Reviews (page 3 of 7)
I really quite enjoyed this. The syths were excellent. Wasn't the biggest fan of the vocals at first - reminded me of the meh XX singing - but I learned to appreciate the female vox when the boring male vox appeared on two tracks (last track being the worst). Lots of excellent dark pop songs like Tether, Lies, and Science/Vision. Good example too of how some albums are too long. This one wasn't but yurt bonus tracks at the end were all pretty dull. If they were on the album proper it would have brought this down.
Decent album. More poppy than I was thinking it would be. Liked the feel of the album.
Great album - pleasantly surprised
I think the first time I heard of chvrches was their Arctic Monkeys cover on YouTube, which I liked a lot. This album was pretty good. Lot of catchy songs. The male vocals weren’t as good as the main singer.
Listened a few days ago forgot to rate
It’s quite good. The first 4 tracks kinda carried the album and were noticeably better than the rest, but those 4 were really good
Absolute blast.
I just adore this album - it's so magical and wonderful. I don't even care about looking into specific genres. It's just a wonderful album.
This is an excellent album. Atmospheric at points, bopping in others. A great album from start to finish.
Surprisingly enjoyable synth pop. I knew a few tracks, but there were some album tracks that were also very enjoyable, and I particularly like the few that got a bit darker.
Didn’t expect to see this band on this list. Glad this album was included, very catchy and production is great
Nice
Why covldn't they jvst call their band CHURCHES? 4/5
I like CHVRCHES, but as with a lot of “indie” bands like this that are on the list, it’s hard to determine what makes them them the band or album that you MUST listen to. It’s good, but is it really the bellwether?
A favorite.
Very good album. I already enjoy CHVRCHES and was a fan of The Mother We Share, but hadn't heard the rest of this album. Strong tracks throughout, though I will always prefer the ones with Lauren Mayberry doing lead vocals (thankfully that's most of them).
Interesting 80s sound though album is 2013. Lots of synths and poppy female lead vocals. It's a fun listen. I give it a solid 8/10.
Surprised me this. Listened a couple of times and it really grew on me. Got Biffy Clyro vibes from the tunes with the male singer. I like it. But the spelling of the band name is pretentious and annoying.
Out of all the modern synthpop bands that appeared in the 2010's, CHVRCHES are definitely one of the best. They may not evoke the 80's as much as, say, M83, but I think that makes them sound fresh and forward thinking. This is a collection of tightly-written, catchy pop tunes with detailed production and a charismatic vocalist in Lauren Mayberry. I don't understand why they would have one of the other guys in the band sing lead on a couple of songs, those are definitely the lowlights here. Ignoring the cringe pop feminism of Mayberry's public personal is not difficult, as these songs don't seem to tackle any social issues. I would also recommend the band 2015 follow-up Every Open Eye, which might be even better than this debut. Key tracks: The Mother We Share We Sink Tether Recover
Way better than I expected tbh
Hell yeah, this was a delight to listen to. Groovy synth and uplifting vocals.
Nah ts lowk heat, def a new kind of synth pop im gonna continue to explore
I got this album on cd when I was in high school and haven’t really listened to it much after that. So for better or worse this feels very much like a high school album to me. Pretty fun synth pop though
Solid listen, lots of feel good tunes here. This album felt like the perfect road trip play. Upbeat and light could keep spirits high as you drive into the distance with a full blatter and only a big gulp cup as hope for relief. Maybe this uplifting music will put your friends in such a good mood that as you dare do the 18 wheel whiz into the 72oz container they can't hear your load lighten as they are dazed by a synth almost right out of the 2nd Tron movie. But you know, that's JUST me thinking out loud. Nothing more.
10/08/2025 This isn't my sort of music at all, but I was surprised that it wasn't actually bad.
Pretty good 80s synth pop revival. Arguably better than most 80s synth pop. Like an indie version of Katy Perry or something. It's 48 minutes, but it seemed shorter. Favorite song: by the throat
This was fun, reminded me of high school
The Bones of What You Believe by CHVRCHES is a vibrant, uplifting, and sonically rich debut that left a strong impression on me. I went in with no expectations and was immediately hooked—this is the kind of album that grabs you from the first listen, especially if you have a soft spot for indie electronic music like I do. Each track bursts with energy and features infectious melodies that linger long after the album ends. The synth-driven production is polished but never sterile, and the emotional undercurrents in Lauren Mayberry’s vocals add depth to the shimmering soundscape. Favourite Tracks: “The Mother We Share,” “We Sink,” and “Recover” are standout moments that showcase the band’s knack for crafting memorable hooks and dynamic arrangements. Least Favourite Track: Honestly, I enjoyed the entire album—there were no real low points for me. Album Artwork: The cover is simple yet effective, echoing the clean, modern feel of the music within.
I've only heard of this band through Death Stranding, and I liked this better than what I've heard there. It feels very much like pop music, except with a little more bite.
This one surprised me - in not usually one for waifish white woman singing, but the music has enough bite to keep me interested and generally the whole bone of this was immaculate. Gonna have to come back to this one, i liked it a lot more than I was expecting and may have to look more into Churches in the future
Wow, I really enjoyed this one. Very much the indie sound I would think of, but the mood of the whole piece is quite engaging. Very atmospheric, very enjoyable
Good synth pop
LOVE LOVE LOVE
Nije savršen debi ali baš je pun hitova
Very strong pop record
REALLY enjoyed this album. Always kinda wrote them off as something i cant quite explain. Just shows you to often not judge a band by the look or the people that make up their fanbase. Loved it. Kinda gives me first Pvris album vibes.
Kinda fun
Great big synthey epics
Yes! Kero Kero Bonitoesque blissful pop!
Very solid album. Great vocals, very clean, with some fun lyrics. Has a lot of energy to the music. Would love to see a little more variety to the overall sound...while it's all good stuff, it all starts to blend together over the course of the album. Still very enjoyable though!
loved this, great discovery
Meget habilt
Guilty pleasure album. Millennial heaven
Pretty good
It pulls you in, 4
Pikkukalle olis tykänny hirmuisesti tästä
Fun music to zen out to.
Absolute nostalgic smasher of a album for me, God I loved this. But can't let that cloud my judgement too much (says she who too-excitedly rated Arcade Fire, Funeral 5*). I'm such a sucker for poppy indie-electronica of this era, not because of any technical mastery but purely based on how it makes you feel.
Terrific synth pop album
Very well produced album, but I can't decide if I love her voice or dislike it. It varies from song to song.
4/5
As good as I remember
synes vokalenbliver lige cutesy nok et par gange, men ellers et virkelig fedt album
I love the way that they make the choruses "open up" on almost each song..
Wetter than I remember it
I got through most of the album before Spotify went down. I'd listen to it again & check out their other stuff. I'm familiar with the 1st track but none of the others.
What an awesome album
Synth pop done right. Hooky and highly accessible, but there’s a little bit of darkness, a little bit of edge. Favorite track: Lies
What a self-assured debut record this is. Fun, well-produced synth-pop with a bit of an 80s feel to it, but updated for the 2010s. Lauren Mayberry has a terrific voice that you want to spend time with. The Mother We Share is a strong start and there are a lot of songs here that reward repeated playing. We Sink, Tether, Lies, Recover and a couple others are all strong. Overall this is an enjoyable album, even if the songs do tend to blend together.
Fine, production doesn't have much stereo work.
Prefer their first record but this is a great synth pop album in its own right. Used to listen to this a lot when it came out but my wife overplayed it so it got old and I’ve avoided it for years. Nice reminder though of it. Mad that one of the lads used to be in Twilight Sad, total shift in sound
Have heard of these guys but not sure I've ever given them a listen.... Really enjoyed it. Really crisp and crunchy sounding if that makes any sense. Maybe a bit arcade firey. I reckon I'll come back to this. I'm going to say 3.5 as it's not quite my thing, but I'm feeling generous
really cool, love the synths. I think its 7/10 but I'm going to give it 4 stars so I remember to come back to it
Okay, this opening track is cool. The album is very listenable. Kate Bush and Peter Gabriel vibes. Yeah, from start to finish I'd play this again. Probably on a road trip. Good representation of a time in popular music.
Nice for a change with something that both is modern and sounds like it. I'm quite an electronic music lover, so this naturally sat very well with me. The opening track, 'The Mother We Share', is a very good song and is probably the best song of the album. The singer is really good and definitely lift the tracks from something fairly decent to something great. Overall I really liked this! Will look more into this band and see what else they got.
If this were the template for pop music, I would listen to it. Dreamy synthpop with an angel singing.
Favorite Track: The Mother We Share
I was going to make fun of the fact that CHVRCHES were only known for their (great) synth pop cover of Do I Wanna Know? by Arctic Monkeys, and how this album was just a relic of 2013 that has been long forgotten. Both of which are true. However, I decided against it after a couple of listens, and man, what a delightfully refreshing listen. I must say I wasn't expecting to see CHVRCHES on this list though. I'm not a huge fan of synth pop or whatever genre you call this, and every song does scream in similarity, but I genuinely enjoyed this one a lot. I do see why this would get boring, especially since she seems to only sing in one tone. I think they make up for this in pacing, though. Is this album deserving of a place on a top 1001 albums ever list? Maybe, but it depends what you have in there as a 'representative' of synth pop. I dare say this might be as good as it gets.
Given the pretty standard white girl vocals that permeate a majority of the run time, I did not expect that this was a Scottish group. While the final track which was fairly sparse for vocals in general may have been a favourite, I preferred the female vocalist who thankfully covers a majority of this album. Maybe it's a little juvenille but I felt like the swearing felt a little bit at odds with the tone that the album was going for? Either way I enjoyed a good chunk of this though did feel like some tracks were a bit too samey around the middle
4.1 2x catch up 3/19/25 enjoyed this style
Forgot about that album, it's brilliant.
Good electrowhatever
Loved this when it came out, have fallen off with CHVRCHES a bit since. I'd consider this one of the better pop records of the decade. The Mother We Share is the obvious standout, but it keeps the momentum up.
Great Really easy listen Nice voice Good
Waaaaay more poppy than I'd usually like, but I guess my media bubble had become nearly impenetrable by 2013 so I haven't been over exposed to any of these songs. I like that they've kept their accents! Fave tracks - ok, "Gun" is catchy AF even if it is pop - I probably wouldn't appreciate hearing it too many times in a given week, mind. "Science/Visions" was good too. "You Caught the Light" is probably my overall fave, as it slows right down into dream pop territory...
a lot of things could make your average music dork overlook CHVRCHES. it could be the dated LCK F VWLS ND LL CPS band name. it could be the dated 80's synthpop revival sound that cluttered the 2010's, conjuring up Outrun skies and gaudy, blocky DeLorians speeding down a lightcycle grid on the wall of a Target. it could be simply because Lauren Mayberry isn't singing on every song. however, despite all three of these things being true, two things save this album from being a potentially frustrating listen. one. the record has the songs to back up the sound. if you have a song that would sound good in any genre, there's no reason why it wouldn't sound good in one that's dated. even if i think "Night Sky" is the only weak link, your average listener would probably still love it if they heard it on the radio. two: there is zero cynical retro ideation. we're not going back to the mall or shouting out other bands or trying to conjure up New Order or The Cure; this record sounds 80's almost on accident. it's like CHVRCHES and Vangelis just both independently agreed that this setting on the DX7 sounded good. of course, this probably isn't TRUE (i think everyone and their mom knows what Vangelis sounds like) but it feels like their sound, not another person's sound that they thought would add that vintage feel to it. i saw Drab Majesty opening up for Slowdive last year and they were horrible. just another band too loud and too obsessed with sounding like another band that they forgot to write songs that did something other than signify. CHVRCHES does not signify; it feels like the signal.
"The Bones of What You Believe" is the debut album by Scottish synth-pop band Chvrches. A simple description of their music is " synth-pop and indie pop that incorporates 1980's influences." The album received critical acclaim for lead singer Lauren Mayberry's songwriting and vocal performance and lain Cook and Martin Doherty's use of synths and vocal loops. Commercially, it reached #9 in the UK and #12 in the US. Echoing vocals and handclaps open their first single "The Mother We Share." Bouncy synths and Mayberry's great vocals and chorus. A hard song to interpret: Underlying love of siblings? Music? Mother Earth? ""We Sink" has more of a dance vibe. Layered synths and a good beat. I'm going out on a limb that it's about a relationship that failing. "Gun" might be their most straightforward pop song with the high-pitched synths. A woman scorned...you better run. "Lies" comes out a charging with the hard synths and beats. A dark and rockin' edge to this song. Mayberry is dark too as she tells her guy what he wants to hear and has control. My favorite Chvrches' song. "Under the Tide" has always been a favorite deep cut for me. Great live. Doherty on vocals. A scratchy synth sounds that builds. Mayberry on backing vocals. "Recover" has a great underlying melody. Swirling synths as Mayberry sings about a guy that cheated on her. This album has seven to eight great high-end pop songs. It's synth-pop but with a slightly harder edge to what you heard in the 80's. Great song structure: Hook-laden melodies, songs that build and and danceable beats. Mayberry has confident and emotional vocals and lyrics. Her Scottish accent does add to her style. I like this album a lot and give it a high recommendation. Their most recent album "Screen Violence" is another one worth checking out.
I was pleasantly surprised to see CHVRCHES on here. They were a key part of synth/dance pop revitalization in the early 2010s and the opening track on this album, "The Mother We Share" is still a prime example of that revitalization. It's a song that has stood the test of time by continuing to remain a popular listen well beyond the initial trend of this genre. It has lots of synth, lots of echo-y, ethereal vocals, and commanding dance moments. Say what you want about this genre, but I think a vocalist with presence is almost required, and Lauren Mayberry accomplishes exactly that. This album is at its best when she is singing and leading the way. I really love this genre and am glad to see it represented. Probably a 3.5 for me, but I'll round up.
Favourite song - Lies
Förvånad över att detta album är med på en sån här lista, men jag tycker att det är svinbra!
Låter väldigt 2010 men på ett bra sätt. Blir lite nostalgisk. Många bra bängers.
Awesome album, nice 80s vibe at times
Edgy 16 year old girl vibes which was surprisingly easy and enjoyable to listen to
Ah, CHVRCHES! I always liked Mayberry's voice and their special kind of Electronica/Synthipop.
Pretty vibey
I get excited every time I see an album on here from "my era." I've always liked "The Mother We Share" but never heard any of the other tracks before this. It's really difficult to make a whole album of synthesized sounds where the only organic part of it is the human voice and have it be as enjoyable and engaging as this album. The instrumentation here doesn't pretend to be anything other than synthesizers (no synthbass, no programmed drums with acoustic sound profiles, no guitar solos). It's almost stubborn in its accomplishment of being a "synthesizer album." There are a lot of great songs on here. A really impressive debut album that I enjoyed a lot.
"Synth pop" is not anything I'd ever imagined myself enjoying, and yet... somehow I really really liked this album and they're immediately going into my "stuff to explore more" playlist. This was a wild surprise for me.
8/10 Favorite Tracks: The Mother We Share, Night Sky, Science/Visions Least Favorite Tracks: Under the Tide
Really enjoyed it. Different from what I would normally listen to
I liked it so much... It was an injection of energy
Catchy synth pop! My favourite was Under The Tide. Not a fan of vocal chopping, so the bridge of Night Sky didn't work for me.
Very enjoyable.
Paul likes this album
why did this hit me in the just the right spot? I listen to synth-pop very sparingly but for some reason this album hooked me good. Gun starts off pretty good and its pretty consistent from then on. Giving me strong vaporwave vibes, like the soundtrack to an 80's movie that doesnt exist. The only problem is that once you've had enough, you really dont want anymore. By the end of this album I can go awhile without hearing it again. Surprisingly enjoyable entry for me.
Very good album. Heard of the band but never paid much attention to them. I like synth pop in general and this has an 80s feel to it. The female vocalist has a sweet voice and the lyrics are good. I found enough variety between songs that the album did not feel as long as it was. Most of the songs were very catchy. Not sure that belongs on the 1001 list but I liked it enough to listen to it again but probably would not buy it on vinyl.
4/5. I'm a sucker for some electronic synth-pop but these are full and well-produced. Although some songs are a little forgetful, they do provide an uplifting feeling and there are bangers here for sure. Plus it's enjoyable front to back, that the similar sounds compliment. Production is a highlight and switching between singers keeps it fresh. Best Song: The Mother We Share, We Sink, Under The Tide
Fantastic album. Very cyberpunk vibes 4.5/5
Well-produced synth pop with great melodies? Automatic 4.
I’m so glad I was an impressionable age when this album came out. I think these days I would’ve more easily written it off as 80’s revivalist pop pastiche. But no, this was peak tumblr, Porter-Robinson-adjacent, on the drive to my first job, good from front to back. Wistful lead vocals packed with a nice balance of angst and catharsis, often dancey, AMAZING hooks. If you are new to liking this, I suggest The Naked And Famous as a similar listen. “Tether” is my highlight and it has a great house remix from Junior Sanchez that should be listened to as well
7/10
I loved this album when it came out. I still like it, but it does feel very of the time/dated over a decade later.
Very good. I can see where this influenced some of the music I listen to.
The Mother We Share // Tether // Lungs // By The Throat // 3.5/5
surprisingly good
EDM always feels very of its time, and this definitely feels like 2013/14 to me. Just the opening bars of "The Mother We Share" can transport me to those days, and the optimism I had... Of course nw we live in a hellscape but the escapism is a nice byproduct. It also reminds me of the opening of the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and dancing Tunnocks Teacakes
I was vaguely familiar with CHVRCHES, but I had never sat and listened to one of their albums as a whole. Overall, this was a pretty decent album! Catchy melodies and great production.
I know this album very well. It came out in our second year of college and was constantly on play for years. Our friend Dylan is a massive fan of Chvrches and would have them playing constantly. They played at Boston Calling and he sang every word to every song. The people around us did not like Dylan as much as Lauren. The album opens with its biggest hit. "Mother We Share" is an amazing song. The song samples M83, who wrote one of my favorite albums. "We Sink" also slaps. The album slows down a little for a while here. I don't like the next few songs as much. "Under The Tide" picks me back up. "Recover" is another song that Dylan played constantly. It's good. The underlying synth tracks have a lot of M83 in them. "Lungs" has fun vocals. I like Chvrches sound, but it does get a little old for me by the end of the album. There are awesome songs on here, but I spend about as much time wanting to turn it down a little as I do wanting to turn it up. The best songs are the first two. It's pushing an 8, but I don't think it quite makes it there. 7/10
## In-Depth Review of *The Bones of What You Believe* by CHVRCHES CHVRCHES' debut album, *The Bones of What You Believe*, released on September 24, 2013, marked a significant entry into the synth-pop genre. The Scottish trio, consisting of Lauren Mayberry, Iain Cook, and Martin Doherty, crafted a collection of tracks that juxtapose bright melodies with darker lyrical themes. This review delves into the album's lyrics, music, production, themes, and its overall influence while highlighting its strengths and weaknesses. ### Lyrics ****Exploration of Themes The lyrics in *The Bones of What You Believe* are characterized by a blend of vulnerability and empowerment. Mayberry's writing often reflects personal struggles, relationships, and emotional turmoil. The opening track, "The Mother We Share," sets the tone with its exploration of connection amidst chaos: > "I know it’s not the same / But I’ll be there for you." This line encapsulates the album's recurring theme of seeking solace in relationships despite underlying pain. Tracks like "We Sink" and "Gun" delve into darker territories. "We Sink" presents a hauntingly obsessive love dynamic with lines that suggest both devotion and danger: > "I’ll be a thorn in your side ’til you die." In contrast, "Gun" serves as an aggressive warning to a former lover, showcasing Mayberry's fierce lyrical prowess: > "You had better run from me." These contrasting themes create a complex narrative throughout the album, where love is both nurturing and destructive. ### Music ****Sound and Composition Musically, *The Bones of What You Believe* is characterized by its vibrant synths and infectious hooks. The production blends elements of 1980s pop with contemporary electronic influences. Tracks like "Recover" exemplify this fusion with their upbeat tempo and catchy choruses. The song features soaring synth lines paired with Mayberry's ethereal vocals, reminiscent of Robyn's style. Other standout tracks include: - **"Tether":** A slow-building ballad that crescendos into an explosive chorus akin to M83's sound. - **"Lies":** A track that combines driving beats with introspective lyrics about deception in relationships. The instrumentation often features layered synths, punchy drum machines, and atmospheric effects that create a lush soundscape. This sonic richness allows for both danceable tracks and more contemplative moments. ### Production ****Technical Aspects The production on *The Bones of What You Believe* is handled primarily by Iain Cook and Martin Doherty, who skillfully blend electronic elements with organic sounds. The album showcases polished production techniques that enhance its accessibility while maintaining an edge. Key production elements include: - **Layered Synths:** The use of multiple synth layers creates depth and texture in each track. - **Dynamic Vocals:** Mayberry's vocals are often treated with reverb and echo to evoke a sense of space and emotion. - **Rhythmic Precision:** The drum patterns are crisp and well-defined, driving the energy of the songs forward. Overall, the production successfully balances pop sensibilities with an experimental edge, making it appealing to a broad audience while retaining artistic integrity. ### Themes ****Central Motifs *The Bones of What You Believe* explores several central themes: - **Love and Loss:** Many tracks grapple with the complexities of romantic relationships, portraying both affection and heartbreak. - **Empowerment vs. Vulnerability:** The album navigates the tension between feeling empowered in one’s identity while also confronting personal insecurities. - **Isolation:** Several songs reflect feelings of loneliness and disconnection amidst attempts to connect with others. These themes resonate deeply with listeners, particularly within the context of contemporary societal pressures surrounding relationships and self-worth. ### Influence ****Cultural Impact Upon its release, *The Bones of What You Believe* received critical acclaim for its fresh take on synth-pop. It was heralded as a significant contribution to the genre, influencing subsequent artists who sought to blend electronic music with introspective lyrics. The album's success helped pave the way for CHVRCHES to become prominent figures in the indie pop scene. Their sound has inspired numerous acts within electronic music, showcasing how emotional depth can coexist with catchy pop melodies. ### Pros and Cons ****Strengths - **Catchy Melodies:** The album is filled with memorable hooks that invite repeated listens. - **Emotional Depth:** Lyrically rich content provides listeners with relatable themes that resonate on a personal level. - **Production Quality:** High-quality production enhances the listening experience without overshadowing the artistry. - **Vocal Performance:** Mayberry’s distinctive voice stands out as a powerful instrument throughout the album. ****Weaknesses - **Repetitive Sound:** Some critics argue that certain tracks can feel formulaic or similar in structure. - **Limited Range:** While the album excels in its specific soundscape, it may lack diversity for listeners seeking varied musical styles. - **Dark Themes:** The juxtaposition of upbeat music with darker lyrics might not appeal to all audiences. ### Conclusion *The Bones of What You Believe* is a compelling debut that successfully marries infectious pop melodies with profound lyrical content. CHVRCHES established themselves as innovators within the synth-pop genre through their unique blend of sound and thematic exploration. Despite some criticisms regarding repetitiveness and range, the album remains a significant work that has influenced many artists in the years following its release. Its ability to convey complex emotions through accessible music ensures that it will continue to resonate with listeners long after its initial launch.
Mayberry's vocals are great – as the Spotify description says, they're crystalline and emotive – and they really make the music pop. Sure, bass-boosted synths and electronic drums are fun, but the singing lifts the music above other, more unassuming electro sounds from contemporaries. The male vocals, in the few tracks in which they appear, are definitely weaker, but they're by no means bad. I'm a big fan of the electronic drum rhythms in songs like Gun and Recover, as well as the synths which encapsulate a sort of retro-80s feel (but without the 80s production accompanying it, thank goodness). The main thing holding this back from a 5/5 is (surprisingly) not the distinct lack of acoustic instruments, because CHVRCH≡S actually manages without them fairly well. Nor is it the album flow, which is again surprisingly good for its time period. I don't normally associate the 21st century with satisfying album progression, but there's a nice variation between the tracks in terms of energy, tempo, and texture. In fact, the thing holding back The Bones Of What You Believe is that it's very easy to stop paying attention – and when you do, the music begins to sound like just about every 2010s EDM composition. Very club music-like, albeit with slightly more complex ideas and a better vocal. Still, I can't give a perfect rating in good conscience when music actively embraces elements of music from what's likely the lowest-quality musical decade. 4/5 Key tracks: The Mother We Share, Gun, Recover
I think The Mother We Share is the heir to Bittersweet Symphony. A song you may hear every few years now and it’s just like holy fuck this song is massive.
I played this a lot when I was younger and it holds a very special place in my heart
Heard this album many times before - chvrches is a solid band
3.5
Synth pop. Not my genre but not unenjoyable. At home in an 80’s playlist. Someone put a lot of effort into it.
Some bangers on here. Takes a while to sink in.
Favourite songs: Lies, We Sink, Recover, Under the Tide, Night Sky, The Mother We Share, Strong Hand, Tether, Gun, By the Throat Least favourite songs: Science/Visions, You Caught the Light 4/5
4.5
Some really lovely sound. Not as profoundly hooking as a Postal Service or Imogen Heap, but very much worth the listen
CHVRCHES used the new wave heavy synths to make a great pop album. It stands on its own as a fun unique listen between modern dance music and earlier electronic. This album came out around the time that House EDM was growing into a global moment. No album really captures that sound due to the genre heavily existing in singles, mixes, and live sets, but this album does an alright job.
Sterotypical electronic indie including the pretentious name spelling. First track was definitely used in an advert at some point. Still, I like it tho.
No real justification for this rating and it might be higher than I would have done if I didn't have emotional ties to it (I think it reminds me of the early days of dating my now husband). But 4 stars for me!
I really liked this on first listen and suspect I’m going to like it even more on subsequent run throughs
I liked this album and played it a lot several years ago; it still holds up pretty well. 4/5
I really liked this but need a revisit to confirm if it's a 5 or not.
Emblematic of a lot of the synthpop that came out of the early-mid 2010s. By this point in history, it seemed as though pop music had become a science that was perfected. Standing of the shoulders of giants, all you needed was a hook and a look to make it in the music biz. Of course, that's easier said than done. CHVRCHES seems to respect the likes of their influences, invoking Depeche Mode, Tangerine Dream, Brian Eno, Kate Bush, Whitney Houston, and any number of '80s synthpop acts (especially from the UK). Put some modern pop polish on the production and that's The Bones Of What You Believe. CHVRCHES keeps their synth sounds interesting enough to capture my interest for the full runtime. Ranging from upbeat to intense to airy, the group mixes their approach and synth tones to show their true breadth. I just wish they experimented a little more with songwriting or instrumentation, perhaps moving beyond just synth songs.
This was honestly really good and right up my alley. I *think* I've heard of CHVRCHES before, but I don't know if I've actively listened to them (though after a bit of frustration and digging, 'We Sink' was totally from FIFA 14). There's certainly an early-2010s tinge to the production here - but it comes off more nostalgic to me as opposed to antiquated. Still, that's not its entire identity - the group definitely takes leads from early synthpop groups like 'Depeche Mode'. My favorite bit of production is on the heavy 'Science/Visions'. As for the songs themselves, there are quite a handful of highlights like 'The Mother We Share', 'We Sink', 'Gun', 'Recover', and 'Lungs'. The lead vocalist, Lauren Mayberry, is such a perfect fit for the music here. She's gifted when it comes to writing these earwormy and sarcastic choruses, my favorite being on 'We Sink'. I wasn't as much of a fan of the male vocals that cropped up occasionally, though they were fine as backers for 'Lungs'. Damn near flawless contemporary synthpop and an album that I'm sure will continue growing on me.
I was surprised to see this album here, but was happily impressed with the depth of it. CHVRCHES changed the game and brought about a more thoughtful and worded form of indie pop that eventually spawned artists like Lorde and other mainstream / EDM artists of the mid-10's
This album was fantastic. Synth-oriented EDM/pop with excellent vocals and lyrics. Really enjoyed this, already listened to it a second time. Can’t choose any stand out tracks because they were all great.
Nice one
Good
Good times back in 2013... always love for synthpop without 80's production. Many of these tracks have been on my usual rotation ever since its release. I've also see them live, although I don't remember it that well... as I said, good times.
very ethereal vibes. i loved the electronica
Love Chvches! I've seen them live before and am totally in love with Lauren Mayberry. This is a sterling album--really groundbreaking and well executed.
More intelligible than Elisabeth Fraser of the Cocteau Twins; less soulful than Taylor Swift - Lauren Mayberry (Lavren Mayberry?) is extraordinarily reminiscent of both. I just found out that she’s the percussionist (percvssionist?) too. This is post-New Wave 80s gold, right here, this album. I think I need another listen, but damn if this isn’t a solid rocket of techno-pop love.
Love a lot of tracks, but not a beginning to end album
I really dug most of this. I didn't like the last song very much. Otherwise this was a pretty solid album that I will revisit and check out other albums by the band.
First album for a couple of weeks that I've actually had the time to listen to properly so maybe slightly over-rated but I enjoyed it.
decent synth-pop from a band I'd not heard
Pretty solid synth! I've heard the Mother We Share many times and didn't love it, but I was surprised by many of the other songs on the album
This music defines me as a person. 4/5
Das Album hat mir sehr gefallen. Ich fand es kohärent und doch abwechslungsreich.
Jump into dreamy pop
Feels like the beginning of the current era of female pop music. A girl with a good voice in front of highly produced electronic music Enjoyable enough but nothing stood out. I wasn’t singing along or humming the tunes after.
This one had its highlights, especially the closer. But it wanes in the middle with ok tracks. It’s good, but not one of the best things I’ve heard.
Nice set of songs
Quite a good record with much to bite into. Doesn’t feel like a classic but it’s one I would like to return to.
Synth-pop bangers ahead, I have to admit to loving this band slightly more then their absolute musical quality might suggest. A sucker for a well-enunciated Scottish accent perhaps. While never deviating from the template set out here, their subsequent albums reveal this to be a debut with lots to headroom for them to expand into. Also great live. Four stars.
I love the vocalists voice. I also like synthetic pop. A few songs (the singles) I liked a lot but others did not stand out so not a 5.
I really dug this when it came out, it’s a great throwback to 80s synth music. I even covered a CHVRCHES song once! Big fan, good stuff.
This is not normally my thing at all, but I really enjoyed this album. Really good singing and all of the synth work produced really good sounds.
Unfamiliar with them before, but found this really listenable overall. Remind me a little of something like The Knife, where it leans heavily into 80s synthetic, but manages to capture the mood, while feeling new and its own thing.
I was into this synth revival when it happened - these guys, Purity Ring, Phantogram (might throw in Sleigh Bells and STRFCKR and POLICA, too [btw, why did all these bands capitalize their names? Was that just a 2012 trend?]). In any case, if this is the kind of thing you liked when it was your mom's Duran Duran, Berlin, and New Order albums, then you might have liked it when it came back around.
CHVRCHES has always been a secret guilty pleasure band for me. I really can’t even put my finger on precisely why I love this record but just enjoy the mood, vocals, melodies,… So I guess the secret is out.
CHVRCHES is a band that I should listen to more than I do. A lot of people who's music opinions I tend to share are big fans. And it's not that I don't like them, I just never really listened to them much. And I'm going to make a point to change that because this album was really really good. It's not perfect, but I would gladly listen to it again.
A synth-pop album that surprised me with its ability to draw me in. Emotionally, lyrically, and musically interesting. Made me want to discover more from this band.
Nice surprise here. I'm a big fan of Chvrches music, but thought it might be too obscure or niche for this list. Most of my DJ sets include one of their tracks or a remix of something they've done. Lauren Mayberry's voice is exquisite and the Electro-Pop vibe is accessible and danceable.
Blondie’s Parallel Lines for Millennials. And just as good. (My credentials for making this statement? I’m a 31 year old woman who dropped out of film school and went to a lot of hipster parties in the early 2010s. I’m basically an authority on Millennial hipster music.)
Second straight day there is an album that I have heard and like but is not my favorite album by that group. The difference is this is Chvrches debut album and the one that sets up their sound for the listener. This is not their pop album, which is Love is Dead and it is not their best album, which is Screen Violence (perhaps an unpopular opinion). "Mother We Share," "We Sink," "Lies," and "Recover" are all great songs. The 10 year anniversary edition is even better because the outtakes like Manhattan are worthy of being on the album. Lauren Mayberry has such a unique and interesting voice, which only makes the songs that much more fun. Great album that's worth a listen and then go listen to their other albums, as there is something for everyone.
Great surprise
easy listening ..
I really loved tether when I was 12, and I had never heard anything like their sound at the time. To me they now sound a little dated.
Pretty straight forward synth-pop, but gotta admit I enjoyed it. I hear a lot of echoes of Taylor Swift's 1989 sound, which came out a year later (not making any accusations - it's not THAT original). I just found myself liking the vibe and Lauren Mayberry's voice. I'd probably go with a 3.5 if that were an option, but since it's not I'll round up simply because I liked listening to it. Favorite tracks: The Mother We Share, We Sink (I like how the odd off beat rhythm in the opening settled into a straightforward beat in the chorus), Lies, Under the Tide, Science/Visions (sounded like it belonged on the Tron Legacy soundtrack, which I guess means it reminds me of Daft Punk), You Caught the Light (nice dreamy vibe to close out the album).
Chvrches makes catchy, synth-pop songs that are built around Lauren Mayberry's sweet, strong voice. Their music sounds like 80's pop redone with 2000's EDM influences. The Bones of What you Believe is the band's debut album, and propelled them to international fame. The opening track, "The Mother We Share," became one of the biggest pop hits of the 2010's.
ז'אנר מטורף, 4/5
HOLY banger asf
Day 24 of listening to 1001 albums, one day at a time. I’ve really had the chance to give a synth pop album a listen so I don’t know what to expect. I must say I really enjoyed it. For a debut album, it really shows what this group is capable of and how well they can deliver. While I think there are some songs that stand up to some of the other, there are all pretty great. Mayberry is able to use her voice to cut through the production so well and a layer of emotion to synth that usually isn’t there with most other synth music. Where this album of course shines is the production as a whole from being great and punchy to the last song feeling like I’ve been transported to another dimension. It’s so amazing how they are able to blend the singing of members with the electronic and synth sounds to great a pretty good album.
Damn the year 2013... I didn't listen to chvrches but the Eric Prydz remix of Tether was in my playlists. This type of music makes me nostalgic for when i started going to EDM festivals. This is why rating albums like this is hard. Allot of it depends on a small part critical review and a lot of nostalgia or bias. While i don't think this is revolutionary it reminds me of how electronic music were made in an era I was a part of.
Rather liked this, not exactly a master piece but pleasant to listen to. All 4 albums added to favorites for future listening.
Loving the vibe. Love the vocals too.
Bella la prima, mi è piaciuto tutto.
Loved this so much, electric pop at it's best
Synth-pop, indie pop, electropop, dance-pop.
Better than I expected. I liked it more than my spellchecker did.
I was surprised as to how much I enjoyed this album. I was doubtful because The Mother We Share is so overplayed.
The music of this roguish trio distinguishes itself positively from most other synthpop bands of this era, because they sound a lot less dark, cynical and generally arty-farty. That's not to say that their lyrics have the same positive vibes. Great album and a superb debut
LOVE Lauren Mayberry's vocals. Gorgeous blend of 80s synths, modern pop and a sheen of British 90s electronica. Could I definitely say it's in the greatest 1001 albums? Not sure. Do I love it? Yep.
I wonder if the only electronica that's in any way palatable is either from or referencing the 80s. Just enough beat/melody ratio for me. I don't mind that all the songs sound the same. I have a weakness for female lead vocals + the accent is fun. 3.5 stars.
Synth-pop, indie pop, electropop, dance-pop.
Pleasantly surprised - enjoyed this!
This album has everything that I should love about 2010s music and while I still enjoyed quite a few tracks from this album, something about it didn’t fully click with me. It’s somewhat similar to arcade fire but even more synthy and that might be what didn’t work for me. It was almost TOO 2010s synth pop for me which is saying something. Regardless, the first two tracks and you caught the light were the standouts
I really enjoyed the record but the length was just a bit too long for me.
Standouts: The Mother We Share, Gun, Recover, We Sink, Lies, Under the Tide, Lungs. 3.75
I have not been doing the album generator for long, but this has been the best album I have listened too so far. Surprising to me given some of the names and bands listed previously, but this was killer.
had kinda low expectations for some reason but this was actually super good. kind of like if KNOWER went more synth pop instead of jazz.
Loved this when it came out and I still do.
Wow, I used to listen to this album when it came out when I was a moody teenager. I probably wouldn't to this album much nowadays though. 4/5 just for nostalgia's sake (don't make fun of me for being nostalgic of something that came out in 2013, I am just a baby and these were my formative years).
This album is an expertly constructed synth pop record. It may sound dated in a few years, but it perfectly encapsulates the time it was made. There are obvious 80s synth influences and more underground shoegaze drone like sounds as well. I love layers in music and this album leaves a lot to be unpacked. Overall, a great and accessible album.
Big synth pop. I like it.
Didn't expect to get this on here, but I'm not complaining! CHVRCHES is a really cool band, they've got an indescribable magic to their sound, and it comes through on a lot of these. Especially "The Mother We Share," that will probably be their top dog hit forever. It's a pretty great album, enjoyable ride. Will be saving quite a few. Favorite tracks: The Mother We Share, We Sink, Gun, Under the Tide, Lungs. Album art: Spirally logo with what I assume is the V that serves as their U? Colors are great, design is bold. It's a strong cover for sure. 4/5
Great!!!
I enjoyed this one a lot. I liked her voice and the music did not seem too over the top with electronics.
I listened to the hell out this album in the mid 2010’s. Still holds up as a great electro-pop album.
Pretty damn good! Suprised by how much I enjoyed. Very solid production, performances and songwriting
Incredible album front to back. I remember hearing CHVRCHES the first time with "We Sink" on FIFA 14. That led me to hearing "The Mother We Share" and ultimately this album. Glad to see this included in the list.
cleanly produced electro and synth pop nothing groundbreaking, but still nice to listen too
I've heard of this band but had never listened to them. I really liked this electronic pop dreamscape and the manic pixie singer. Her voice is on the higher and lighter side but packs some emotional power.
2013 seemed like ripe enough time for CHVRCHES to make their presence felt with The Bones of What You Believe. Melding 80s synth with modern flair, the trio hit the ground running and never let up. Further planting their flag down is the clarion call like vocals of Lauren Mayberry, one of the more distinctive voices of the 2010s synth-pop renaissance. Although Martin Doherty shares lead vocal duties as well, if anyone else had sung the songs without Lauren's flair, the whole enterprise would have sunk. Alas, this is a pretty good bedrock to start things on. Favorites: The Mother We Share, We Sink, Gun, Tether, Under the Tide, Night Sky, Lungs, By the Throat.
Pretty good
I love the lead singers voice and the buzzy poppy funky electronic sounds... it can build and rock at times that really has good energy. The Mother We Share is included, though I also find Recover really strong.
Synthpop r00lz
Good vnabashed slabs of synthpop. We Sink really slapped on the FIFA 14 sovndtrack and TMWS is a modern classic. Just between yov and me I think Chvrches are more of a singles band - there’s vsvally a bit of filler on their albvms. But they’re also my girlfriend’s favovrite band, and natvrally there’s an extra star on offer for that sort of thing.
2013 Genre: Synth-pop, indie pop, electropop, dance-pop Standouts: The Mother We Share, Others: Recover, Gun, Lies, We Sink, Tether, Under the Tide, Lungs 4/5
Really liked it, will listen again, and seek out their other output. Thought I might find the vocal off-putting, but I didn't mind it. It stayed just dark enough. Reminded me of Ladytron and occasionally LCD Soundsystem, both of whom are even cooler. Probably a 7 out of 10, but I'll be generous as I do love a synth.
Listen. This album dropped in my first few weeks at university, with the singles popping up throughout my senior year of high school. I was very much an indie boy at that time. So yes, I've heard several of these tracks many times. I doubt I could even separate the sound of songs like "Recover" or "The Mother We Share" from those memories. What surprised me the most about this listen was how many tracks featured male vocals. While Lauren Mayberry's voice is CHVRCHES to me, I did really like the mix. This is a fun little electropop record that I think would be hard to resist even if it wasn't tied into my halcyon days.
Cool vibes. I like the 80s bubblegum pop energy. Hope to find time to listen to more.
This album is very nostalgic for me, I listened to a lot of CHVRCHES around 2013. There are some phenomenal remixes of some of these songs. I thought I would find it dated and cheesy, but actually I still really liked this. That being said it’s another one where I don’t really understand why it’s on the 1001. Fave Tracks: The Mother We Share, Gun, Lies, Recover 3.8/5
Brings back fairly vivid early-mid 2010 memories. I quite liked Chvrches, and their sound is distinctive.
nice
One of my favorite high school bands, this album mostly holds up
Really enjoyed this
Pop worth a listen Dreamy kaleidoscope sound Dance in a synth trance
I have never knowingly listened to Chvrches, just a general thing about a lot of modern well-known music that doesn't overlap with my tastes, but from The Bones Of What You Believe I feel like I've been missing out. This is great fun, it's pulsating, it's cute and whimsical, it's soaring, it's infectious, and it constantly makes me think of bits of other songs I've heard from all over the place over the years (the singer's voice is great and is also often uncannily similar to one or two female-fronted pop-punk bands I've enjoyed). Lots of times I wasn't immediately taken by a song early on but the way it's built to a bigger finish works well and clearly by design. Only real knocks I have on it that stop it getting more than a 4 are that a few tracks are generally not very memorable (especially the last three tracks), and they all sound somewhat similar, but very glad this was on the list for me to find.
Extremely enjoyable album.
Been a fan of them since I found Love is Dead a few years back. This album leans a lot heavier on the electro, and does so with an extra dose of distortion. Love the sound and the energy, but didn’t connect with it as much. Still rocked… but you just never forget your first.
Hm I tried multiple ways of saying I love Lauren Mayberry but they all read back in a creepy way. I don't really care for their slower songs on this album or the male vocals (sorry, gentlemen) but the hits are HITS. Also, tumblr nostalgia. l
Jaren 80 vibes in een duidelijk modern jasje. Dromerig en toch dansbaar
Fun album!
Synth pop
The name of the band strikes me as incredibly pretentious but the album art is pretty cool so I'm trying to keep an open mind. Yeah this is bouncy and fun, It feels to me that Chvrches is satisfied to be a lyrically competent, well produced, and cleanly executed version of bouncy and fun and is not, in fact, insufferably pretentious. Good enough to be included on this list? I'm a maybe leaning towards yes.
I liked this a lot.
No cabe duda que el poder de la música atrae buena energía muy enérgico disco me gustó a pesar de algunas canciones muy pussys
Wonderful debut record from a great band.
Some of this is way too catchy and I don’t want to like it but it’s hard not too. It’s interesting how it kind of bridges alternative and electronic for the time, but really is just pop. As a naive pop listener, it seems to me like a lot of mainstream pop for the decade after is just this. Probably won’t listen much again, but can’t deny this is a good album.
Somehow I'd never really listened to them before. And i enjoyed every moment of this album. 4/5 will listen again.
Meget habilt
A unique and neat sound
3.7/5 Best Track: The Mother We Share
Another band I've only heard in name only and wound up enjoying a good deal. I would describe this as solid synthwave with maybe some chillwave undertones. At times, I wanted the songs to push a little harder or be a bit darker, but still, they remain catchy and are very beautiful in places. I particularly like the synth sounds that mimic distorted guitar. It's either an actual guitar getting filtered in or it's something manipulated and placed in a bank. Whatever is going on, it's put to good use. The bonus tracks are very good, and I would highly recommend listening to the 10 year anniversary remaster.
I fell in love with this album when it was first released. I still groove with these Scottish musicians. I understand the criticism that it begins to “sound the same” after a while. But I like the sound and never get bored with it. “Recover” and “By the Throat” are my two favourite tracks. 4.5/5
I love Chvrches in small doses. Lauren Mayberry is a rockstar crush of mine. Swoon
Did not at all feel like an hour long
Dance-pop. Me ha gustado. Un 4.
Just shy of a 5 for me I think, the great songs are absolutely banging but there are a handful that don't really do anything for me. Still a great album though, I throw this one on pretty regularly when the mood strikes.
Dance-pop. Me ha gustado. Un 4.
Synth-pop, indie pop, electropop, dance-pop.
Surprised to see this artist/album on this list but definitely enjoy it
That surprised me, wasn't what I expected. good pop/electronica, didn't hugely stand out as either though.
This was such a phenomenal album. Real coming of age vibes. I could see myself listening to it while on a nostalgic drive
I LOVE THIS ALBUM
This was a really good album. Kind of a blend of 80's/90's Depeche Mode meets Europop meets Atmospheric electronica. Definitely pleasantly surprised by this, and will quite likely seek out other albums of theirs to listen to, which is rare in my book.
I’ve certainly come across the name CHVRCHES before, but I’m not actually sure if I’ve heard them. It’s odd that we seem to be going back to Olde Worlde spelling. I recently listened to PVRIS too. Power to the V, I guess. Songs I already knew: none Favourites: We Sink, Night Sky, Lungs I liked this album a lot. It reminds me of the more upbeat MGMT synth-pop songs, or maybe even the more modern Depeche Mode tracks. It definitely seems inspired by 80’s music, and that sits well with me. I will say that I’m glad that the Glaswegian accent is easier to understand when sang. It seems to sound like a whole different language when I’ve had conversations with Glaswegians before. Anyway, I digress. This album is very good!
This is one of the better indie pop albums since 2000. Thankfully the two males brought in the female because she is what makes this album significantly better than many other electronic pop albums that are filled with synths. Her singing pairs perfectly with the instrumentals of this album and it has several good hits. This is a very good modern album. 7.8/10
Got that pop to it would like to relisten
Superb stuff
Comes out of the traps like an absolute rocket, but slowly gets more samey, and a bit boring by the end. Probably a 3.5 star, but I’ll bump up to a generous 4 because the first few songs are so strong
solid electronic album
This is good stuff, but I think they will do even better with their later releases.
This album felt still very recent to me so I was surprised to see it was 10 years old already. Some pretty joyous electro-indie, a fine album although slightly surprised it's included in the 1001 list
Best Song: By the Throat. My favourite part about CHVRCHES is the way the play around crescendos, and this song does that particularly well. Worst Song: Tether. Something about the male vocals didn't gel as well here. Overall: Although the album starts to feel a bit formulaic over its runtime, something about that formula works for me. The groovy synths + the angelic, innocent-feeling vocals feels right. I prefer other CHVRCHES albums, but I still can't help but like it. Music to dance to alone.
Very strong album. Well made electro-pop.
Sfeervolle electro/synth-pop, die festivalrock mixt met synthdance als een soort the Killers, of misschien zelfs hint naar Depeche Mode in een modern jasje. Ik vermoed dat het over 10 of 20 jaar wel enigszins gedateerd zal zijn, maar voor nu klinkt het best (retro)verfrissend. Of het eeuwigheidswaarde heeft, dat valt altijd nog te bezien, maar ik vind het best aardig om dit in een 1001-snoblijstje te horen.
I like this. Melodic, warm synth-pop tunes.
I can't believe I haven't listened to this album in full, as a Chvrches fan, I am disappointed in myself. This album contains the signature sounds that we have come to know and love from Lauren's distinct vocals to their electro pop/rock sounds. Definitely glad this album is a part of this list. Best: Recover Worst: You Caught The Light
igrejas
Solid album, keep me interested start to finish.
Ich kannte bisher nur einzelne Lieder vom Album, möchte es aber öfter anhören, damit sich mir Favoriten erschließen.
Her voice is so dominant that I feel like their songs blend together in terms of overall sound. I enjoy that sound, however, so this was still a pretty good listen. 4.5
I know what you're thinking. The easy way out, this many albums in, is to make a hacky "buy a fucking vowel" joke and write it off. But that's not who Daddy is. Daddy puts in the work, because you never know. Overly pleased to proclaim there's no work here, only play. This is an absolute joy. Lots of Abba meets The Cardigans vibes with hints of Delores O'Riordan from The Cranberries and early Taylor Swift, long before she got involved with Travis Kelce. Overall it's a jolt of euphoria. This is synth pop done right. They should play this album as the on hold music for the Suicide Hotline. But still, buy a fucking vowel.
I hate this band name. Chvrches? CH-VUR-CHES? CHURCHES? 7/10
Synthwave for the 2010s. The tracks in the first half build to euphoric choruses. The second half is more mellow and downbeat which drags it out a little. I also wouldn't have bothered with the songs that the man sings. However this is still excellent overall. Another hilarious thing is to deliberately mispronounce the artist as shev-er-shay ((c) ASG). Rating: 4/5 Playlist track: The Mother We Share Date listened: 16/09/23
I have a complex set of feelings about this album. I heard it around the time that it came out, and liked it but didn't love it. I still feel about the same, but my appreciation for synth pop has greatly increased during the intervening years. I think one of the reasons that I don't like this more is that I've heard lots of great synth albums since 2013, like Jubilee by Japanese Breakfast, that I like more than this. However, those albums benefit from the existence of this album. Anyway, this is solid synth pop. It leaves me a bit uninspired at times, but overall it's really good 4/5
Quite enjoyed this.
Love Chvrches
That's about as good as synth-pop gets, friends. It's got so much vibe. The only fault I can find with it is that it's just a lot of synth-pop and, by the end, my ears were totally worn out by all the saw-wave synthiness.
I liked this quite a bit. The music reminded me a bit of Arcade Fire. I really like the singer's voice. 4 stars.
I saw this band at Bonaroo, maybe 2014, and I was a dozen rows back and one of the people she seemed to be making eye contact with, or at least regularly looking in the general direction of. I remember it being a soul piercing, intense, confident kind of look - which I speculate is one of the ingredients that helps her voice balance the very present synthesizers that cohabitate these songs. At its worst moments, this album is still listenable, even catchy, and at it's best is downright contagious.
Choonz
Something a bit different, liked it
I have not done any research on this but it feels like the kind of record that got a lot of hype when it came out but that people have now turned on and pretend they always hated it. For me it’s just solid comfortable synth pop, I kind of love it.
fun
I had no idea what I was going to hear when I put this on. It is a really solid synth pop thing. I’d totally listen to this again. I really enjoyed it. It takes the best of dance, synth, and pop and puts it together. The band is quite charismatic and lively. Not quite 5 stars, but solid 4.
The Mother We Share is a pretty great song. Recover is also a pretty strong track. And it may be that I'm just in the mood for some faux 80s synth wave pop today. But this is working for me.
I liked it :) I wanted to give it five stars because I really like the sounds, but I don't find it mind blowing enough. But I think overall it's a very stylish, danceable record, even though a bit plastic-ey at times. One has to take also age into consideration, I would have loved this when I was 15!
Refreshing Disco tunes, funky and timeless, this is a good example why this project is worth it.
I loved this way more than I thought I would. Tempted to give it 5 but can't quite
Takes me back to my university years. Lovely. Can't believe this album is already 10 years old.
If you’ve never heard of chvrches do yourself a favor and check them out. I listen to punk/thrash/rap and don’t dig pop too much but this band is amazing.
Lush, gorgeous electronic pop. I really like CHVRCHES’ sound, and the singer’s voice suits it perfectly.
Chvrches has a great sound and this is a solid first album, but I like their next two albums more.
This is definitely an alternative album lol. There were only three songs (We Sink, Recover, Lungs) I think I would listen to, I actually put them on my playlist but the rest of the album is okay.
Synthpop classic. This album came out right before I graduated college and is one of the albums I most strongly associate with that transitional period of my life. It’s a shame they just couldn’t ever live up to it again though.
Fun album with some great sounds
Well this is all very good. Maybe ten minutes too long.
OOoooooh la-la. This was SUCH a good indie electro-pop album. My sibling is a HUGE fan of CHVRCHES so I knew I had to get in on it someday (thanks, 1001!), but I definitely wasn't expecting what I listened to. Likes: vocals, great and incredibly complex (rhythmically and harmonically) production, and the flow and cohesion of each INDIVIDUAL song is really powerful. BIIG criticism would be that the album definitely feels like it falls off in terms of cohesiveness at the tail end of it all. The last 5(6?) songs definitely feel like they stand alone as singles more than as elements of an album. Not sure if that makes sense, but that's what I felt -- wasn't sure if I was on the same album at some point, and the feeling never felt away. SUCH a great piece of work, though. Awesome introduction to electropop for anyone looking to get into the genre.
Man, some of the greatest songs of the last decade are on this. Mother We Share, Lies, Gun, just absolutely incredible tracks. More filler than I remembered though. Recovery is an earworm in a bad way.
This was better than I thought it would be. Erica apparently likes a couple of songs from this band. I thought that overall this was super listenable. Honestly, I will add this to my playlist and I felt like there wasn't a song on here that I super disliked.
alright electro pop
Catchy feel good songs. Not groundbreaking, but I enjoy them.
I really do like CHVRCHES (despite how they spell their name), but I feel like their songs are mostly the same kind of style and pace. It's a style that I like, but I'd rather mix them into a playlist than go through a whole album, this felt same-y throughout.
Way better album than I remembered. Synths on this go hard as fuck.
This is an exceptionally dated, early 2010s album. I enjoyed it, but that said, I don't see it as any sort of standout among early 2010s indie-synth-pop of which there is a ton of nice but interchangeable bands.
actually good
Not bad
Les musiques les plus récentes sont objectivement supérieures en tout à celles d'avant l'an 2000, n'en déplaise à mon ami italien raciste, homophobe et misogyne. Ma seule réserve concernant cet album réside dans le fait que le son résonne énormément du début à la fin en raison de l'architecture des églises qui comprend de grands espaces, des matériaux réfléchissants tels que la pierre et le bois, et des surfaces qui renvoient le son. Cela crée une réverbération prolongé qui n'est pas forcément agréable à l'écoute.
Un album non sans rappeller l'excellent groupe Gunshit, conseillé à l'époque par un de mes collègues de travail des bureaux de Francfort. Ce brillant conseiller n'aura néammoins jamais réussi à rendre mon expérience allemande plus agréable, et je voue depuis une haine incommensurable à l'égard du peuple aryen.
I liked it, kinda dream poppy. 8/10
Pretty good
Good album
Me gustó. Las melodías un poco demasiado poperas para mi gusto pero las bases me gustaron y sobre todo cómo queda todo junto. 3 estrellas y media que redondean para arriba