Belle and Sebastian Write About Love
by Belle and Sebastian
  • Record Label: Matador
  • Release Date: Oct 12, 2010
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 30
  3. Negative: 0 out of 30
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  1. Rolling Stone
    Oct 21, 2010
    60
    Frontman Stuart Murdoch entreats over a soul groove on B&S' eighth disc, which loads up on Sixties-pop goodies without diluting the group's willowy kink.
  2. Uncut
    Oct 21, 2010
    60
    It's still excruciatingly fey in places, but then you know what to expect by now. [Nov 2010, p.81]
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  3. Dusted Magazine
    Oct 21, 2010
    60
    For the most part, Write About Love is a disappointment. That's even truer, I suspect, because Belle and Sebastian aren't the only ones getting older.
  5. Sputnikmusic
    Oct 21, 2010
    60
    At the end of the day, the title Write About Love turned out to be just as bland as the music it pertained to.
  6. Billboard.com
    Oct 21, 2010
    59
    On its eighth full-length release, Glasgow, Scotland, indie pop group Belle & Sebastian ditch their sad-vibes-hidden-by-happy-melodies schtick in favor of legitimately upbeat songs.
  7. Tiny Mix Tapes
    Oct 21, 2010
    50
    If Belle and Sebastian appear to be repeating themselves here, maybe that just means there's another minor reinvention coming somewhere down the line.
  8. Slant Magazine
    Oct 21, 2010
    50
    Adding another disappointment to an already inconsistent catalogue, Write About Love confirms that Belle and Sebastian is the type of band that's fully capable of genius, just not reliably or often.
  9. Chicago Tribune
    Oct 21, 2010
    50
    It was a promising evolution, but four years later the Scottish band's new album, Write About Love, sounds like old news.

Awards & Rankings

94
#94 Most Discussed Album of 2010
90
#90 Most Shared Album of 2010

User Reviews

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User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 34 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 34
  3. Negative: 0 out of 34
  1. RyanGee
    Oct 17, 2010
    8
    Belle & Sebastian is known to change their sound with each album. The Life Pursuit was a step towards a more rockish pop sound, but it seemsBelle & Sebastian is known to change their sound with each album. The Life Pursuit was a step towards a more rockish pop sound, but it seems as if they abandoned that progression and went back to the days of "Dear Catastrophe Waitress". Belle & Sebastian's new effort, Write About Love, is more of their reunion album than a true Belle & Sebastian LP. While this description be seen with negative connotation, this is not necessarily true. As said before, Write About Love is a continuation of the poppy songs seen on their 2003 album. The songs in this album are enjoyable, from the title track "Write About Love" to the opening Sarah + Stuart duet "I Didn't See It Coming." The tracks are pure twee, making the album as a whole, pleasant sounding. What makes it not stand out, is that there is essentially no innovation. Aside from the minor-scale sounding "I Didn't See It Coming," Write About Love is purely a pop album. Fans of "If You're Feeling Sinister" or "Tigermilk" may not find as much enjoyment as a new listener, due to the fact that it does not bring anything new to the table. With the innovation aspect set aside, Write About Love is a good album. It is really well crafted, and uses the pop formula to perfection. The melodies are catchy, and structurally, the album is a success. Let's just hope that their next album will be a true B&S album.… Full Review »
  2. Zuwur
    Oct 13, 2010
    8
    More of a "it's not broke so don't fix it" type of release, but B&S's sound has always been enjoyable and infectious, so it's still a treat.More of a "it's not broke so don't fix it" type of release, but B&S's sound has always been enjoyable and infectious, so it's still a treat. Seems like a slight dissapointment at first, but after a few spinsm some of the records more subtle charms start to peak out. As other reviewers have said, the Norah Jones duet is probably the weakest track.… Full Review »
  3. finemind
    Oct 13, 2010
    10
    This appears to be a grower. Well, I've owned it for two days and it's grown on me. Nothing here as frenetically energetic as on the LifeThis appears to be a grower. Well, I've owned it for two days and it's grown on me. Nothing here as frenetically energetic as on the Life Pursuit, an album which grew on me enough to become a second skin.
    But a duet with Norah Jones? If there is a low point on this record, it is sitting through 5 minutes of that painfully (in)sincere breathy delivery. Let's just hope legions of Jones completists pile in and buy this, ensuring B&S can avoid day jobs, pay their not insubstantial Scottish gas bills and produce another album at least as lovely as this.    … Full Review »
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