The Smell Of Our Own
by The Hidden Cameras
Metascore
84

Universal acclaim - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    91
    Sounds like a partnership ceremony between R.E.M. and the Magnetic Fields, with Phil Spector presiding. [Listen 2 This supplement, May 2003, p.25]
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  2. Playlouder
    90
    As long as you are open, you will love this album. It will be as important to a lot of people as 'The Queen Is Dead'.
  3. Pitchfork
    81
    With an open approach to queer sexuality and radical politics, The Smell of Our Own offers an alternative to the saccharine teen spirit we're so used to sniffing. It's a sensual celebration of stinky, real-life sexuality.
  5. Q Magazine
    80
    Imagine if a Morrissey-style frontman--sharp, tender and taboo-breaking--was also sexual. [May 2003, p.107]
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  6. Delusions of Adequacy
    80
    More religious text and tapestry than commercial pop folk, The Smell of Our Own charts its own territory through the heart and head and holes of celebratory love. Truly unique.
  7. AllMusic
    80
    The album almost sounds like an original cast recording of a musical -- the next best thing to being there, but not the same by a long shot.
  8. Mojo
    80
    It transcends gender and genre. [Apr 2003, p.98]
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  9. Blender
    80
    The Cameras mix sex and spirituality over a gorgeous bed of organs, harps and 12-part harmonies. [May 2003, p.120]
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  10. Alternative Press
    80
    In the indie universe, rarely do groups making such live spectacles have albums to back up the show--but this charming, smart, lush pop is a notable exception. [June 2003, p.97]
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  11. Billboard
    80
    This is the stuff memorable summer days are made of.
  12. ShakingThrough.net
    74
    Gibb’s passionate vocals and direct, literate lyrics work best when he’s confronting issues that concern him (like organized religion, for instance), as opposed to wallowing in less confrontational topics (as when he frolics happily on the beach with “Boys Of Melody”).
  13. Uncut
    70
    Gibb's mixture of gay and Christian imagery is potent, and his vision of music as a grand communal experience is backed up by some memorable tunes. [Apr 2003, p.112]
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Awards & Rankings

46
#46 Best Album of 2003

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 7 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 7
  3. Negative: 1 out of 7
  1. KristianJ
    Nov 7, 2004
    9
    These songs have been lliving inside my head for quite a while now. It makes me wanna do the front singer so much. even when he's These songs have been lliving inside my head for quite a while now. It makes me wanna do the front singer so much. even when he's singing about how he loves pee!… Full Review »
  2. EricaK
    Oct 6, 2004
    9
    For me, this was one of those rare albums that seemed to open up a new window. It's great when something like that happens to blow the For me, this was one of those rare albums that seemed to open up a new window. It's great when something like that happens to blow the dust off the limits of what you though were your tastes. The lyrics are at once clever, sensitive, and shocking and the music divine.… Full Review »
  3. KirstyD
    May 27, 2003
    9
    Absolutely, totally lush.
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