Permission To Land
by The Darkness
  • Record Label: Atlantic
  • Release Date: Sep 16, 2003
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 80 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 68 out of 80
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 80
  3. Negative: 8 out of 80

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  1. Alfie18
    Feb 5, 2023
    9
    Fantastic Album. I Believe In A Thing Called Love is one of the best songs of all time. Friday Night, Love Is Only A Feeling and Givin' Up are other notable highlights. Holding My Own is the only song on the album i have not listened to that much.
  2. WXYZ
    Aug 15, 2015
    0
    A rancid pile of tripe! I honestly can't understand the critics because even though this album did not receive "universal acclaim" (thank god for Stylus), a 79 is still way too high. That singer has something that just really gets on my nerves. Anybody can make a stupid, ear-scratching album like this.
  3. drlowdon
    Feb 6, 2014
    8
    Genre: Rock
    With the over the top 70's style it is easy to misjudge The Darkness as a bit of a joke but they back up their excess by belting out some cracking old school rock tunes.
  4. Screenager
    May 20, 2013
    9
    Its cheesy 80s inspired glam rock with a frontman who has a ridiculously high voice that constantly seems to grab his crotch. By this description, you would assume they are a joke. Your choice. If they are a joke, they're a bloody good one. If they aren't, then they have a vulgar sense of humour but who cares when they make music inspired by everything you love about Bowie, Def Leppard, T.Its cheesy 80s inspired glam rock with a frontman who has a ridiculously high voice that constantly seems to grab his crotch. By this description, you would assume they are a joke. Your choice. If they are a joke, they're a bloody good one. If they aren't, then they have a vulgar sense of humour but who cares when they make music inspired by everything you love about Bowie, Def Leppard, T. Rex and actually do a brilliant job of it?… Expand
  5. Cubbykovu
    Aug 14, 2012
    10
    permission to land is bombastic loud rock album of legendary status the songs are loud catchy and sing alongy . the guitar laying is brilliant the drums bash and it is quite simply and album made to make you feel good and sing along too there should be more albums like this. It is also a fit of a larf with some impressively rediculous vocals that soar. Super album Super band
  6. mrjeffsir
    Mar 27, 2012
    10
    This album is just sensational, fun, musically brilliant, camp (but in a good way), flamboyant and exciting. The Hawkins brothers have rocked up a storm here, great intertwining guitars and fantastic vocals on these brilliant pop rock tunes make it one of the best albums, not only of the last few years but of all time. It's stunning!
  7. Paxster
    Oct 19, 2010
    7
    This album has to be taken with a touch of humour. At points I was in fits of laughter at certain songs which were so stereotypical and funny. Glam rock has never been so generic and still succeeded to be mildly good.
  8. Wolfmother
    Aug 11, 2010
    10
    Glam rock gods. Overrated? Barely anyone knows who they are. Overrated is incredibly ironic. Justin Hawkins and Dan hawkins are like Queen + Ac/dc. The hooks and uniqueness of Queen with the generic rock sounds of Ac/Dc. A shame they broke up. They could have been gods.
  9. HRob
    Feb 25, 2008
    9
    Great album, with some top quality songs.
  10. PissedOff
    Oct 9, 2007
    0
    The songs are excellent, but the overcompression is horrible. I don't want my CDs to give me a splitting headache, even when they used to be one of my favourites. What's the difference between badly-mastered good music and well-mastered bad music? Nothing. And that makes me incredibly angry. Score if it hadn't been so damn compressed: 8. Score now: see above.
  11. jonb
    Nov 19, 2006
    10
    The only real rock band!!! mark is talkin balls the darkness r not copyin queen they r there own music and just b acuse they r 80's rock it dosent mean they r copyin queen the guitar solos and justins voice complement each other and the new album received bad reveiws b cause the reviewers r all nobs!! the new album is loads betta i feel.
  12. jenniferc
    Sep 26, 2006
    9
    the darkness is one of my favourite bands and like their album Permision To Land i like all the songs on the record and like the beats and rythms of the guitar, bass and drums. i like justins voice on the record and love his voice and think it is different than any other voice from a man and like it. i recomend this album to all the darkness fans and think you will like it.
  13. j1imb
    May 27, 2006
    9
    excellent album. The best rock cd in a decade!
  14. nilso
    Mar 28, 2006
    10
    god!
  15. JoeB
    Dec 5, 2005
    9
    At first I was concerned, and didn't think that I'd like The Darkness, but I heard "I Believe in a Thing Called Love" and, well, loved it. The songs are campy and 80s knock offs, yes, but they're funny, entertaining, catchy, and admittedly poppy (the only good kind). Yes, Justin Hawkins voice is screeching, but it's funny, and not really annoying.
  16. MarkC
    Dec 1, 2005
    6
    Good album alot better than there new album if i could rate that one there new album it would be 1 and thats being generous. i think justin hawkins needs a new vocal cord though.. is he trying to copy freddie mercury ??? Cuz no one can replace queens style
  17. ryanz
    Nov 13, 2005
    9
    There's something indescribable about this album. Maybe it's the band's sheer joy in playing bad 80's metal. Maybe it's the leapord skin unitards and handstand splits. Or maybe it just rocks. The point is, I was addicted to Permission to Land for three weeks straight (it never left my cd player). I'm eagerly anticipating the follow-up, but i hope it wont There's something indescribable about this album. Maybe it's the band's sheer joy in playing bad 80's metal. Maybe it's the leapord skin unitards and handstand splits. Or maybe it just rocks. The point is, I was addicted to Permission to Land for three weeks straight (it never left my cd player). I'm eagerly anticipating the follow-up, but i hope it wont reach into Spinal Tap territory, with songs like "Knockers" and "Bald".… Expand
  18. SusanB
    Sep 13, 2005
    10
    At a time when rock has been watered down by dozens of trendy, yet uninspiring bands, The Darkness have put the fun back into rock and roll. This is classic hard rock at its best, a throw back to all that was good about the 80s, but with a contemporary twist. Must be seen live to be fully appreciated
  19. JoshR
    Aug 2, 2005
    10
    it is one of the best albums i have heard in a longtime!!!!!
  20. JimmyS
    Jul 4, 2005
    3
    Good music, but they gotta get rid of that lead singer, his voice goes through my head!
  21. AdamH
    Mar 31, 2005
    10
    The Darkness have done something unbelieveable. They have successfully blended the best rock ever, from the 70s and the 80s. They also carry with them the badass attitude that is essential to any great rock band. They also have put their own spin on rock. Never before has anyone welded the superb vocals of Queen with the sounds of Zepplin, AC/DC, Def Leppard, and other great bands. Their The Darkness have done something unbelieveable. They have successfully blended the best rock ever, from the 70s and the 80s. They also carry with them the badass attitude that is essential to any great rock band. They also have put their own spin on rock. Never before has anyone welded the superb vocals of Queen with the sounds of Zepplin, AC/DC, Def Leppard, and other great bands. Their vocals and music complement each other flawlessly. The best song on this album, despite popular belief, is not I Believe in a Thing Called Love, but Love is Only a Feeling. If you listen to it, the guitar work is amazing and the solo is one of Dan's best on the album in the way that it fits seamlessly into the rest of the song.… Expand
  22. [Anonymous]
    Mar 15, 2005
    1
    what is wrong with the critics these days. these guys are absolutly horrioble.
  23. Kris-say!
    Oct 23, 2004
    9
    I wouldn't know much about old school rock, considering I'm only 16, but, for some reason... they just appeal, and you can tell they really know what they're doing... the guitar is amazing and I just get in the feel of it every time I listen... he he, it's great runway practice music... :D
  24. KyleB
    Oct 8, 2004
    0
    Most. Overrated. Band. Ever.
  25. BaronS
    Sep 22, 2004
    8
    The genius of The Darkness is the perpetual joke they're playing that no one (in America anyway) gets. I feel very privliged that I do. Anyway, musically speaking this a thunderously talanted band and "Permission to Land" delivers unforgetable and sing along/play along melodies and guitar licks. Influences are noticable everywhere (from Cheap Trick to Queen to Van Halen) and each The genius of The Darkness is the perpetual joke they're playing that no one (in America anyway) gets. I feel very privliged that I do. Anyway, musically speaking this a thunderously talanted band and "Permission to Land" delivers unforgetable and sing along/play along melodies and guitar licks. Influences are noticable everywhere (from Cheap Trick to Queen to Van Halen) and each track seems to take you in a different direction. For those of you who don't "get" it...I feel sorry for you. For those that do, The Darkness takes us back to a more simple time in music history and leaves us with a smile on our faces.… Expand
  26. RafaelM
    Jul 23, 2004
    0
    Hey The darkness, the 80`s just called, they want their sound back.
  27. JoonasL
    Jul 15, 2004
    9
    This is a wonderful album, finally MTV really plays something other than rap or girly teenbands. At first this didn't sound so good, so I just kept repeating on listening it because friend insisted on it and the good songs started to appear, now there's really no bad song on this album only a few not so good, but not bad either (Love on the Rocks with no Ice). If you're This is a wonderful album, finally MTV really plays something other than rap or girly teenbands. At first this didn't sound so good, so I just kept repeating on listening it because friend insisted on it and the good songs started to appear, now there's really no bad song on this album only a few not so good, but not bad either (Love on the Rocks with no Ice). If you're looking for a partying rock album then this is your choice along with Andrew W.K.'s I Get Wet.… Expand
  28. FraserD
    Jul 5, 2004
    10
    This is honestly one of the greatest albums that I have experienced in a long time. When you're looking to loosen that tie, shake the head, pump the fist, sing to the heavens and rock out - this is the album. I can't help but have a massive grin on my face everytime I hear any of these tracks. And for those of you who've caught them live... well... words can't describe
  29. AndyS
    Jun 23, 2004
    10
    Sheer greatness.
  30. JebI
    Jun 18, 2004
    10
    This album is an incredible compilation that would put a big grin on the faces of Def Leppard, Whitesnake and Judas Priest. The amthems ( I believe in a thing called love, Growing on me), and the power ballad Love is only a feeling, make this CD a must for all rock enthusiasts.
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Awards & Rankings

23
#23 Most Discussed Album of 2003
70
#70 Most Shared Album of 2003

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 19
  3. Negative: 1 out of 19
  1. Austin Chronicle
    78
    Campy? To be sure. Derivative? Absolutely. But cock-rock of this sheer magnitude and pomposity has been dormant at least since "Smells Like Teen Spirit" washed away "November Rain," so who really cares?
    Read full review
  2. Q Magazine
    70
    They might have a shelf life shorter than a pint of milk but, with a good tune underpinning each over-egged slice of rock pudding, are all the more thrilling for it. [Aug 2003, p.104]
  3. New Musical Express (NME)
    70
    Just because it’s essentially heavy-metal karaoke, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy it.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »