Idlewild Idlewild
Idlewild's Idlewild arrives as a reinvigorated statement of identity, folding nostalgia and forward momentum into a concise set that critics praise for its emotional resonance and precision songwriting. Across three professional reviews the record earned an 83.33/100 consensus score, with reviewers repeatedly pointing to its blend of danceable melancholy and rock resurgence as the album's defining strength. "Make It Happen" and "Stay Out Of Place" emerge as immediate highlights, their urgency and guitar work restoring the band's angular edge, while “Like I Had Before” and “I Wish I Wrote It Down” showcase how introspection and groove coexist throughout the collection.
The critical consensus notes a careful economy of form - songs are lean but resonant, trading sprawling indulgence for sharpened hooks and lyrical clarity. Reviewers praised the record's thematic throughlines - time, reflection and heartbreak - which surface in both widescreen anthems and quieter, cinematic moments. Critics consistently flagged "Make It Happen" for its restored guitar presence and urgent vocals, and highlighted “Stay Out Of Place” as a stirring, Celtic-tinged opener that balances aggression with acoustic respite. Across reviews, “Like I Had Before” is noted as a standout for turning self-questioning into danceable catharsis, while “I Wish I Wrote It Down” earns attention for its thick bassline and cutting lyricism.
While praise dominates, reviewers also acknowledge that the record's concision can leave some craving more expansive risk-taking; still, the consensus suggests that Idlewild represents a welcome reinvigoration and a career-high series of rock moments that reaffirm the band's relevance. For readers asking "is Idlewild good" or searching for the best songs on Idlewild, the critical reception and standout tracks above make a persuasive case for a focused listen and a place for the album in the band's evolving catalog.
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”."— The Line of Best Fit
Permanent Colours
1 mention
"‘Permanent Colours’ is a fist-pumping search for life’s meaning"— Clash Music
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;"— The Line of Best Fit
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
Idlewild have fashioned an album where introspection and danceability coexist, and the best songs on Idlewild prove it. The review revels in “Like I Had Before” as a danceable interrogation of self, and points to “I Wish I Wrote It Down” for its thick bassline and cutting lyricism. There is admiration throughout for a band with three decades of craft, so readers asking "best tracks on Idlewild" should start with those two songs. The tone is celebratory yet precise, noting how sombre lyrics are transposed into cathartic grooves.
Key Points
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The best song is "Like I Had Before" because it marries danceable melody with introspective lyrics, making it the album's most immediate hook.
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The album's core strengths are sharp lyricism and the ability to translate sombre themes into cathartic, danceable indie-pop.
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.