Metascore
66

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 21
  2. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. The problem with Everything Goes Wrong is that the song structure at its core is very, very good. But that same song never varies.
  2. 60
    Everything Goes Wrong is not a brazenly experimental album, nor is it rootless and shifting for cohesion.
  3. Under The Radar
    60
    Everything shows how a solid foundation of ideas can be steadily improved upon. [Fall 2009, p.68]
  4. Those who were taken with the band before will likely believe this album lives up to last year’s blog-induced hype. However, everyone else will probably think that Everything Goes Wrong is, well, no fun.
  5. Everything Goes Wrong is by no means a bad album, but there are other bands doing this same kind of thing, and doing it with better songs and a better sound.
  6. Most of their songs sound the same--warbled three-part harmonies over three-chord strumming--and the slick production only highlights that lack of breadth.
  7. There’s nothing particular catchy. No song stands out.
  8. With the beginnings of what could be a cult following over the pond after enviable live support slots that've received much praise, it is a shame that such positivity could not transfer to this recording.
  9. With 13 songs to sit through, it all sounds like the same riffs, verses, choruses, and rhythms in slightly different contexts. It also sounds like a big disappointment from a band that roared out of the gate with several nice 7-inch cuts and a strong debut album.
  10. Q Magazine
    40
    Aside from the cavernous 'Tension' mosty of the tracks here are disappointingly interchangeable. [Nov 2009, p.114]
User Score
6.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 7 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 7
  2. Negative: 2 out of 7
  1. eastside
    Sep 8, 2009
    8
    A critical lightning rod of a band if there ever was one, the Vivian Girls are seemingly in a damned-if-you-do, damned-if-you-don't A critical lightning rod of a band if there ever was one, the Vivian Girls are seemingly in a damned-if-you-do, damned-if-you-don't situation with their new album. I certainly can see both points of view with this band: those who are charmed by their ragged garage band tunes and sunny girl-group harmonies and those who find VG to be below par due to their seeming lack of musical chops. The truth probably lies somewhere between these two camps, but for those who enjoyed the debut this album has plenty going for it. The material does seem to tilt to the darker side, but much of the music is bright and peppy. It is ragged (in a good way) and I think any comments suggesting VG are amateur are patently unfair. I know plenty of amateur musicians who couldn't pull off what VG do. These girls know what they are doing and I for one look forward to following their career arc because I think the best is yet to come for VG. As for the haters, move on because this album will only bolster how you already feel about them which is your loss, IMO. Bonus points from me for being on In The Red, one of America's most awesome indie labels. Rock on, VG! Full Review »