If You Wait

London Grammar's "If You Wait" may have arrived several years too late for its own good, as the inevitable comparisons to Florence and the Machine may, in the minds of some, make this album seem more like a pastiche than music with its own identity. There are sounds here that are also evocative of Annie Lennox and others, but the overall product is quite consistent in style, and any influences have been integrated into a largely coherent whole, as opposed to a random walk through the band members' personal music libraries.In my opinion, the first half of the album is the strongest, with the first five tracks being remarkably good. However, even the tracks that work less well (in particular, "Nightcall") still have saving-grace moments, and the entire album is well worth recommending (especially considering the album versus per-track price). Highlights for me are the infectious "Hey Now," "Stay Awake," "Shyer," "Wasting My Young Years," "Sights," and "Interlude (Live)." Production throughout the album is top notch. This is a confident debut from a group I am eager to hear more from in the future.

The album itself is gorgeous. The vocal range of Hannah Reid, with her husky contralto, the stripped down and understated electronica and the emotive depth shine through.The only reason I'm giving a 3 star is the quality of the vinyl pressing. My first album arrived with dimples from an obvious stamper deformity. I sent it back. My second album arrived with a large scratch, complete with a ribbon of vinyl hanging on at the end of the scratch. Something, probably made of metal, had seriously damaged the record during packaging. Had to send this one back too.Too bad. A really lovely album marred by manufacturing problems.

That deserves an explanation. My wife and I frequently watch the BBC program Graham Norton, who usually puts on one musical act and to be candid, the music is usually pretty bad ( that's only my opinion) but London Grammar was totally unexpected. The performance was very good and I immediately went to Amazon to listen to the clips. The lead singer is Hannah Reid and she's just amazing. The songs are almost ethereal at times. The emotion is clearly heartfelt and the effect very powerful. Listen to the clips; that's really all you need to know. If you like what you hear there, you won't be disappointed buying this CD or getting the download. If this band stays together, we're going to be hearing a lot of good music in the future. Here's hoping they do.

I heard a clip of a song on a TV show a few years ago and nearly stumbled over myself for my cellphone to "Shazam" it. It was "Wasting My Young Years". I've been a disciple ever since. It hasn't left my playlist - ever. What can I say, it's perfect. I can't think of another group to compare them to because they are so unique. "Hey Now" will make you chill, and "Interlude" will break your heart - in a good way. "Strong", "Flicker", and "If You Wait" are all stunning. I wait patiently for their follow-up, which I will purchase sight (or sound) unseen.

This is my favorite release of 2013, which has a lot to do with the consistent quality of the music and lyrics. Usually I find at least a couple tracks (if not more) that I don't listen to on any album. That's not the case with If You Wait. I bought the regular version and loved it so much that I went back and purchased the extra tracks that were available on the U.S. release.I also really appreciate the humility of the band members -- the lack of pretense and self-importance are refreshing. That comes through in the lyrics and the music. And, it came through in their live performance (I saw them in San Diego).I wish them much success and hope they can stay grounded, humble and connected in the process.

Great music - reminds me a bit of a more soothing Florence + The Machine (similar to Vaults). If you want a more detailed review of the music, read some of the other reveiws. I just wanted to point out a few things about the vinyl version:The actual vinyl seems to be of a pretty reasonable quality - no complaints here. However, the actual sleeve work is pretty lacking and seems to not have been proofed before production. Quite a few song lyrics have small typos and other errors, including whole sections of lyrics that are not ordered correctly. But perhaps the largest error is on the 2nd side of the 2nd disc - the songs aren't even in the right order! The lyrics and the back of the sleeve would tell you that "Maybe" comes before "High Life", but listening to the actual disc the songs are reversed.Great sound, completely decent vinyl, actual sleeve work lacking and not proofed AT ALL.

Firstly this is an astounding album!Sadly the vinyl pressing has some quality issues.This is third copy I've had. The first was badly warped and off center. The second was badly warped. The third is still waited but not too badly. I'm thinking it can be flattened some.That's the only reason it gets for stars

This is such a complete band. Everything just works together like each note and rhythm was meant to fit together and was set to do so millions of years ago. The minimalism is stupendous and the girl..CAN SING! It's almost possible to say that she carries the band, but she doesn't. She COULD, but instead, she just sits on top of the music without overpowering it and then it all melds together. Beautiful masterpiece and I can't wait to hear what's next.

I never leave reviews but this is such a stirring unique album, I couldn't not. This woman is amazing.....people compare her to Florence Welch and I understand why, but this vocalist does heartbreakingly sad like Florence could never do (not being mean, it's just true). Very few albums manage to make a tear roll down my face, but this is one of them. It's not all sad and melancholic but my god, they do it so well! Beautifully produced, a pleasure to own. Thank you London Grammar.

Every once in a while we get a gem of an album the surfaces in the industry, and this is one for sure. Reid’s voice is simply stunning, and what helps is the studio recording on this vinyl is quite simply top class and something we don’t see enough of in this day and age, you can thank mr cowell for that! This album became the de facto standard at pretty much every high end Audio show globally and still is used today. The depth and clarity is truly outstanding, especially on the delux 180g heavy weight vinyl. Wether you have an entry level system or high end this album will bring something to your Audio experience that simply wasn’t there before. The soundstage opened up with such depth you can actually hear Hanna move closer and further way for the mic, and even which side she is stood! The signature tray “hey now” needs no introduction, instantly recognisable, slightly dark under stone with Reid’s massive vocal range, and the when the lower sub range kicks it, absolutely stunning, I never get tiered of it! The whole album start to finish is a gem, getting harder to find now especially on vinyl, and even more so in the 180g format. An audiophile quality must have album, just buy it.

Magical cd. Three years old and their second album due on the 8th June already ordered by this new fan, which may surprise any young person if they knew my age of 70. What a voice and what brilliant songs?

I've just recently discovered London Grammar after listening to them on BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge. Yes I know, where have I been? :) Wow, what a voice, absolutely beautiful. Hannah Reid’s voice reminds me of Freya Ridings who's also a massive talent. I just had to purchase both albums.Since purchasing the two albums, I haven't been able to stop listening to them. Both of London Grammar's albums (If You Wait and Truth Is A Beautiful Thing) are absolutely brilliant. I cannot wait for a third album to be released. The only thing I was disappointed about, is that you cannot purchase the Deluxe version of the albums on CD (not at a reasonable price anyhow) which is a real shame. I would have much preferred the Deluxe versions and have the extra tracks.Despite the disappointment, both the original albums are fantastic. If you have yet to purchase this first album, I wouldn't wait if I were you. :) Highly recommended.Note: With regards to AutoRip, don't worry. Amazon have fixed the issue where you wasn't receiving the full or correct album tracks in your music library.

The album is great and I don't have a problem with this. What I have a problem with is that amazon advertise this as being autorip but buyer beware. The autorip covers 4 tracks only which are 4 remixes of one track. I had to spend 3 hours to have this explained to me as I couldn't download the album. Also beware that the MP3 version of this album is these 4 tracks if you decide to buy that way and only those 4 tracks. Amazon need to get there act together on this. In the description it says get the mp3 version of this album for free on autorip. If you click the link it takes you to the digital version of the album which only shows 4 tracks. I am a very disappointed customer as i had to complain to amazon yet again. They did refund me the cost of the cd which took 3 hours to get.