Ribbon Around the Bomb
2022 studio album by Blossoms
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Ribbon Around the Bomb is the fourth studio album by the English indie pop band Blossoms. It was released on 29 April 2022 by Virgin EMI Records.[2][12] It was their last album released on Virgin EMI as the band later created their own record label, ODD SK Records.
| Ribbon Around the Bomb | ||||
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| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | 29 April 2022 | |||
| Length | 37:09 | |||
| Label | Virgin EMI | |||
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| Blossoms chronology | ||||
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| Blossoms studio chronology | ||||
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| Singles from Ribbon Around the Bomb | ||||
Critical reception
Ribbon Around the Bomb received positive reviews upon its release. Stephen Ackroyd of Dork praised Blossoms as a "band that don't just connect in the here and now, but who are now making records to last for the long haul."[6] Clash commented that the album was "endearing, prodigiously rich and ambitious" and "might well be their finest body of work to date."[5] Louder Than War described the album as: "Classic, unfussy songwriting, instant hooks abound as the Stockport five-piece produce their most consistent record to date."[13] The Evening Standard gave the album 4/5, praising it by writing: "From ABBA-ish jaunts to NYC odes, the five-piece are sounding rather more worldly". It added: "They're growing up, but haven't lost sight of what makes them so appealing".[7]
NME rated the album 4/5, saying "it's a coming-of-age moment for the band, and there's no question Blossoms have levelled up with this release, sealing their status as giants of the game with more earnest and open songwriting."[9] Gigwise rated the album 8/10, saying: "'Ribbon Around The Bomb' is a grand coming-of-age record. Featuring tight rhythms, compelling pop melodies and thoughtful lyrics, Blossoms signature chiming electric sound has developed in this mature record that puts song-writing at the forefront and solidifies their position as UK indie-pop icons."[8]
Giving the album 8/10, Rolling Stone UK said: "The group have delivered arguably their most introspective effort yet. It dials down on the synths that featured so abundantly before and instead offers a sound that wears a love of classic songwriters proudly on its sleeve."[10] The Times gave the album 4/5, saying: "They have found the music to match the image, taking inspiration from Paul Simon and Harry Nilsson to capture smooth songwriting charm."[11]
Track listing
All tracks are written by Tom Ogden, Josh Dewhurst, Charlie Salt, Joe Donovan, and Myles Kellock, except where noted.
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "The Writer's Theme" |
| 0:35 |
| 2. | "Ode to NYC" | 2:51 | |
| 3. | "Ribbon Around the Bomb" | 2:34 | |
| 4. | "The Sulking Poet" | 3:34 | |
| 5. | "Born Wild" | 3:42 | |
| 6. | "The Writer" | Ogden | 2:46 |
| 7. | "Everything About You" | 4:04 | |
| 8. | "Care For" | 2:49 | |
| 9. | "Cinerama Holy Days" | 3:14 | |
| 10. | "Edith Machinist" | 3:12 | |
| 11. | "Visions" | 7:00 | |
| 12. | "The Last Chapter" |
| 0:48 |
| Total length: | 37:09 | ||
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Ode to NYC" (Piano Version) | 3:05 | |
| 2. | "Ribbon Around the Bomb" (Piano Version) | 2:42 | |
| 3. | "The Sulking Poet" (Piano Version) | 3:06 | |
| 4. | "Born Wild" (Piano Version) | 3:15 | |
| 5. | "The Writer" (Piano Version) | Ogden | 2:58 |
| 6. | "Everything About You" (Piano Version) | 4:05 | |
| 7. | "Care For" (Piano Version) | 2:59 | |
| 8. | "Cinerama Holy Days" (Piano Version) | 3:05 | |
| 9. | "Edith Machinist" (Piano Version) | 3:13 | |
| 10. | "Visions" (Piano Version) | 4:39 | |
| Total length: | 33:07 | ||
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Intro" (Live at Sefton Park) | 1:20 | |
| 2. | "Your Girlfriend" (Live at Sefton Park) | 2:32 | |
| 3. | "There's a Reason Why (I Never Returned Your Calls)" (Live at Sefton Park) | 3:47 | |
| 4. | "I Can't Stand It" (Live at Sefton Park) | 3:54 | |
| 5. | "Cut Me And I'll Bleed" (Live at Sefton Park) | 3:48 | |
| 6. | "Getaway" (Live at Sefton Park) | 2:59 | |
| 7. | "My Swimming Brain" (Live at Sefton Park) | 3:56 | |
| 8. | "Paperback Writer" (Live at Sefton Park) | 2:24 | |
| 9. | "Blown Rose" (Live at Sefton Park) | 3:10 | |
| 10. | "The Keeper" (Live at Sefton Park) | 3:58 | |
| 11. | "Honey Sweet" (Live at Sefton Park) | 4:18 | |
| 12. | "Sunday Was A Friend Of Mine" (Live at Sefton Park) | 2:49 | |
| 13. | "If You Think This Is Real Life" (Live at Sefton Park) | 3:35 | |
| 14. | "Blow" (Live at Sefton Park) | 3:37 | |
| 15. | "Oh No (I Think I'm In Love)" (Live at Sefton Park) | 5:43 | |
| 16. | "At Most A Kiss" (Live at Sefton Park) | 4:41 | |
| 17. | "Charlemagne" (Live at Sefton Park) | 3:37 | |
| Total length: | 1:00:32 | ||
Personnel
Blossoms
- Tom Ogden – vocals, acoustic guitar (tracks 2–11); harmonica (2), piano (3, 4, 9, 12), electric guitar (5, 7, 9)
- Josh Dewhurst – acoustic guitar, electric guitar (2–5, 7–11)
- Charlie Salt – bass, background vocals (2–5, 7–11); clavinet (8), acoustic guitar (3,4)
- Joe Donovan – drums (2–5, 7–11)
- Myles Kellock – keyboards (2–5, 7–11)
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Additional musicians
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Technical
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Charts
| Chart (2022) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Scottish Albums (Official Charts)[14] | 3 |
| UK Albums (Official Charts)[15] | 1 |