Secondhand Rapture
by MS MR
  • Record Label: RCA
  • Release Date: May 14, 2013
Metascore
60

Mixed or average reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
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  1. Under The Radar
    Jun 13, 2013
    60
    The overall effect is a sturdy, if familiar-sounding, debut from a couple of no-nonsense pop culture junkies who sound far more interested in writing to-the-point pop songs instead of getting totally drunk on '80s and '90s nostalgia. [Jun-Jul 2013, p.94]
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  2. Pitchfork
    May 22, 2013
    60
    There are brooding, rhythmically strong pop songs that fall halfway between the poutiness of Lana Del Rey and the hyperactive fizz of HAIM. The parts where it deviates from that template, however, are baffling.
  3. Q Magazine
    May 13, 2013
    60
    This debut is dip-dyed electronica for the Tumblr generation. [Jun 2013, p.103]
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  5. DIY Magazine
    May 13, 2013
    60
    They've got some good ideas, but perhaps just aren't ready for a full-length release.
  6. The Independent on Sunday (UK)
    May 13, 2013
    60
    Each song sounds much like the last but with hooks like this, who needs prizes for subtlety?
  7. PopMatters
    May 14, 2013
    50
    Ultimately Rapture isn’t the only thing that’s Secondhand on MS MR’s often underwhelming and frustratingly predictable début.
  8. Austin Chronicle
    Oct 4, 2013
    40
    Ms Mr shows off good ideas, but they'll need to focus a little less on digital presentation and more on songwriting.
  9. The Fly (UK)
    May 13, 2013
    40
    Secondhand Rapture feels overlong, hampered by a lyrical palette that seems to mirror the relationship struggles of a Twilight film.
  10. The Independent (UK)
    May 13, 2013
    40
    MS MR deal in a similar kind of blandly alienated, metrosexual pop to Hurts, with Lizzy Plapinger's sultry-soulful vocals allied to Max Hershenow's electronic pop arrangements.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 22 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 22
  3. Negative: 1 out of 22
  1. Ribbyroo
    Dec 9, 2013
    9
    A very strong album with beautiful vocals by the female singer from Lizzy Plapinger. There is more to come from this band, i'm sure of it.A very strong album with beautiful vocals by the female singer from Lizzy Plapinger. There is more to come from this band, i'm sure of it.

    Notable Tracks:
    Hurricane
    Bones
    Dark Doo Wop
    BTSK    … Full Review »
  2. alifzaini
    May 24, 2013
    7
    With powerful female vocals, one would easily make comparisons of MS MR with acts like Florence the Machine, Alex Winston, Beth JeansWith powerful female vocals, one would easily make comparisons of MS MR with acts like Florence the Machine, Alex Winston, Beth Jeans Houghton etc. While the string of similarly characterized acts are being rolled out oh so frequently these days, it seems the main deciding issue now is an old one how to set yourself apart from the rest.

    MS MR's record is carried mainly by Lizzy Plapinger's strong voice which courses through you again, like the voices of a Ms. Welch/Winston/Houghton/whoever. However the music that is the backdrop to it seems too weak to hold up. Yes, the roaring percussions that beats steadily throughout the album evokes a strong, almost epic atmosphere but its coupling with the electronic synthesized music does not pan out as well as it could.

    Nonetheless, "Secondhand Rapture" is a good record. Some choice tracks would be 'Hurricane' and 'Head Is Not My Home'. Along with a couple more good tracks, it's an album that satisfies but it's not the year's stand out record.    … Full Review »
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