Given to the Wild

The Maccabees - Given to the Wild
Critic Score
Based on 17 reviews
2012 Ratings: #425 / 1118
User Score
Based on 91 ratings
2012 Rank: #345
Liked by 5 people
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CRITIC REVIEWS

85
The 405

Another step forward and one that throws you around from light to dark, from high to low.

80
The Guardian

At its best, Given to the Wild introduces you to a sensation not previously derived from the Maccabees' oeuvre: of songs not really doing what you'd expect.

78
Beats Per Minute

It’s their breakthrough album and shows that with focus and confidence, the future could be pretty exciting for The Maccabees.

70
Drowned in Sound

Somewhat uneasy listening in places, yet sublime in others, Given To The Wild should rid The Maccabees of those 'landfill' jibes once and for all.

70
PopMatters

Given to the Wild is an accomplished, filler-free record that presents a band at peak condition, handily exceeding the marginal example set by similar-sounding acts.

50
The Needle Drop
The Maccabees go into its third album with a smoother sound, more atmosphere, and an overall glossier recording.
40
Pitchfork

The personalities on this album are so blank the songs may as well be performed by apps, and sung by Siri.

Melancoholic
40

Weak.

80

The Maccabees’ third album is a lot more experimental than the fast, post-punk influenced sound of their first album. A drastic sonic evolution had been made, with a lot more emphasis on creating an atmosphere, like on the album’s introduction, which flows so well into Child that they could almost be one song. The transitions from track to tracks is so fluid and smooth, it makes listening to the album a lot easier to listen to in full. Orlando Weekes shows his great songwriting ... read more

gradys_kitchen
85

Much like fellow English men in Elbow, Maccabees have built a great formula balancing the adrenaline fueled alternative anthems ready for commercial play, with more muted, introspective tunes. Overall, one of the most consistent bands releasing albums in this newish century.

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Track List

1Given to the Wild (Intro)
2:11
2Child
4:31
3Feel to Follow
3:29
4Ayla
3:47
5Glimmer
4:04
6Forever I've Known
5:22
7Heave
4:27
8Pelican
3:45
9Went Away
3:39
10Go
4:13
11Unknow
5:09
12Slowly One
4:18
13Grew Up at Midnight
4:01
Total Length: 52 minutes

Year End Lists

#6/NME
#9/The Fly
#11/DIY
#19/Clash
#21/PopMatters
#23/Gigwise
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Added on: January 5, 2012