Metascore
60

Mixed or average reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 20
  2. Negative: 1 out of 20
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  1. Q Magazine
    Jun 20, 2012
    60
    Strangeland isn't much of a diversion from their fame-bringing formula. [Jun 2012, p.105]
  2. Jun 8, 2012
    60
    While this album will neither shock nor rewrite opinion, there is no denying 'Strangeland' is solid enough.
  3. May 31, 2012
    60
    Another accomplished, warm, and welcoming record, one whose open-hearted generosity of spirit ultimately proves hard to resist.
  4. Here is the ultra-Keane album, with tinkling, histrionic, arena-ready piano motifs™, soaring, emotive vocals™ and songs called 'Day Will Come', 'In Your Own Time' and 'Silenced By The Night'.
  5. 60
    There isn't anything as irresistible as "Everybody's Changing" or "Spiralling" this time around, but this is still another smoothly accomplished set.
  6. May 4, 2012
    60
    Strangeland feels just a bit by the numbers.
  7. May 3, 2012
    60
    Strangeland is a good but not great album that will be enjoyed by fans of classic Keane, who at this point may reluctantly begin to put down their torches and pitchforks.
  8. May 2, 2012
    60
    Those glimpses on Perfect Symmetry of something flashier and sexier make this retreat to familiarity a somewhat saddening step backwards.
  9. Uncut
    May 2, 2012
    60
    Generally Strangeland is all too familiar fare. [Jun 2012, p.77]
  10. May 23, 2012
    50
    At times it's catchy, but its maudlin ballads and monochrome synth-pop production are also kind of dull.
  11. 50
    While the positive vibe is admirable, there's just not much substantial to grab on to--and few songs linger after the album's over.
  12. Strangeland is drenched in reverb-heavy piano, Chicken Soup for the Soul maxims and moderately maudlin musings about not being young any more.
  13. 40
    Strangeland marks a sad reversion to Coldplay territory after Keane's tentative experimentation on recent releases.
  14. May 2, 2012
    40
    While the melodies are stodgy and predictable, the lyrics don't help a great deal.
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 76 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 62 out of 76
  2. Negative: 4 out of 76
  1. May 10, 2012
    10
    BRILLIANT! absolutely exciting and refreshing from this boring pop/hip. Just about every track is single worthy. Keane have never failed toBRILLIANT! absolutely exciting and refreshing from this boring pop/hip. Just about every track is single worthy. Keane have never failed to produce quality music. The album is already #1 in the UK and several other countries and it totally deserves every inch of credit. You would be a fool not to check this album out! This is coming from a big metal/rock guy. Keane sure knows how to rock in their own unique way. Full Review »
  2. May 8, 2012
    9
    I wasn't thrilled with their Night Train EP, so to me, Strangeland is more of a return to form. I may not be as jaded and cynical as mostI wasn't thrilled with their Night Train EP, so to me, Strangeland is more of a return to form. I may not be as jaded and cynical as most reviewers seem to be. I really enjoy Keane's melodic pop sensibilities and look forward to seeing them live. Full Review »
  3. May 15, 2012
    9
    Having always been a fan of Keane, I slightly distanced myself from them, not content with their new approach to Rock in Perfect Symmetry. SoHaving always been a fan of Keane, I slightly distanced myself from them, not content with their new approach to Rock in Perfect Symmetry. So I'm pleased to report Keane are back on form, with great new tracks like Disconnected and Silenced By The Night. Its good to have them back! Full Review »