Witching Hour
by Ladytron
  • Record Label: Rykodisc
  • Release Date: Oct 4, 2005
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 81 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 64 out of 81
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 81
  3. Negative: 13 out of 81

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  1. DrMabuse
    Oct 17, 2005
    2
    Unfortunately, apart from the singles and 'potential' single "International dateline", this is a really flat and poorly produced record. Its as if the band have had to include every musical genre they could think of for their big label debut, but they all just end up sounding like forgettable b-sides. The meandering pace of the album is kick started with guitar laden and echo Unfortunately, apart from the singles and 'potential' single "International dateline", this is a really flat and poorly produced record. Its as if the band have had to include every musical genre they could think of for their big label debut, but they all just end up sounding like forgettable b-sides. The meandering pace of the album is kick started with guitar laden and echo chamber flooded 'High Rise'. Obsessive fans will probably forgive that naff middle-of-the-road guitar based soft rock sound they've acquired (a la 'Bon Jovi… Expand
  2. CaptainSensible
    Nov 5, 2005
    0
    Strange how some people only seem to say their older stuff was like "the human league" or someone. Man, thats so totally wrong. Any resemblance was superficial, and shows these guys didn't really listen to them. Don't they think that they sound like somebody else now? Maybe theres no-one new to copy! Bon jovi, that's so funny.
  3. DocBrown
    Nov 5, 2005
    0
    Ha, seems the doc was right. These new reviews/comments (?) have merely reiterated what he said and what is wrong by giving an album 10/10. Are they trying to be ironic or just ignorant? Geez this album is lame.
  4. FarshS
    Nov 5, 2005
    0
    Just goes to show how totally irrelevant these scores are and the knee jerk amateur journalism that
  5. MartinMcfly
    Nov 5, 2005
    0
    Their albums were full of electronic delight. They used to sing about prositiution, drugs and were pretty observant on human nature, and I dont think anybody here has really got it! That's probably why they didn't sell so well. To water down an album so its "innofensive" so it can appeal to those who find profoundness in weak lyrical suggestion is poor.
  6. RoxyM
    Nov 5, 2005
    2
    I think ladytron are having an identiy crisis. I always thought that they might miss they're own point. This album is a clear indication of that.
  7. MelenHarnie
    Oct 17, 2005
    0
    Wow, this album is dull. They used to rock, now they just shuffle...abit. BORING! POOEY! The last song somes it all up,
  8. BradC
    Oct 17, 2005
    1
    Geeez, its incredible that anyone can still rate this retro muzak, it sounds really pithy. Are they Buffy fans or something? The wheels are turning, yurning, gurning. WHAT? SPEAK UP LADY! Stop whispering. Thats so 80's!!! .
  9. AiraM
    Oct 17, 2005
    3
    I think some people get to obssessed with groups like this, thinking that they gave birth to them or something. I am sure they appreciate the sales pitch that most people give in their 'informed opinion', but what about proper critical analysis? I am not a critic, although I thought the album had some stand out tracks (like amtv and fighting in built up areas), the rest was a I think some people get to obssessed with groups like this, thinking that they gave birth to them or something. I am sure they appreciate the sales pitch that most people give in their 'informed opinion', but what about proper critical analysis? I am not a critic, although I thought the album had some stand out tracks (like amtv and fighting in built up areas), the rest was a bit tiresome. Anyway BIG UP BULGARIA! Take care sweeties xXx… Expand
  10. VictorH
    Oct 17, 2005
    1
    This album is so depressing, I think i'll put light and magic on to cheer me up!
  11. RupertP
    Oct 17, 2005
    0
    God, I love this group so much. I have bought all their records, been to all their gigs. I have sent so many emails to my friends in the hope of converting them away from the dull music they listen too. I have calculated that I have increased their sales by 6.04%. I wish they would just recognise me just the once. Please, pretty please, a mention on the run-out of a record. No? ok then, God, I love this group so much. I have bought all their records, been to all their gigs. I have sent so many emails to my friends in the hope of converting them away from the dull music they listen too. I have calculated that I have increased their sales by 6.04%. I wish they would just recognise me just the once. Please, pretty please, a mention on the run-out of a record. No? ok then, nil points for you! LOVE U SO MUCH!!… Expand
  12. cue
    Nov 13, 2005
    1
    wow i was expecting so much from this but i dont know how anyone would be able to give this anything above a 3 at most its a powerdrill to my ears all these critics jump on band wagons and say this and that but 8 out of 10 times they're totally wrong and its all just hype

Awards & Rankings

80
#80 Most Discussed Album of 2005

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    Get past Ladytron's aloof exterior and you'll discover bristling guitars that anchor the most pneumatic of beats--and supremely catchy songs that pulse with life. [7 Oct 2005, p.76]
  2. Playlouder
    80
    Where Ladytron's first two albums might have felt to some to be alienating and monochrome, like a shallow bender on champers and very nice drugs, but a shallow bender nonetheless; 'The Witching Hour' is blessed with a far greater palette of sound and sensation, and is as fine a spell as you'll succumb to all year.
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  3. Pitchfork
    83
    The Witching Hour is the most urgent and immediate of their career. The earlier records were sort of toylike and plastic; this not only has a pulse, it has chilled blood in its veins.
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