Paul

Well, the 'surprise me' feature for the Queue is proving its value.

For the first half of the album I was thinking 'this is fine enough but I probably won't revisit'. Then it really got into its stride, and made me want to listen to it again through as a whole again. I'm a fan.

I think this review actually describes what makes it good though...!

I think this album may actually be a little too raw and exposed and it kind of hurts to listen to. Impressive, unnerving.

I've found myself coming back to this more than any other album of The Smile's, so that must be a good thing. I think @postmark's positive comments probably ensured I gave it a little more attention than I usually would; I'm glad I did though. As to what I like about it... I couldn't tell you.

(But it sometimes feels too slow for my liking, depending on my mood, so could easily slip down to a 3 when I'm feeling impatient)

I think this is a stonker of an album with no dud tracks. The intensity of its feel-good vibes has me dancing around the kitchen on every listen (assuming I am in the kitchen). Special shout outs to Baddy on the Floor (obv), Dafodil, Life, and The Feeling I Get From You.

Rated down half a point because maybe it’s too predictable. But I’m usually a ‘more of the same is fine by me, as long as it bangs’ kinda guy, so it’s no biggie

I had been putting off listening to this because I feared it wouldn't live up to the brilliance of PAINLESS. I needn't have worried.

While it may not have quite the same impact as PAINLESS's high points, it is still a tremendous album. It starts with energy and pace but quickly settles into a record that feels reflective and considered. It may be less catchy and poppy, but it's an album that gently envelops you, and I like that. Bonus points for the toms on Mutations.

Is it a three, is it a four? Is it a collection of uniquely great songs or a collection of similarly good songs that all merge into one? I'll give it some more listens because it makes me bop and in isolation almost every track is a treat, but currently has the tendency to feel samey when listened through in one go

Great album, dreamy vibes, and one I'll make an effort to revisit. Something about 'Time To' threw me off though, felt slightly out of place although I couldn't tell you why, and the album tails off a bit too much with 'Trust and Desire' for my liking