,every song was good in his own way and i just rockd the hell out of my life.

    FAV TRACKS;all of the album

    85/100
    8.5/10
  6. Orli_Aguilar
    Jun 21, 2017
    8
    Es divertido, convincente y suena bien con todos sus muy disfrutables tracks. Quizá no con todo el potencial contenido que uno detecta en ellos y espera al oír este álbum.
  7. Radpandas
    Aug 28, 2017
    10
    They are honing they're formulaic yet outrageously 'awesome' sound whilst adding sufficient development to prove they're are no 'one trick pony'. Recommended.
  8. GrayMatter
    Sep 20, 2017
    8
    The only band that is trying to prevent the further demise of hard rock. Royal Blood followed their debut album with another telling and infectious body of work. It's an album that can be played over and over again. It took me a while to truly hear the songs and make sense of them, but the more I listened the quicker I realized How Did We Get So Dark let listeners know not to turn theThe only band that is trying to prevent the further demise of hard rock. Royal Blood followed their debut album with another telling and infectious body of work. It's an album that can be played over and over again. It took me a while to truly hear the songs and make sense of them, but the more I listened the quicker I realized How Did We Get So Dark let listeners know not to turn the lights out. This album possess a much more mature and refined sound, while still managing to hang onto the powerful, aggressive attitude that captured the attention of rock fans. The riffs, the grit and the bashing tones are all still there, Royal Blood has simply created a greater dimension for their song writing with a greater incorporation of melodies. The album sounds just as good live as it does recorded and it isn't often an artist can replicate the same quality on stage. Lead singer Mike Kerr's poise is something to be admired. He sings with attitude and elegance. His voice is captivating and he pulls you into the record. There might not be a better drummer around right now than Ben Thatcher. He is powerful, he is bashing and makes his presence known. It may be a two man band but you'd never know it. His solos and drum fills take the album to a new level and show the development of Thatcher's style. He beats the hell out of his drums and that's how it should stay. The only flaw comes from the length of the album. Just over a half hour long the album feels condensed and a little repetitive. It can leave you wanting more. Moreover, it is still a 10 track listing of fine-tuned, energetic songs that are sure to capture the attention of any rock fan. Royal Blood is a band that will continue to evolve and How Did We Get So Dark is the beginning of the new realm for hard rock.… Expand
  9. Clint_Eastwood1
    Nov 9, 2017
    7
    Хороший альбом добротной инди-рок группы Royal Blood,В этом альбоме нет ничего сверхъестественного это просто хороший альбом который сделан по всем канонам рока и который способен показать на что способны два человека если тщательно работать над музыкой.Хороший альбом добротной инди-рок группы Royal Blood,В этом альбоме нет ничего сверхъестественного это просто хороший альбом который сделан по всем канонам рока и который способен показать на что способны два человека если тщательно работать над музыкой.
  10. musicobsessed
    Mar 8, 2018
    7
    a brilliant second effort, absolutely flawless album from start to finish, but it isn't quite as good as their debut
  11. thatdanner
    May 13, 2019
    10
    This album is easily one of my favorites, ever, Though I loved their first album, I personally believe this one outdoes it in almost every way. Though only using a drum kit and bass, they manage to make every song sound different, somehow. They can go from wonky beats like "She's Creeping" to hardcore riffs like "Hook, Line and Sinker". The amount of talent it must take to think of geniusThis album is easily one of my favorites, ever, Though I loved their first album, I personally believe this one outdoes it in almost every way. Though only using a drum kit and bass, they manage to make every song sound different, somehow. They can go from wonky beats like "She's Creeping" to hardcore riffs like "Hook, Line and Sinker". The amount of talent it must take to think of genius songs like this is incredible. Not to mention, they sound fantastic too. There isn't a song on the album I'd skip. Every form of rock they attempt for this album is absolutely amazing; the whole thing was nailed. Not to mention, the guitar solos in nearly every song are superb; on the same level as other guitar greats. Even the lyrics--though one of the weaker parts--are witty and quirky, albeit a bit similar. All in all, whether you're a fan of rock or not, this album is worth a try just because of its sheer inventiveness. I can only hope their next album lives up to the standard set by this fantastic one.… Expand
  12. Coldshot91
    Jul 5, 2021
    9
    While not as impressive as their first release, How Did We Get So Dark? was a crucial step in Royal Blood's musical progression. This album and its follow-up, Typhoons, has proven the group is anything but a one trick pony.
  13. blue-intended
    Feb 13, 2023
    8
    Great followup to a stunning debut. As the first album this one hits hard and consists of catchy grooves and bass lines you wont forget any time soon. Unfortunatley this album sounds just like a continuation of their self titled and leaves a desire for more inspired songwriting at points

Awards & Rankings

56
#56 Most Discussed Album of 2017

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. Austin Chronicle
    Oct 5, 2017
    67
    The title track won't drag big rock forward, but How Did We Get So Dark? will definitely scratch a riff-loving itch.
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  2. Kerrang!
    Jul 26, 2017
    80
    At some point, a little experimenting may be needed, but for now this cements their status as the behemoths of British rock. [17 Jul 2017, p.50]
  3. Clash Music
    Jul 19, 2017
    80
    HDWGSD is so DTF it's practically humping the furniture, making it one of the most genuine works of rock 'n' roll since Elvis weaponised his pelvis.
    Read full review
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