2003 studio album by Anberlin
Blueprints for the Black Market is the debut studio album by the band Anberlin. It was released on May 6, 2003,[1] barely a year after the band formed, and was the only album that was released with guitarist Joey Bruce in the band line-up. Blueprints had two singles, "Readyfuels", for which a music video was filmed and "Change the World (Lost Ones)".[2] Although the album has sold over 60,000 units,[3] its success pales compared to Anberlin's later albums, failing to chart on the Billboard 200.
Music style
The music has been referred to as Emo sounding.[1][4]
Critical reception
Blueprints for the Black Market garnered generally positive reception from Music critics. At CCM Magazine, Brian Quincy Newcomb graded the album a B−, stating how the release "rocks assuredly, benefiting from the dynamic production of Aaron Sprinkle".[4] Johnny Loftus rated it two stars, writing how the album "lack[s] any definition" and this makes the release "an utterly pleasant bore."[1] At Christianity Today, Russ Breimeier rated it three stars, saying that the album "sounds absolutely terrific."[5] Tony Cummings of Cross Rhythms rated it a perfect ten squares, calling this "something special" that will be "A must for every rock buff."[6] At Jesus Freak Hideout, Matt Gray rated it four-and-a-half stars, proclaiming this to be a "glorious debut".[7] Bert Gangl of The Phantom Tollbooth rated it four stars, noting that the band "succeeds magnificently [...] crafting a work of sweeping, melodic, emotional, hook-laden beauty."[9] At Melodic, Pär Winberg rated the album three stars, remarking that it is an "Impressive debut."[8]
