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Genre: indie pop/rock Label: Warner Bros. Release date: Aug. 21 Producer: Rilo Kiley, Jason Lader, Mike Elizondo Related Links: Last fm site / Official Band SiteOn its Warner Bros. proper debut, indie popsters Rilo Kiley pulled out all the stops on “Under the Blacklight,” trading in standard, guitar-driven alt-rockers for shimmery disco, bass-heavy funk and Fleetwood Mac-inspired shoegaze that lyrically explores the dark underbelly of showbiz in Los Angeles. This switch-up, though admirable, has met mixed results, as the band ultimately comes off a little too commercial for its own good. |
 Overall Grade: C (9 Votes) |
Affiliate Reviews
“‘Blacklight’ is not only the band’s best album to date, it is also one of 2007’s best albums.” - Scott Gonzales, The Daily Cougar
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Grade: A
“Lewis’ lyrics and vocals are strong as usual throughout the entire album.” - Valerie Bishop, The Battalion
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Grade: A-
“‘Under the Blacklight’ has less of that raw electric feeling.” - Jeff Connor, The Cornell Daily Sun
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Grade: B
“The end result is something that sounds not unlike a Loretta Lynn-fronted Son Volt covering 1980s Michael Jackson, all anachronisms notwithstanding.” - Adam Clair, The Penn State Daily Collegian
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Grade: B-
“‘Under the Blacklight’ proves that not all indie bands suck after signing on a major label.” - Ann Colwell, The Daily Iowan
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Grade: C+
“As it is, there are some excellent songs here, but throw-away genre exercises and shameless grabs at sex appeal keep it from living up to the band’s reputation.” - Nathan Ellsworth, The Pitt News
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Grade: C
“Yet overall, there is something missing.” - Louis Peitzman, The Daily Californian
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Grade: C
“The commercial hopes of this album cannot go unnoticed.” - Alexander Elliott, The Daily O’Collegian
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Grade: C-
“It’s unfocused, unnatural, crass and vain.” - Nicholas Otto, The Badger Herald
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Grade: D-