User Score
6.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 25 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 25
  2. Negative: 4 out of 25
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  1. Jan 27, 2011
    6
    Ok. First off, when I was first listening to this album, I could hardly believe it was the Cold War Kids. It sounded too clean, too refined. I was used to their characteristic clutter and bluesy feel. It sounds too mainstream. It's not growing on me either. Royal Blue, Bulldozer, Out of the Wilderness, Cold Toes on the Cold Floor, and Don't Look Down at Me....are all ok, but it doesn'tOk. First off, when I was first listening to this album, I could hardly believe it was the Cold War Kids. It sounded too clean, too refined. I was used to their characteristic clutter and bluesy feel. It sounds too mainstream. It's not growing on me either. Royal Blue, Bulldozer, Out of the Wilderness, Cold Toes on the Cold Floor, and Don't Look Down at Me....are all ok, but it doesn't sound like the right sound that this band should be making. This is the sound of a band that is trying too hard. I am really disappointed. Still, it's a solid listen, just true fans should not imagine the Cold War Kids as the artist to these mediocre songs. Expand
  2. Feb 16, 2011
    6
    As a huge fan of Loyalty and their debut, I was very disappointed by this album. I don't mind the Kings of Leon big sound...but that's the Kings of Leon of sound. The producer of this album is the same one who gave the Kings their new sound...and for some reason, he's trying to force it on the CWK. And that's how the album sounds...forced. After multiple listens, I've learned to notAs a huge fan of Loyalty and their debut, I was very disappointed by this album. I don't mind the Kings of Leon big sound...but that's the Kings of Leon of sound. The producer of this album is the same one who gave the Kings their new sound...and for some reason, he's trying to force it on the CWK. And that's how the album sounds...forced. After multiple listens, I've learned to not mind it...but I don't love it. Expand
Metascore
55

Mixed or average reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 21
  2. Negative: 3 out of 21
  1. Dec 6, 2011
    60
    For better or worse, this album is polished and mature -- words that never would have described Cold War Kids' music before.
  2. Mojo
    Apr 12, 2011
    60
    Former soul-punks return with rough edges removed and hearts on sleeves. [Feb. 2011, p. 99]
  3. Mar 4, 2011
    82
    After uniting with Kings of Leon/Modest Mouse vet Jacquire King, the band has emerged with a set that's more inviting than its first but just as catchy.