Because we are dedicated to honest customer opinions The Libertines (The Libertines) (Audio CD), we have also included Amazon's customer reviews for this item (of which 6 are displayed below). Amazon customers have given The Libertines (The Libertines) an average rating of 4.0/5.
Top Amazon Review
Rock'n'roll can pretty much burn off pure mythology alone, but what happens when the soap opera of drug abuse and broken friendships threatens to overwhelm the music? That's the problem the Libertines' eponymous second LP must face up to ? and while it sometimes struggles to live up to the magic of its predecessor, 2002's Up The Bracket, it's still peppered with enough inspiration to explain why people still care about this band. Co-frontmen Carl Barat and Pete Doherty tackle their problems head on with the opening "Can't Stand Me Now", an anthemic, harmonica-accompanied number with echoes of The Cure's "Lovecats", that sees Barat sum up The Libertines' troubled history in the album's most quotable line: "The boy kicked out at the world/ The world kicked back a lot fucking harder". Further rollicking moments come on the Barat-sung "Narcissist" and knockabout closer "What Became Of The Likely Lads?" But there's some workmanlike moments, and almost inevitably, they feature Pete at the helm: see the hoarse, off-key "Don't Be Shy". All told, a merely good record. If The Libertines truly want a place in rock history, they'll have to prove they have the discipline to channel their undeniable inspiration.
Customer Review 1
Fantastic Album. I didnt used to know much about the libertines, but when i finally got into them (after the split unfortunatly) i loved them.
Every song on this album is great, although 'campaign of hate' has rather repetitive lyrics, and anyone who has heard it will know what i mean.
To conclude, a must have album, but get 'up the bracket' aswell, because many people see that as even better than this one.
Customer Review 2
Libertines Never Die. How do you beat perfection? Up The Bracket was always going to be a tough act to follow but with the Libertines lyrical powers they manage to clear that very high bar.
The Libertines as a group were already in deep turmoil when the album was being made and had split by the time it had been released but nothing was going to stop this album being great.
Songs like Can't Stand Me Now, Music When The Lights Go Out and What Became Of The Likely Lads all point towards the band's falling apart but they are without doubt some of the best songs of the past 10 years. Another highlights are What Kate Did, The Man Who Would Be King, Campaign Of Hate and Tomblands. This album is far too good to be ignored, it is a stunning album from a group who are sorely missed.
It is a five star album without question. Simply stunning.
Customer Review 3
Can't stand me now. The Libertines were a tempestuous band, to say the least. Divided by drugs and personal problems, they never sounded as ticked off as they do in their self-titled album -- an album about fractured, dysfunctional relationships. It's a bit sloppy around the edges, and weirdly engaging. Just hope it isn't their swan song, because there is clearly so much more they could do.
It opens with the rollicking "Can't Stand Me Now," before heading into the grittier rock turf. The Libertines sound tense and a bit taunting as they sing songs like the weird "Last Post On The Bugle" and the punky "Man Who Would Be King." They break occasionally from the "theme" of the album, like in the thrashing "Arbeit Macht Frei," but the overall sound is of strife in a friendship or relationship.
When listening to the Libertines' latest, it's hard not to hear the stories that lie under the music -- as UK tabloids delight in repeating, frontman Pete Doherty got kicked out for heroin use, meaning that the Libertines may be permanently done for. Hopefully not, because their sophomore album has the same cheeky, punkish spirit that got them fans on both sides of the Atlantic.
"The Libertines" itself seems to be an ode of love and hate to Peter Doherty -- "Can't Stand Me Now" seems like a sneer in his direction, while "Road to Ruin" is a plea for him to clean up his life. It ends on a wistful note, with the lament of "Oh what became of the Likely Lads/What became of the dreams we had?/Oh what bcame of forever?" Only "What Katie Did" really fails, with Doherty constantly singing "Shoop shoop, shoop de-lang de-lang." What? Huh?
Pete Doherty was apparently shuffled into the studio whenever he could manage to sing, and he has laddish charm that you can hear even without seeing him. He always sounds a bit drunk, too -- considering the amount of drugs this doomed man ingests, it's not surprising that he sounds a bit off.
Fortunately, his occasional vocal shortcomings are easily glossed over by the brilliant slabs of rock'n'roll that frame his singing. This is Britrock, pure and simple. Backing him up are some brilliant guitar solos, touched with organ, trumpet and even harmonica -- good stuff.
Whether the Libertines regroup or sink into rock history, their self-titled sophomore album is the sound of a potential tragedy in the making. Rough, catchy, melancholy and yet charming, this is definitely a must-buy.
Customer Review 4
I almost shate. Biggest load of nonsense I have ever subjected my poor ears to in a long time. I laughed, I cried, I almost got a haemmorage banging my head off the wall. I am a big fan of rock and roll, but found the songs on this album to be very weak, the playing infantile, and all the while I couldn't help realising that being in a band was just an excuse for pete's inexcusable antics at the time. Didn't even sell this one on as I wouldn't wish this blasphemous cacophony upon anyone. I'm now using the disc as a coaster - silver side up of course, so guests can't see what it is.
Customer Review 5
Excellent 2nd album. The Libertines whilst quieter, slower and darker than the debut album is just as good.
Can't Stand Me Now - The first single released from this album. An extremely powerful song and a great way to begin the album.
10/10
Last Post On The Bugle - Excellent song. Not much to say about it but it is an amazing song.
9/10
Don't Be Shy - A cheery song which is also quite amusing.
9/10
The Man Who Would Be King - Begins extremely similar to the debut albums "Tell the King". Powerful melody, singing and lyrics.
9/10
Music When The Lights Go Out - One of the best songs on the album. About someone who is falling out of love with his partner but cannot bring himself to tell her. Extremely powerful lyrics and lighthearted melody.
10/10
Narcissist - Extremely cheery song.
10/10
The Ha Ha Wall - Similar to Narcissist but slower and quieter.
10/10
Arbeit Macht Frei - The shortest song on the album at 1 minute and 13 seconds. The title means Work Brings Freedom in German. Full of life.
10/10
Capaign Of Hate - Laid back song.
9/10
What Katie Did - Another of the strongest songs from this album. Lively and a possible reference to the book What Katy Did.
10/10
Tomblands - A dark song which is extremely powerful.
10/10
The Saga - Lively song but dark lyrics.
9/10
Road To Ruin - Slow song sung by Carl.
9/10
What Became Of The Likely Lads - A single released. Reference to Whatever Happened To The Likely Lads, a tv sitcom. Strong song about Pete and Carls relationship falling apart.
9/10
France (Hidden Track) - Acoustic song. Powerful lyrics and great guitar on it.
10/10
