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Strangeland
by
Strangeland Image
Metascore
60

Mixed or average reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 76 Ratings

  • Summary: Dan Gtech produced the fourth studio album for the British rock quartet that sees the band returning to emotional, piano-based songs.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 20
  3. Negative: 1 out of 20
  1. Boston Globe
    May 9, 2012
    80
    Frontman Tom Chaplin continues to imbue it all with freshness and wonder making Strangeland an inviting place.
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    May 10, 2012
    75
    These UK hitmakers reclaim their wimpy-wistful sweet spot in pretty piano-pop tunes. [11 May 32012, p.67]
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  3. AllMusic
    May 9, 2012
    70
    Strangeland never really lives up to its mysterious title, as there's nothing on it that doesn't feel willfully nostalgic, but like any good plate of comfort food it satisfies in a way that more adventurous meals never truly can.
  4. 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.
  5. Drowned In Sound
    May 4, 2012
    60
    Strangeland feels just a bit by the numbers.
  6. 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.
  7. Slant Magazine
    May 7, 2012
    20
    Strangeland sounds every bit as dated and overblown as the singles from Cher's "rock" phase.

See all 20 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 30
  3. Negative: 2 out of 30
  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.… Expand
  2. qooqle
    Jun 13, 2015
    10
    This last album not bad , is a classic Keane music ,powerful words and brilliant sounds.. I hope,this gyus back in 2016 for new great recordsThis last album not bad , is a classic Keane music ,powerful words and brilliant sounds.. I hope,this gyus back in 2016 for new great records in our stereos.… Expand
  4. Zumlauf
    May 9, 2012
    10
    Keane have done it again, On the road to achieving a feat of having their first 5 albums reach #1 only made possible by the bands of whichKeane have done it again, On the road to achieving a feat of having their first 5 albums reach #1 only made possible by the bands of which contain The Beatles and Oasis. This album is simply breathtaking. Keane are one of the only bands out their that are actually passionate and TRY to make a great album. With songs all single worthy. They've done what they always do, make damn good music.… Expand
  5. aberronchox
    Nov 17, 2012
    9
    Keane has shown that returning to the beginning does not have to be a step back, on the contrary, is a giant step in its consolidation.Keane has shown that returning to the beginning does not have to be a step back, on the contrary, is a giant step in its consolidation. Listening to the album I'm feeeling like coming home, after insufficient experiences such as "Perfect Symmetry" and "Night Train". The magic of a band lies in being what they are, Keane is Keane again, and I'm coming back home with the boys.… Expand
  6. ltfc4ever
    May 9, 2012
    9
    Keane return to top form! Their work has developed over time and the newer inspirations are clearly having a positive impact on their work.Keane return to top form! Their work has developed over time and the newer inspirations are clearly having a positive impact on their work. Keane seem to have found the way again and the album is full of tracks that I'm sure will last a life time. I feel like I've made contact with a great friend again, their music.… Expand
  7. KriShnaK
    May 11, 2014
    7
    I was in anticipation for the release of this album back in 2012. The music's good but the lyrics of some songs didn't impressed me much.I was in anticipation for the release of this album back in 2012. The music's good but the lyrics of some songs didn't impressed me much. However Keane kept their piano rock essence intact in this album and this makes them special on originality. You can keep some of it's song on your playlist for a year or two and you'll fell in love with them in the end. Strangeland could have been produced a little more dynamically. In all it's more than an average album and it deserves a 7/10.… Expand
  8. Leachworth
    May 8, 2012
    2
    I was expecting much after the last album which I really liked but this is just dismal - it's like Foreigner gone wrong, 80's soft rock.I was expecting much after the last album which I really liked but this is just dismal - it's like Foreigner gone wrong, 80's soft rock. Really disappointed.… Expand

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Awards & Rankings

42
#42 Most Discussed Album of 2012