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10.0
41466
10.0 |
musicOMH
This record is good. Outrageously good. Better than a record of an artist of Lydon’s vintage has any right to make
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9.0
41469
9.0 |
The Quietus
Perhaps against the odds, this is a 63 minute chunk of music that wavers marvellously from the irresistible, the effortlessly accessible to the downright weird
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9.0
43521
9.0 |
Blurt
For a group once more focused on sound than songwriting, there are some memorable tunes here
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8.0
43119
8.0 |
Sputnik Music (staff)
PiL have created something solid, vicious and with enough value for repeat listens. It’s as much a genuine statement of intent as the title suggests
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8.0
43050
8.0 |
Loud And Quiet
There is nothing safe here, it doesn’t rely on conventionality or predictability or even past glories, and it takes the band back to their very essence – being a forward thinking, experimental pop group
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8.0
41467
8.0 |
Mojo
It's simply a joy to hear Lydon in fine voice, getting stuck into thorny matters with his own unique, raw-nerve gusto, backed by a cookin' band. Print edition only
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8.0
41764
8.0 |
Drowned In Sound
An album that rewards your perseverance and legwork hugely
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8.0
41818
8.0 |
The Guardian
An artist who has spent years lucratively exploiting his past with the Sex Pistols suddenly sounds like he has a future: a victory for contrarianism
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8.0
41921
8.0 |
The Scotsman
If This Is PiL really does signal the arrival of funtime Johnny, let’s have more of it
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8.0
41974
8.0 |
Q
The album abounds with aquatic metaphors, reflections of the state if the nation and even thoughts of final extinction. Print edition only
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8.0
42324
8.0 |
Independent on Sunday
An unexpectedly enjoyable late addition to a formidable body of work
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8.0
42358
8.0 |
Spin
Lydon belches dangerous angst over lashing guitars and fat bass: First in 20 years, rudie don't fail
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7.0
41915
7.0 |
BBC
Rotten returns with a curious mixture of rage and nostalgia
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7.0
41471
7.0 |
Uncut
It may not be of the calibre of Metal Box, but it finds its maker firmly in 2012, not 1979, and with plenty still to grouse about
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7.0
41741
7.0 |
NME
In the end, despite the vibrancy, you’re left feeling like the world probably isn’t desperate for a new PiL album. What it is desperate for is a new John Lydon
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7.0
43504
7.0 |
PopMatters
PiL still has power. If John Lydon and his current crew of misfits continue to stay the course, we are going to see some classic works that’ll stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the band’s commercial and artistic heyday
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6.3
42056
6.3 |
Pitchfork
A reminder of the band's former genius and a treat for longtime fans who should appreciate at least half the album as solid PiL work
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6.0
43104
6.0 |
Rave Magazine
Riddled with sluggish production and weak lyricism, making it more chaotic than triumphant
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6.0
43111
6.0 |
Rolling Stone
Proves that the taunting weaponry of his voice is still a delight
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6.0
41892
6.0 |
The Observer
Lydon's voice is never just any grumpy old man's. Throughout, he aspires to dub's cosmic poetics. And he never, ever runs out of things to say
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6.0
42421
6.0 |
Slant Magazine
When musically things start to pick up, Lydon phones it in; and when Lydon is on the mark lyrically, the music sputters
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6.0
41922
6.0 |
The Arts Desk
There are a few meandering forgettable tracks but, overall, it’s his most enjoyable album in at least 25 years
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5.3
43277
5.3 |
Beats Per Minute
An album that alternates between being rewarding and punishing
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5.0
42261
5.0 |
Consequence Of Sound
For the most of its play time, the songs on This Is PiL lack any lyrical adventure and refuse to take any risks
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4.2
42012
4.2 |
A.V. Club
Where Lydon once synched with his group in a searing, sardonic lockstep, he now wanders over it like a tired caretaker. His voice still shoots sparks, but in all the wrong directions
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4.0
42549
4.0 |
Paste Magazine
A disappointing return for a band that—at least for some shocked Bandstand viewers—once seemed like it was going to completely change music forever
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4.0
41881
4.0 |
The Independent
Overall it's just a bit of a plod
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4.0
45302
4.0 |
Under The Radar
What stands out the most on This is PiL is Lydon's sometimes nostalgic, sometimes lamenting pontifications on Great Britain, his home country
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