If You Wait
by London Grammar
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
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  1. Pretty Much Amazing
    Sep 9, 2013
    91
    This is an enthralling, stunning, deeply emotive album that perfectly marries understated electronica to sublime vocals and melodies.
  2. PopMatters
    Sep 12, 2013
    90
    The inner life of the walking wounded and the angst of embracing adulthood haven’t been this well documented on record in quite a long time and I can say without hesitance that If You Wait is a classic in the making.
  3. Drowned In Sound
    Sep 9, 2013
    90
    It's an assured collection of 11 songs that capture a mixture of exhilaration and heartbreak that is all their own.
  5. Mixmag
    Oct 25, 2013
    80
    Impassioned rather than impatient and delicate where others opt for too-sweet delicacies, If You Wait is going all the way.
  6. Under The Radar
    Sep 17, 2013
    80
    There's beauty in the band's hesitancy, young musicians feeling their way forward together.
  7. Consequence
    Sep 10, 2013
    80
    Although The xx parallels are undeniably forthcoming, London Grammar’s innovative combinations of vocal and instrumentation are a unique, necessary progression.
  8. The Independent (UK)
    Sep 9, 2013
    80
    The care and attention pays dividends on If You Wait.
  9. Clash Music
    Sep 9, 2013
    80
    [A] remarkably consistent debut.
  10. Pitchfork
    Sep 17, 2013
    71
    This trio already functions like a well-oiled machine, and they've produced a stylish debut that demonstrates both their immense talent and impressive instincts.
  11. AllMusic
    Oct 17, 2013
    70
    Although at times they come close to overshadowing the subtle instrumentation provided by Major and Dan Rothman, it’s actually the intrinsic balance between the contributions of all three that defines their sound.
  12. New Musical Express (NME)
    Sep 9, 2013
    70
    Throughout their debut album London Grammar walk a fine line between haunting and boring.
  13. DIY Magazine
    Sep 9, 2013
    70
    London Grammar have created an album of graceful sophistication.
  14. musicOMH.com
    Sep 9, 2013
    70
    Overall, If You Wait is an accomplished first LP, one that features a number of spellbinding singles and some moments of genuine, heartfelt emotion.
  15. Q Magazine
    Oct 16, 2013
    60
    It lacks variety, but with a debut this clear-eyed they earn enough musical credit to stay in the black until next time. [Nov 2013, p.111]
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  16. Mojo
    Sep 19, 2013
    60
    This trio's brand of piano-fed luminescence is more traditionally coffee-table. That's no criticism, more acknowledgement of their smooth melodic nous. [Oct 2013, p.87]
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  17. The Fly (UK)
    Sep 18, 2013
    60
    London Grammar’s polished take on trip-hop is quietly dramatic, sometimes beautiful and well worth a listen.
  18. American Songwriter
    Sep 10, 2013
    60
    There’s no dancing allowed but anyone looking for a calm come-down after a night at the clubs, London Grammar speaks your language.
  19. The Observer (UK)
    Sep 9, 2013
    60
    While every single track on their debut album is beautifully constructed and impossible to dislike, it lacks the imperfections that excite.
  20. The Guardian
    Sep 9, 2013
    60
    This pairing of the ethereal and the visceral makes for an interesting enough album, albeit one that sometimes begs for a kick in the backside.

Awards & Rankings

94
#94 Most Discussed Album of 2014
54
#54 Most Shared Album of 2014

User Reviews

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User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 84 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 76 out of 84
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 84
  3. Negative: 3 out of 84
  1. WadeVS
    Apr 9, 2014
    5
    Her vocals are like a second rate Florence Welch. They have tried really hard to be mature and moody but all the mournful, dreary wailing getsHer vocals are like a second rate Florence Welch. They have tried really hard to be mature and moody but all the mournful, dreary wailing gets a bit much after a while. Their more upbeat tracks (2 out of 14 tracks on the deluxe album) are by far their most interesting. Cheer the f__ up London Grammar. Life is not that bad!!!?… Full Review »
  2. philosophorse
    Oct 18, 2014
    9
    It fleshes out true emotion, both dark and melancholic ones. Reid's vocals, even by itself, can sunder a soul apart. There are a few momentsIt fleshes out true emotion, both dark and melancholic ones. Reid's vocals, even by itself, can sunder a soul apart. There are a few moments that drag and bore once and a while, but this is an excellent debut.… Full Review »
  3. drderu
    Apr 4, 2014
    7
    The new London Grammar album is anything but derivative which works to its advantages and (somewhat) disadvantages. The entire album isThe new London Grammar album is anything but derivative which works to its advantages and (somewhat) disadvantages. The entire album is cohesively sombre, dark and beautiful that is almost reminiscent of early Florence + The Machine but only stripped down to the core and the trio couldn’t be more deserving of the same success and recognition. The only problem with If You Wait is the absence of a standout track that it would seem to be a hard task to recognize a torch piece for this album as each track tries to play along a common ground that nothing soars above. Quite a misfire for a band that has the potential to garner mainstream limelight. It might not be fully recognized yet but the promise is definitely there if this album is any indication.

    Listen to: Strong, Nightcall, Metal & Dust    … Full Review »
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