Perfect Symmetry
by Keane
Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 16
  3. Negative: 1 out of 16
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    As rock goes, Symmetry remains a relatively quiet riot, but in the context of the band itself, it's a welcome revelation.
  2. Billboard
    80
    Perfect Symmetry bursts out of the gate with a suite of giddy, '80s-inflected Brit pop songs that, surprisingly, suit the band well.
  3. Boston Globe
    80
    It is a surprise and a thrill to hear that even as the band enters its "artsy" phase--expanding its instrumental palette to include mewling saws and clattering percussion--the songs remain uniformly excellent from stem to stern.
  5. Dot Music
    80
    Perfect Symmetry is often an exhilarating and unexpected pop record from a band you'd have thought incapable of either, and there's something genuinely life-affirming about that.
  6. Q Magazine
    80
    It's one of the least boring records you'll hear this year. [Nov 2008, p.108]
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  7. Spin
    70
    On album three, Keane trick out their pretty piano melodies with tasty synths ('The Lovers Are Losing'), booming rap beats ('Spiralling'), and fuzzy new-wave guitars ('You Haven’t Told Me Anything').
  8. Rolling Stone
    70
    Keane still have a tendency to get mushy and melancholic when the ballads get big (check out the meaning- of-life musings on the synth-whipped title track), but even the mopiest moments leave you in good cheer.

Awards & Rankings

49
#49 Most Discussed Album of 2008

User Reviews

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User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 93 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 79 out of 93
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 93
  3. Negative: 7 out of 93
  1. The_Shrike
    Sep 30, 2010
    10
    "Perfect Symmetry" is a wonderful listen. Fantastic melodies, great harmonies in just the right places, interesting sounds, great pop music!"Perfect Symmetry" is a wonderful listen. Fantastic melodies, great harmonies in just the right places, interesting sounds, great pop music! Music is ultimately a matter of taste, but to complain about synthesizers is just plain rubbish. I wouldn't care if Keane played these songs on homemade rubber band guitars; the songs would still be good. Deep, thoughtful, literate lyrics as well. This is the only Keane album I'm familiar with at this point, and it will definitely lead me to check out the earlier albums.… Full Review »
  2. katesmith101010
    May 26, 2018
    10
    Incredible album. One of the best album of all time. Better than all Coldplay's albums
  3. Colin_
    Feb 26, 2017
    10
    I think what bothered most people was the sudden shift in the band's style of music. They are definitely trying to sound more pop-related inI think what bothered most people was the sudden shift in the band's style of music. They are definitely trying to sound more pop-related in this album, but the way they pull it off aligns more closely to their own, and doesn't mimic the mainstream by any means. The lyrics here are also some of the best they've ever done hands down.… Full Review »
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