Album Rating: 4.0

Yeah, The Narcissist is elite - one of the best songs of their career for sure. I was never a huge Blur fan in the 90s (only really enjoyed Parklife) but 13 was stunning - way ahead of its time. Probably didn't give The Magic Whip enough plays to do anything but underwhelm me, so now I'm really surprised by Blur for a second time.

I think it's the tone. Damon's voice has always kind of been there - so much a part of my musical history, but also kind of annoying in large quantities. Here it sounds so mature, reflective and oddly comforting, like hearing an old friend you always found kind of arrogant who's come back into your life, but they've mellowed and the good parts of their personality are dominating now.

These are just 10 well-written, emotionally present, low-key but beautiful songs. There isn't another Blur album like this. I love it.

Album Rating: 4.5

been jamming this all day. already one of my favorites of the year. every song is j so lovely (minus the ripper that is st charles square which whips ass and rules in a different way)

Album Rating: 4.0

And the two bonus tracks I've heard are great too. Has anyone heard Sticks and Stones yet?

St Charles Square is so outta place here lol but it's soooo good. instant Blur classic

COS THERE'S SOMETHING DOWN HERE AND IT'S LIVING UNDER THE FLOORBOARDS - AHHHHH

the woo hoo band

Barbaric is so damn catchy and the ending perfect

Album Rating: 4.5

Last I heard was 13, which was prettty damn good

Album Rating: 4.0

I liked The Magic Whip a lot, not sure this quite measures up to that but I've always enjoyed the softer and melancholic side of Blur so this hits the spot.

Album Rating: 3.0

Blur becomes Gorillaz or vice versa.

Album Rating: 3.0

this seemed pleasant if not too remarkable ar first glance. i think i'll return to it though.

Yet another disappointment. You can tell if an album is a disappointment when the first single (The Narcissist) remains the best song on it.

Album Rating: 4.0

Why? It is quite normal for a band to release the best song on an album as the first single.

Album Rating: 2.5

Ranked/rated:



1. The Narcissist [4]

2. St. Charles Square [4]

3. Goodbye Albert [3.5]

4. The Heights [3.5]

5. Barbaric [3]

6. Russian Strings [3]

7. Avalon [3]

8. The Ballad [2.5]

9. Far Away Island [2.5]

10. The Everglades [2.5]



Verdict: too boring, ballads in title, poor ballads provided

Album Rating: 4.5

was jamming this all weekend. russian strings is the only song i dont love but its still pretty good and has some lovely moments during it. barbaric is probably my fav

Album Rating: 3.0

"Verdict: too boring, ballads in title, poor ballads provided"



if you did some basic math you could see your 2.5 rating makes very little sense. but i'm sure you have a clever explanation for it.

Album Rating: 2.5

yeah, I don't average out my track ratings for album scores



songs become 'I'd seek out to listen to this' start at a 4 rating, 3.5 equals acceptable as album tracks, 3 is whatever, 2.5 is zzzzzz



The way I'd describe it is: an average album isn't where every song is average....it's where half the songs are good and half are average or worse. Like half a good album.



If every song is average then the album is poor because wtf would listen to an album with no highlights? No one.



Then the other way around, a classic album doesn't need every single song to be a classic to still be considered a 'classic', etc



But generally I go with the feel and this album is just textbook average with only two songs I'd really choose to seek out again. Half a good album at best for me, lazy sounding.

“5. Barbaric [3]

6. Russian Strings [3]”

Oef, really like those gems especially Barbaric.

Album Rating: 2.5

I mean they made the top six ;)

It’s at least something!

Don’t have a track/score-list but including the bonus tracks I think Goodbye Albert might be my least favorite.

Album Rating: 4.5

the rabbi and the swan are both very good and would rank highly for me off this