Strangeland
by Keane
Metascore
60

Mixed or average reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 20
  3. Negative: 1 out of 20
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. Q Magazine
    Jun 20, 2012
    60
    Strangeland isn't much of a diversion from their fame-bringing formula. [Jun 2012, p.105]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. DIY Magazine
    Jun 8, 2012
    60
    While this album will neither shock nor rewrite opinion, there is no denying 'Strangeland' is solid enough.
  3. PopMatters
    May 31, 2012
    60
    Another accomplished, warm, and welcoming record, one whose open-hearted generosity of spirit ultimately proves hard to resist.
  5. New Musical Express (NME)
    May 9, 2012
    60
    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'.
  6. The Observer (UK)
    May 7, 2012
    60
    There isn't anything as irresistible as "Everybody's Changing" or "Spiralling" this time around, but this is still another smoothly accomplished set.
  7. Drowned In Sound
    May 4, 2012
    60
    Strangeland feels just a bit by the numbers.
  8. Sputnikmusic
    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.
  9. BBC Music
    May 2, 2012
    60
    Those glimpses on Perfect Symmetry of something flashier and sexier make this retreat to familiarity a somewhat saddening step backwards.
  10. Uncut
    May 2, 2012
    60
    Generally Strangeland is all too familiar fare. [Jun 2012, p.77]
    All this publication's reviews
  11. Rolling Stone
    May 23, 2012
    50
    At times it's catchy, but its maudlin ballads and monochrome synth-pop production are also kind of dull.
  12. Alternative Press
    May 2, 2012
    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.
  13. The Independent on Sunday (UK)
    May 7, 2012
    40
    Strangeland is drenched in reverb-heavy piano, Chicken Soup for the Soul maxims and moderately maudlin musings about not being young any more.
  14. The Independent (UK)
    May 4, 2012
    40
    Strangeland marks a sad reversion to Coldplay territory after Keane's tentative experimentation on recent releases.
  15. musicOMH.com
    May 2, 2012
    40
    While the melodies are stodgy and predictable, the lyrics don't help a great deal.

Awards & Rankings

42
#42 Most Discussed Album of 2012

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 76 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 62 out of 76
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 76
  3. Negative: 4 out of 76
  1. MusicMan14
    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. bgrass13
    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. TheDarkSoul
    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 »
See all user reviews »