Plans
by Death Cab for Cutie
  • Record Label: Atlantic
  • Release Date: Aug 30, 2005
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 203 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 168 out of 203
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 203
  3. Negative: 21 out of 203

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  1. TheDaveHimself
    Jun 30, 2011
    10
    I'd say this is the band's coming of age album, and the perfect follow-up to Transatlanticism. I'm surprised it wasn't better received by critics, but at least fans recognize what a fantastic record it really is. "Your Heart Is An Empty Room" and "Brothers In Hotel Beds" are some of the best songs the band has dished out. "I Will Follow You Into The Dark" could have found it's way onto oneI'd say this is the band's coming of age album, and the perfect follow-up to Transatlanticism. I'm surprised it wasn't better received by critics, but at least fans recognize what a fantastic record it really is. "Your Heart Is An Empty Room" and "Brothers In Hotel Beds" are some of the best songs the band has dished out. "I Will Follow You Into The Dark" could have found it's way onto one of the American Recordings had Johnny Cash stuck around longer. One of the best albums of 2005.… Expand
  2. KevinM
    Sep 26, 2005
    10
    Death Cab for Cutie is much more than you think it is. While most of you eat your hearts out with mindless rap and rock music that is the same as anything else in this day and age, Death Cab for Cutie takes music to a different level and gives the sound a unique feeling. Those magazines and websites who rated low, are mostly no-names anyway. So I handclap for them and their senseless Death Cab for Cutie is much more than you think it is. While most of you eat your hearts out with mindless rap and rock music that is the same as anything else in this day and age, Death Cab for Cutie takes music to a different level and gives the sound a unique feeling. Those magazines and websites who rated low, are mostly no-names anyway. So I handclap for them and their senseless taste in music. Death Cab for Cutie: Plans, has a lot of meaning to it, if you really listen to their music. Most of these people who try to 'rate and act important' listen to a song or two once then they go alright time to write my life story about it. No, that is not how it works. For a band who is getting on it's feet just like any band has to start off to into their mainstream of startum, this album is something peple should really appreciate. You can tell they put more than just thoughts of money and idolism into their name, they really give their music meaning and they know they can share it with others who relate.… Expand
  3. BrendanM
    Sep 5, 2005
    9
    softer than transatlanticism, but a very provoking album
  4. JoshuaL
    Aug 31, 2005
    10
    It's pretty hard to one-up one of the best reviewed albums of the past two years, but much to my delight, Death Cab For Cutie has come very, very close. While "Plans" may not have the overall flow of Transatlanticism, its scope, or is daring leaps of faith, "Plans" is still in my opinion the best released CD so far this year. Ben Gibbard and co. still deliever what DCFC fans have It's pretty hard to one-up one of the best reviewed albums of the past two years, but much to my delight, Death Cab For Cutie has come very, very close. While "Plans" may not have the overall flow of Transatlanticism, its scope, or is daring leaps of faith, "Plans" is still in my opinion the best released CD so far this year. Ben Gibbard and co. still deliever what DCFC fans have loved about the West-coast group for years: haunting melodies, heart-felt and at many times brilliant lyrics, music you can easily get lost in. There are a couple tracks that leave something to be desired such as "Summer Skin" and "Someday You Will Be Loved". But then again, Gibbard has written some of the best music of his career on this LP. "Marching Bands of Manhattan" is as great an opener as "New Year" ever was and "What Sarah Said" may be the most powerful song you will ever hear. The best song on the whole disk however may just be "Brothers on a Hotel Bed" which will remind you of why these guys are taking the world by storm. "Stable Song", which is a nice acoustic, mellow redo of "Stability" and is a great way to end the CD. While "Transatlanticism" was mainly about distance and being apart from what means a lot to you, "Plans" continues that theme and gives us the answer that sometimes, even in spite of our best made plans, things can change, and things can go wrong. DCFC's first release on a major label discusses death and loss like very few bands could ever dream to do.… Expand
  5. JayP
    Aug 30, 2005
    8
    Kicks Coldplay's "X&Y"'s ASSSSS. Why can't a quiet album get a good review. Can't wait for the Death Cab for Wilco tour.
  6. petef
    Aug 30, 2005
    7
    Upon one listen, it seems pretty standard death cab. Pretty melodies, haunting and delicate instrumentation. I applaud their attempts at a time signature that isn't 4/4 on Different Names for the Same Thing. However, it feels safer and cozier then past releases... which isn't necessarily a bad thing. Also, the insert is very glossy.
  7. tom
    Sep 1, 2005
    7
    of course, ben's voice is great. chris walla has really found his niche with regards to production. i really love nick's bass lines. they remind me alot of mike mills' (rem). my main gripe is the songs don't feature dcfc's signature layered guitar arpeggios. i like that they resurrected & revamped stability/stable song though.
  8. StuartM
    Sep 14, 2005
    7
    Album starts off great but gets kinda boring towards the end.
  9. ScottW
    Sep 1, 2005
    10
    This is some of the most honest songwriting I have ever heard, and forcefully fills the spaces in one's heart that other music leaves open. If this CD does not get you choked up, you are not listening to it. While you can definitely tell that it's Death Cab, that is what all fans of Death Cab will be looking for, and its sweeping melodic tones, tense lack of resolution, emotive This is some of the most honest songwriting I have ever heard, and forcefully fills the spaces in one's heart that other music leaves open. If this CD does not get you choked up, you are not listening to it. While you can definitely tell that it's Death Cab, that is what all fans of Death Cab will be looking for, and its sweeping melodic tones, tense lack of resolution, emotive chord play, and phenomenal lyrics are sure to make any listener both thrilled and longing terribly for more.… Expand
  10. emilyd.
    Sep 2, 2005
    10
    i agree with kate f, plans falls right between the photo album and transatlanticism. The sound isn't new, but it is the same death cab for cutie that we know and love. It is consistently good, and every song could be released as a single. Great cd overall.
  11. jay
    Sep 2, 2005
    9
    This album went from okay to good to great upon several listens. If you love Transatlanticism, I don't see any reason why you wouldn't love Plans. Moving and beautiful music. I can't stop listening to it now.
  12. LindsayF
    Sep 8, 2005
    9
    Absolutely nothing can surpass Transatlanticism, but without comparing Plans to any of their other albums, it's still amazing.
  13. TomN
    Jan 4, 2006
    10
    One of my new favorites
  14. LachlanW
    Apr 5, 2006
    8
    Although nowhere near as extraordinary as Transatlanticism, Plans is still an epic, highly enjoyable album. Not as good as the band can get, but the songs are better than almost anything you can hear on the radio nowadays.
  15. AmeliaE
    Aug 30, 2006
    9
    Another beautiful album by Death Cab
  16. michielj
    Oct 28, 2005
    10
    genius
  17. Laurenl
    Oct 8, 2005
    9
    Not as good as Transalaticism, but it certainly won my ears.
  18. josht
    Aug 30, 2005
    7
    Death Cab's latest is a whimsical, aromatic trajectory into realms of death and decay;ultimately a sardonic meditation on egotic powerlessness in relationships implicit impermeable emtions that inhibit "soul and body" from attaining maturation. Death Cab seems drained of the raw defiant sound that catapulted them to success among indie faithful. Though an over-produced and Death Cab's latest is a whimsical, aromatic trajectory into realms of death and decay;ultimately a sardonic meditation on egotic powerlessness in relationships implicit impermeable emtions that inhibit "soul and body" from attaining maturation. Death Cab seems drained of the raw defiant sound that catapulted them to success among indie faithful. Though an over-produced and balladly-infused split among the fault lines, Death Cab sheds new skin (for better or worse) without copying their latter work. If you want to hear a true pop masterpiece look elsewhere - Nada Surf's "Let Go" supercedes "Plans" in execution, craftsmanship, and content.… Expand
  19. rayt
    Aug 31, 2005
    10
    sorrow drips into your heart like a pinhole? come on wow
  20. TristanH
    Aug 30, 2005
    9
    Not a masterpiece, not as good as transatlanticism (which is what everybody will be comparing it to, obviously), not as musically powerful as some of their earlier work, but damn if it doesn't make you think. Every lyric is on a different level from everything Gibbard's ever written -- shallow minded people *will* call it whiny, but if you don't think about the things Not a masterpiece, not as good as transatlanticism (which is what everybody will be comparing it to, obviously), not as musically powerful as some of their earlier work, but damn if it doesn't make you think. Every lyric is on a different level from everything Gibbard's ever written -- shallow minded people *will* call it whiny, but if you don't think about the things he's singing about, you might as well already be dead. It's a lighter album -- quieter and deeper -- and I think it's worth listening to for what it stirs in your head as well as the wonderfully written *music* which is something better than the "pop" people are calling it. I don't know, it's good. I like it a lot.… Expand
  21. AzamN
    Sep 17, 2005
    10
    This album is totally fantastic art ! The acoustic indie genre made it different from other album. No songs are boring though.It's good to hear when your heart needs something peace,slow and enjoyable musics.
  22. Jim
    Sep 20, 2005
    9
    After the reviews I expected to find the album uneven, but I have been enjoying listening to this a great deal (and can report other similar responses from friends.)
  23. Mark
    Sep 25, 2005
    9
    I do not own a more poignantly melancholy record than this one. And it's not entirely clear what makes it so affecting. There are no wailing theatrics, large orchestral crescendoes, cliched loud-soft dynamics, or other tricks that are commonly used to manufacture emotion. Instead, the album works by matching lyrics that consist of mostly prosaic, resonant observations with highly I do not own a more poignantly melancholy record than this one. And it's not entirely clear what makes it so affecting. There are no wailing theatrics, large orchestral crescendoes, cliched loud-soft dynamics, or other tricks that are commonly used to manufacture emotion. Instead, the album works by matching lyrics that consist of mostly prosaic, resonant observations with highly singable pop-like melodies. The music, though also clearly pop is restrained; dynamics and mood are built through textures rather than volume and distortion. Fans of DCFC's earlier stuff (e.g., Facts...) might complain that this is "over-produced" and "major label" sounding. But this seems to be confusing distinct claims. No question that the production is mature, but it's also outstanding. I'd argue that every decision made in the studio served the songs themselves and not the radio or "a wider audience." It's a lovely, challenging, affecting and ultimately impressive album.… Expand
  24. GlennM
    Sep 2, 2005
    10
    What an awsome album, soul meets body is one of my favorite songs ever and the lyrics I think have improved.
  25. nickyb
    Sep 4, 2005
    7
    The first 6 or so songs are money....then it starts to get repetative and kind of boring. if it was a half cd, well then it would be pretty cool
  26. AleksC.
    Sep 4, 2005
    9
    Regardless of a major label or not, this album holds up well with the albums in the Death Cab catalogue. The same basic principal of time and distance ruining relationships has been strongly maintained, and sounds just as any Cutie album should. Alas, there is an obvious mainstream-esque woven into the formula. Leaving some songs sounding a little offset, and weaker than their previous Regardless of a major label or not, this album holds up well with the albums in the Death Cab catalogue. The same basic principal of time and distance ruining relationships has been strongly maintained, and sounds just as any Cutie album should. Alas, there is an obvious mainstream-esque woven into the formula. Leaving some songs sounding a little offset, and weaker than their previous work. But, there is plenty to be happy about, Death Cab fans shouldn't shy away from this Atlantic Records release.… Expand
  27. Nathan
    Sep 5, 2005
    7
    Some good songs, not as good as the last album. Someone pleae put a hi res version on e-mule
  28. Simon
    Sep 5, 2005
    7
    Death Cab continue to churn out blissful noise with 'Plans'. I don't think it transcends above 'Transatlanticism', but one thing 'Plans' does withhold is a solid unity. I think it lies somewhere between the band's last effort and, 'The Photo Album', despite the band playing to their strengths and not moving their boundary of sound all that much.
  29. BoB
    Sep 5, 2005
    10
    amazing album...
  30. ChrisG
    Sep 7, 2005
    8
    Plans holds its own relative to Transatlanticism; not as may huge winners perhaps but enough pop gems to keep anyone looking for melodic elegance happy. Nicely done.
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Awards & Rankings

35
#35 Most Discussed Album of 2005
42
#42 Most Shared Album of 2005

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
66

Generally favorable reviews - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 29
  3. Negative: 2 out of 29
  1. Tiny Mix Tapes
    70
    There is nothing like Transatlaticism's "Sound of Settling" here to offset the never-ending stream of ballads and down-tempo songs.
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  2. musicOMH.com
    80
    This is certainly an album of progression that is likely to win the band plenty of new fans, but it shouldn't alienate their fanbase either.
    Read full review
  3. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    As albums, Transatlanticism and Give Up seemed greater than their parts, perfectly paced song cycles about love wracked by distance and time's march. Plans addresses similar themes, but without the same narrative glue or shape.
    Read full review
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