Beneath the Skin
by Of Monsters and Men
  • Record Label: Island
  • Release Date: Jun 9, 2015
Metascore
63

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
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  1. Sputnikmusic
    Jun 9, 2015
    80
    This album has the feel of a “for us” record, one that rewards the band for making it and decides that it’s okay to create something deeply personal and a little self-indulgent.
  2. DIY Magazine
    Jun 5, 2015
    80
    On the surface Of Monsters And Men’s second album is a lush master-class in pop sensibilities and folk storytelling but Beneath The Skin is more than a name. Scratch below that glittering surface and you’ll discover a band that has discovered themselves.
  3. The Line of Best Fit
    Jun 4, 2015
    80
    The lyrics are tighter, more poetic and speak volumes of a band that have something quite specific to express.
  5. Entertainment Weekly
    Jun 8, 2015
    75
    Where their debut album shimmered, this set has a darker edge--and it's better for it. [12 Jun 2015, p.74]
  6. Under The Radar
    Aug 13, 2015
    70
    The follow-up to 2011's My Head is an Animal is just as polished, soothing, and captivating as its chart-topping predecessor.
  7. Uncut
    Aug 6, 2015
    70
    Beneath The Skin is further proof that the Icelandic music movement is a near-unstoppable force. [Aug-Sep 2015, p.79]
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  8. AllMusic
    Jun 30, 2015
    70
    Many of the songs are sturdy, constructed to support these grand ambitions, but these individual pieces are not as consequential as the big, big picture
  9. Billboard.com
    Jun 15, 2015
    70
    The band hasn't lost its sense of wonder--it's just seeing the world through a more realistic lens.
  10. Boston Globe
    Jun 8, 2015
    70
    Surely someday, Of Monsters and Men, the successful, melodic pop band from Iceland, will actually burrow beneath the skin and reveal genuine depth, but the pleasures of this, their second record, remain mostly on the surface.

Awards & Rankings

84
#84 Most Discussed Album of 2015
70
#70 Most Shared Album of 2015

User Reviews

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User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 113 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 95 out of 113
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 113
  3. Negative: 12 out of 113
  1. khutch
    Jun 11, 2015
    9
    Don't get it this score, seriously, this is a terrific álbum, beautiful voices, and amazing lyrics. They tell us a big story in every track,Don't get it this score, seriously, this is a terrific álbum, beautiful voices, and amazing lyrics. They tell us a big story in every track, and the instrumentals are insanely good. This disc has ALL, they talk about a lot of things in a so different way, that hits everyone.
    Sounds epic.    … Full Review »
  2. Sani
    Jan 4, 2016
    6
    "My Head Is Animal" was miles better. This was good but I know OMAM is not 'good' they are amazing. I'm cannot quite put my finger on where it"My Head Is Animal" was miles better. This was good but I know OMAM is not 'good' they are amazing. I'm cannot quite put my finger on where it went wrong but it lacks the soft, soulful music that wraps you in a cocoon where you feel understood for a while. The symbolism is not as strong in this album (Dirty Paws being the best at this).… Full Review »
  3. redcatsix
    Sep 5, 2019
    10
    A much darker and soulful progression from their debut album, Beneath The Skin wraps you up in cold and haunting sounds while still deliveringA much darker and soulful progression from their debut album, Beneath The Skin wraps you up in cold and haunting sounds while still delivering powerful tracks that will remain ringing in your head after your first listen.… Full Review »
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