The Ride
by Catfish and the Bottlemen
  • Record Label: Capitol
  • Release Date: May 27, 2016
Metascore
60

Mixed or average reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
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  1. Q Magazine
    May 26, 2016
    80
    It's straightforward rock'n'roll and it's done with irresistible vim and contagious melody. [Jul 2016, p.107]
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  2. Mojo
    May 25, 2016
    80
    Amid all its big, primal energy there are enough ideas to suggest the fans' early faith is justified. [Jul 2016, p.94]
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  3. Paste Magazine
    May 25, 2016
    63
    This album feels like it’s trying too hard to get me to sing along, to partake in transforming its songs into soccer field-sized anthems.
  5. The Observer (UK)
    May 31, 2016
    60
    There is little original here. But McCann has his moments.
  6. AllMusic
    May 27, 2016
    60
    Catfish & the Bottlemen hit their marks dutifully, rushing through their melodies but never taking it so quick that the singsong tunes don't stick, slowing down the tempo for needed breathers and ending the whole shebang with "Outside," an extended number designed to ratchet up expectations prior to the obligatory encore.
  7. New Musical Express (NME)
    May 25, 2016
    60
    As on their debut, the sound is slick and polished and the songs are snappy and unpretentious, but there’s a lack of wit or invention.
  8. Boston Globe
    May 26, 2016
    50
    A sophomore record that does Catfish few favors in exposing its limited lyrical scope (mostly concerned with lost lovers) and tedious reliance on shoehorned guitar solos and uniform drum lines.
  9. Uncut
    May 25, 2016
    50
    Although mercifully less in line with the Kooks/Courteeners hegemony than their first album, The Ride is stodgily dedicated to the Real Rock cause, even while it's shooting for Alex Turner's autobiographical cool. [Jul 2016, p.71]
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  10. Austin Chronicle
    Sep 30, 2016
    40
    Tunes borrowing from Oasis and Echo & the Bunnymen via the clean, anthemic sound producer Dave Sardy provided for Jet, the UK quartet doesn't even try to sound new.
  11. The Guardian
    May 26, 2016
    40
    This is music so afraid to be seen as clever or pretentious, so terrified of doing anything that might conceivably alienate the lowest common denominator, that it ends up crushingly prosaic.

Awards & Rankings

82
#82 Most Discussed Album of 2016

User Reviews

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User Score
7.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 38 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 38
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 38
  3. Negative: 4 out of 38
  1. Scallym8
    May 27, 2016
    7
    Basically it's a solid album. The melodies are catchy and uplifting, on the other hand lyrics are still very much so middle of the road. ButBasically it's a solid album. The melodies are catchy and uplifting, on the other hand lyrics are still very much so middle of the road. But to be honest I think that's the point behind a band like this to pull in a new generation of rock music fans. So the lyrics need to be written for teenagers in mind.
    There's almost no deviation from the last record which isn't bad if it works for them, and it seems that it does.There aren't any weak links. All songs seem pretty solid.
    As stand out tracks I would have to pick "Anything" and "Heathrow" because it seems like they are trying to create a new sound that might be more dominant on their new record when it comes out.    … Full Review »
  2. Pancakejones
    May 27, 2016
    0
    Possibly one of the worst albums I've heard in a long time. Gutted I wasted money on this. Expecting to see this in poundland in the next fewPossibly one of the worst albums I've heard in a long time. Gutted I wasted money on this. Expecting to see this in poundland in the next few months.

    Unimaginative guitar, mundane drums (they seem to be muted compared to the rest of the music), lyrics are just painful (probably the worst aspect of all of this).

    How does a band whom lack complete originality make it as far as they have? Can name 10 local bands within 10 miles of my house that would be more deserving of being in the charts.

    If you've listened to soundcheck (which is probably the only decent song on here) then you don't need to buy the rest of the album, it's filled with meaningless junk.

    Do yourself a favour and stay away.    … Full Review »
  3. asbks123
    May 27, 2016
    7
    A solid album that starts off great but fades on you as it makes its way to the end. It's definitely a step down from "The Balcony," but ifA solid album that starts off great but fades on you as it makes its way to the end. It's definitely a step down from "The Balcony," but if you enjoyed that album you'll like this one. Every Catfish fan needs it in their collection. I'll be honest...I was a tad bit disappointed when this album came out only because the band had hyped it up so much. We were promised "a bomb in the music industry," but even a big Catfish fan like myself can admit that was a massive overstatement now. "7 and Soundtrack" are easily the strongest tracks on the album, but don't come close to "Kathleen or Cocoon" on the previous album. Still good though!
    But let me say...I'm honestly sick of the pretentious critics who have made this band their whipping boy. The Guardian's review was particularly scathing and uncalled for. The amount of hate Catfish have received is unprecedented. I find it hilarious how the same people who rip this album rave about wholly overrated musicians like Beyonce, Bruno Mars, etc. Now THOSE are artists that make music for the "lowest common denominator." Catfish are putting out tunes and building a fan base the old fashioned way through hard work, hectic touring, AND YESSSSSSS guitars...and these corporate mouthpieces just don't get it.    … Full Review »
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