-
10.0
41466
10.0 |
music OMH
This record is good. Outrageously good. Better than a record of an artist of Lydon’s vintage has any right to make
Read Review
-
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
Read Review
-
9.0
43521
9.0 |
Blurt
For a group once more focused on sound than songwriting, there are some memorable tunes here
Read Review
-
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
Read Review
-
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
Read Review
-
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
-
8.0
41764
8.0 |
Drowned In Sound
An album that rewards your perseverance and legwork hugely
Read Review
-
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
Read Review
-
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
Read Review
-
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
-
8.0
42324
8.0 |
Independent on Sunday
An unexpectedly enjoyable late addition to a formidable body of work
Read Review
-
8.0
42358
8.0 |
Spin
Lydon belches dangerous angst over lashing guitars and fat bass: First in 20 years, rudie don't fail
Read Review
-
7.0
41915
7.0 |
BBC
Rotten returns with a curious mixture of rage and nostalgia
Read Review
-
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
Read Review
-
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
Read Review
-
7.0
43504
7.0 |
Pop Matters
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
Read Review
-
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
Read Review
-
6.0
43104
6.0 |
Rave Magazine
Riddled with sluggish production and weak lyricism, making it more chaotic than triumphant
Read Review
-
6.0
43111
6.0 |
Rolling Stone
Proves that the taunting weaponry of his voice is still a delight
Read Review
-
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
Read Review
-
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
Read Review
-
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
Read Review
-
5.3
43277
5.3 |
Beats Per Minute
An album that alternates between being rewarding and punishing
Read Review
-
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
Read Review
-
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
Read Review
-
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
Read Review
-
4.0
41881
4.0 |
The Independent
Overall it's just a bit of a plod
Read Review
-
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
Read Review
-