No Need To Be Downhearted
by Electric Soft Parade
Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. Mojo
    80
    Full of regret, hard-won wisdom and DIY pop artistry, No Need To Be Downhearted transcends bog-standard indie to build a world of sophisticated melody and ingenious arrangements. [May 2007, p.112]
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  2. Hartford Courant
    60
    The songs are lively and well put together, but sometimes they could be a little more fun.
  3. New Musical Express (NME)
    40
    When it strays from charmingly retro to willfully 'raw' it all goes wrong.
  5. Q Magazine
    70
    They appear to have found their level: one of rock's best-kept secrets. [May 2007, p.124]
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  6. AllMusic
    70
    They've given up some of the whimsy and trippiness that marked their first two releases, but they've gained direction.
  7. Dot Music
    80
    For the most part "No Need To Be Downhearted" is a gorgeous record - big music full of small touches.
  8. Stylus Magazine
    58
    While the music is all over the place the vocals feel pinned down and flat.
  9. Tiny Mix Tapes
    60
    It’s hard to imagine a few stellar tracks and a well-flowing album being taken as a negative, but the result just isn’t enough to make these lads stick out.
  10. Uncut
    70
    Surprisingly invigorated. [May 2007, p.89]
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  11. PopMatters
    80
    Tom and Alex White prove to be consummate pop musicians on this release, carefully arranging an arresting collection of songs that carry you from track to track and hook to hook with skill.
  12. Under The Radar
    50
    While they prove themselves exceptionally adept at juggling mutiple song dynamics, the melodies and sentiments expressed are surprisingly commonplace. [Summer 2007, p.79]
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User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 6 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 1 out of 6
  1. BigSur
    May 4, 2007
    10
    Beautifully crafted music. Those guys really know what they're doing, unlike the majority of critics who praise Panda Bear's Beautifully crafted music. Those guys really know what they're doing, unlike the majority of critics who praise Panda Bear's one-note antics instead. Serious contender for best of 2007.… Full Review »
  2. Simon
    May 4, 2007
    10
    Taking this band too seriously, or trying to pigeonhole them, seems to contradict the spirit of their album. They remain the masters of Taking this band too seriously, or trying to pigeonhole them, seems to contradict the spirit of their album. They remain the masters of intelligent pop song, capable of shifting mood without being wilfully difficult. What's more, their music is so damn enjoyable... so what the hell, enjoy it… Full Review »
  3. JakubM
    May 4, 2007
    10
    It's amazing. Definitely their best record yet. Just sit and listen!!!
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