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Ribbon Around the Bomb is the fourth studio album by English indie pop band Blossoms. It was released on 29 April 2022 by Virgin EMI Records.[2][12]

Ribbon Around the Bomb
Studio album by Blossoms
Released	29 April 2022
Length	37:09
Label	Virgin EMI
Producer	James Skelly Rich Turvey
Blossoms chronology
Blossoms in Isolation (2020) Ribbon Around the Bomb (2022)
Singles from Ribbon Around the Bomb
"Care For" Released: 17 August 2021[1] "Ribbon Around the Bomb" Released: 25 January 2022[2] "Ode to NYC" Released: 25 February 2022[3] "The Sulking Poet" Released: 24 March 2022[4]

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
Clash	8/10[5]
Dork	[6]
Evening Standard	[7]
Gigwise	8/10[8]
NME	[9]
Rolling Stone	[10]
The Times	[11]

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

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)

Charts

Chart performance for Ribbon Around the Bomb

Chart (2022)	Peak position
Scottish Albums (OCC)[14]	3
UK Albums (OCC)[15]	1

References

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