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CRITIC REVIEWS
85
From the wildly psychedelic, Robert Beatty-adorned cover art to Tyler’s steadfast pastoral themes of modern Americana, Goes West resonates as a true testament of timelessness standing as a collection of songs not only personal and rich but irrefutably Tyler’s best to date.
80
He can make nearly an hour of solo guitar material compelling and immersive (as proven on 2013's Impossible Dream), and Goes West shows Tyler at his relaxed but immersive best.
1mo
80
In essence, Tyler builds on his already sterling reputation as a player and composer, while further establishing himself as a bandleader, on this breezy but neatly sewn collection.
80
He may have upped sticks and gone west as the title suggests, but that distance has imbued his interpretations of home with poignancy, clear appreciation, and newfound depth.
80
These are 10 skilful and meditative instrumental acoustic guitar renderings that bear the weight of Americana – of contemporary America – lightly, but consciously.
80
10 individually kinetic pieces in a holding pattern of meditative calm.
78
The solo guitarist’s fourth album is soft and subtle, approaching the strains of pop while still basking in the solitude of Americana.
75
Tyler's songs paint landscapes of winding dirt roads, glowing streams, and wooded backcountry; Goes West is unabashed American music.
70
These songs without words contain melodies that convey messages on emotive and spiritual levels. Tyler uses his fingers to express what he is thinking and feeling without the use of language. He largely succeeds at taking the listener as a co-captain with him on his voyage.
1mo
70
Even without vocals, Tyler’s songs harmonize with deceptively unassuming, emotional playing that’s as reflective, meditative and personal as some of the finest singers.
1mo
70
If Tyler presented himself as a landscape painter on his previous albums, he takes on the role of miniaturist here. And it suits him well: Goes West summons all the majesty and loneliness of his other work, but condenses it into his tightest, punchiest, and most palatable set of songs yet.
70
Train car-hopping, couch-sleeping hitchhiking songs are his core vernacular, and that goes doubly so for the uneasy jaunt of Goes West.
70
Though evocative as they may be, those who are familiar with his discography can occasionally feel an unexplainable sense of deja vu. It’s a blessing and a curse for guitarists who write instrumental records, after all.
60
If you like instrumental guitar music, William Tyler‘s latest recording, William Tyler Goes West should satisfy your appetite, and does exactly what it says on the tin.
To be honest, i didn't expect to like this as much as i did the first time. Pretty guitars very well layered in the mix, and a very chill atmosphere. Good folk/americana sound in general.
The American West brings up images of wide open spaces, a night sky flooded with stars making us feel small, and an emptiness which blocks out the chaos of the world. William Tyler 'Goes West' has the feel of an America that remains only in dreams and folklore, captures your imagination and explores the freedom of the great American West. Songs stitched together with flawless craft and building from track to track into a seamless album that carries away the listener to a place free of the ... read more
Goes West has some Dead Air but some moments are excellent pieces of American Primitivism
Man I really love the vibe of this record -- it conveys the feeling of open roads, empty spaces, and the joy of exploration better than most country records out there, without even saying a word.
This is great for early mornings, zoning out, or getting work done. Highly recommend.
This is great for early mornings, zoning out, or getting work done. Highly recommend.
Track List
- Alpine Star
- Fail Safe
- Not in Our Stars
- Call Me When I'm Breathing Again
- Eventual Surrender
- Rebecca
- Venus in Aquarius
- Virginia Is for Loners
- Man in a Hurry
- Our Lady of the Desert
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Added on: November 5, 2018
