It's Never Been Like that

Pitchfork 8.0/10 Third album from the meticulous French band finds its members loosening their ties, unbuttoning their cuffs, and coming across as the soft-rock Strokes.

A.V. Club A It's Never Been Like That has the necessary edge of real art, but it's approachable right down to the final song, "Second To None," with its deep echo and thin lines.

Rolling Stone 4/5 It’s Never Been Like That is stylishly morose noir pop -- lighter than light, cooler than cool.

DIY 4/5 Quite simply, we'd dare you to go through the Summer without it.

All Music 3.5/5 Gone are the sluggish country-infused downtempo numbers, replaced with a more even-keeled track sequencing and tempo throughout -- almost as if they've been able to focus on the things that make the band so engaging to begin with, monopolize on them, and move forward in a refreshing and vibrant direction.

The Skinny 4/5 It's Never Been Like That' leans back on sunbeams and heartaches with a striking heartfelt honesty.

Gigwise 6/10 Hardcore fans aside it seems unlikely anyone will be interested in this album. Pop music may have re invented itself but unfortunately Phoenix have emerged from the flames exactly the same as they went in.

The Observer 4/5 It's Never Been Like That reunites the quartet with the kind of jubilant, foot-pumping power-pop that, at best, is informed by the brevity of new wave and the breeziness particular to pre-punk West Coast rock.

Slant 4/5 This too-brief set of 10 songs is both a break with the past and a fervent glance toward the future.

Pop Matters 5/10 If you enjoy the genre and can stand the glare bouncing off the album’s shiny surface, you’ll likely find plenty to like in It’s Never Been Like That.

The Irish Times 3/5 If Orson can have hits, Phoenix could also enjoy a similar windfall.