Idlewild Idlewild
Review coming soon...
Critics' Top Tracks
The standout songs that made critics take notice
Make It Happen
2 mentions
"If some may have noticed the group's latter output putting Rod Jones’ angular guitar riffs on the back burner, they are back in full force on “Make It Happen”."
Permanent Colours
1 mention
"‘Permanent Colours’ is a fist-pumping search for life’s meaning"
Stay Out Of Place
2 mentions
"And few would expect the rampant charge of opener “Stay Out of Place”, where the band frantically try to keep pace with Jones’ thundering guitar;"
If some may have noticed the group's latter output putting Rod Jones’ angular guitar riffs on the back burner, they are back in full force on “Make It Happen”.
Track Ratings
How critics rated each track, relative to this album (0-100). Only tracks that made critics feel something are rated.
Stay Out Of Place
Like I Had Before
It's Not The First Time
(I Can't Help) Back Then You Found Me
The Mirror Still
Make It Happen
I Wish I Wrote It Down
Permanent Colours
Writers Of The Present Time
End With Sunrise
What Critics Are Saying
Deep insights from 3 critics who reviewed this album
Critic's Take
The review singles out a few tracks as exemplars of Idlewild's renewed energy, especially 'Make It Happen', 'It's Not The First Time' and opener 'Stay Out Of Place'. 'Make It Happen' restores Rod Jones' angular guitar presence and prompts urgent vocals from Woomble. 'It's Not The First Time' is praised as a widescreen, pop-heavy anthem recalling their big moments. The frantic charge of 'Stay Out Of Place' is highlighted as a stirring opener that balances aggression and acoustic respite.
Key Points
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Make It Happen is best for restoring Jones' angular guitar and prompting urgent vocals, showcasing renewed band energy.
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The album's core strengths are its embrace of time, widescreen pop moments, and a confident synthesis of past and present sounds.
Themes
Critic's Take
The review highlights several standout rockers as the album’s best songs, praising their energy and songwriting. 'Stay Out Of Place' is framed as an immediate, Celtic-tinged opener that challenges the listener. 'Make It Happen', 'Permanent Colours' and 'Writers Of The Present Time' are singled out as career-high rock moments for the band. Mid-tempo emotional tracks like 'It’s Not The First Time' and 'The Mirror Still' provide cinematic and emotive counterpoints to the album’s drive.
Key Points
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Make It Happen is best because it’s described as a 'terrific' Fugazi riff machine and a high-energy standout.
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The album’s strengths are precise, concise rock songwriting that balances emotional depth with exhilarating rock moments.