Cults
by Cults
  • Record Label: Columbia
  • Release Date: Jun 7, 2011
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 25
  3. Negative: 0 out of 25
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  1. NOW Magazine
    Jun 16, 2011
    60
    The subversive elements often feel like unnecessary posturing, but the production wisely hides them behind more obvious assets like sunny pop hooks, singalong choruses and Madeline Follin's childlike voice.
  2. Q Magazine
    Jun 7, 2011
    60
    Their kooky appeal wanes over the course of an album, reminding you that sometimes cults stay that way for a reason. [July 2011, p. 106]
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  3. Under The Radar
    Jun 6, 2011
    60
    Cults is a solid first album from a very interesting new voice in pop music. [May 2011, p.76]
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  5. Drowned In Sound
    May 31, 2011
    60
    The result is a pleasant, occasionally beautiful, collection of singles that doesn't take itself as seriously as the buzz surrounding it (so you don't have to either).
  6. Prefix Magazine
    Jun 14, 2011
    50
    Cults is mostly just an album of girl-group signifier piled on top of girl group-signifier.
  7. Tiny Mix Tapes
    Jun 10, 2011
    50
    Although I'm usually a fan of the short and (hopefully) sharp delivery, at 34 minutes the album feels insubstantial in terms of length as well as material.
  8. Uncut
    Jun 3, 2011
    40
    This injection-moulded pastiche isn't exactly bad, but feels totally pointless. [Jul 2011, p.86]
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Awards & Rankings

46
#46 Most Shared Album of 2011

User Reviews

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User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 45 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 42 out of 45
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 45
  3. Negative: 1 out of 45
  1. WhiteCannon
    Jun 7, 2011
    7
    It's unfortunate that Cults are still learning some of the basics of production; excessive reverb in particular plagues the album. What anIt's unfortunate that Cults are still learning some of the basics of production; excessive reverb in particular plagues the album. What an otherwise near-perfect track "Go Outside" was while it was free on bandcamp has turned into somewhat of a mess on the album. "Most Wanted" is in a similar situation, but with an additionally far-too-loud-and-bright bass line on top of reverb the size of the grand canyon. Whether or not the original duo decided to put reverb on everything including the kick drums (sigh) or their major label producers did, the songs are still catchy and charming. Catch the old versions of "Go Outside" and "Most Wanted" still up at cults.bandcamp.com while they're still there, because they're far better, but otherwise this album is still worth the money.… Full Review »
  2. therealmogwai
    Jul 26, 2011
    7
    A throw back band if there ever was one. Doesn't break new ground and the band's limitations and conventions become apparent rather quickly.A throw back band if there ever was one. Doesn't break new ground and the band's limitations and conventions become apparent rather quickly. Regardless if you are in the mood for a candy bar this will suffice.… Full Review »
  3. alabasterjones
    Jun 3, 2012
    8
    Give it a few listens if the reverb is too much to handle at first. It grows on you quickly. Cults sound deceptively simple, but there's aGive it a few listens if the reverb is too much to handle at first. It grows on you quickly. Cults sound deceptively simple, but there's a lot to ding into, explore, and appreciate here.… Full Review »
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