Pryor Stroud: Since they first accumulated commercial clout with “Cough Syrup” and “My Body”, Young the Giant have struggled to claim critical adulation. Both their eponymous LP and 2014’s Mind Over Matter showcased the band’s muscular, monolithic, and bombastically melodramatic take on alternative rock, but both were also criticized for an over-reliance on genre tropes and faux poetic lyrics. “Something to Believe In”, the first single from the band’s third effort Home of the Strange, does nothing to shirk these criticisms; it’s a prototypical Young the Giant track through and through, replete with chugging guitars, no-frills indie rock production, and a cloud-clutching chorus so big it seems to strain every blood vessel in singer Sameer Gadhia’s body. “Just give me / Just give me something to believe in,” he sings, his voice quivering with intensity as he latches onto certain notes, and whether you’re a fan of the band or not, it’s hard not to feel the yearning that afflicts him. [6/10]
Chris Ingalls: Having never heard anything else by Young the Giant, I have no idea if this is indicative of their sound, but the track is a lovely, nicely executed indie rock single. There’s a confident swagger in the groove and the backing vocals and keyboards provide a a classic, widescreen pop sheen. It sounds classic and well-crafted without stooping to disposable pop levels. [7/10]
Chad Miller: Pretty good track. The melody is decently enjoyable, and it’s sung with sufficient passion on the chorus. The song does sound a little bit unoriginal though. Not a huge issue, but it doesn’t stick out very much because of this. [6/10]
SCORE: 6.33