Forever Turned Around
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CRITIC REVIEWS
85
Whitney accomplish a grandeur all their own on Forever…, finding themselves, right now, exactly where they should be.
82
A deeper look at Forever Turned Around reveals a score of meticulously crafted songs that all work together to create a very specific mood, a near-flawless soundtrack for the changing of the seasons.
80
Even though they sound like they’re strumming their way through a lazy afternoon, they have a lot on their mind.
80
All of the beats are familiar, perhaps to a fault, from the instrumental at the midpoint to the shyly epic closer, but Forever Turned Around represents nuanced progress from an admirably subtle band.
80
Sometimes no big surprises is a welcome result.
80
‘Forever Turned Around’ may not be a record that will quicken any pulses but what it lacks in bangers, it makes up for in beauty.
78
Forever Turn Around ends up being meandering, sleepy sometimes to a fault, a charmingly doe-eyed take on the kind of classic rock revivalism that plays well at music festivals.
75
Forever Turned Around is striking in its warmth.
75
Forever Turned Around is a bold accomplishment by Whitney, the perfect record for the nights where summer turns to fall, and after a beer or two, you fill with memories of what could have been.
70
None of it’s new, but it’s proof that a lot can still be done with a beery-eyed keyboard and a six-string strum.
70
Though relying on their well-worn instrumental strengths and lacking Light Upon the Lake's compositional variance, Forever Turned Around sharpens Whitney's songwriting for another intimate collection of heartfelt tunes.
65
Influences begin to blend with the uninspired, and with that, Forever Turned Around fails to pack the punch Light Upon the Lake did so effortlessly.
60
Clearly, behind the easygoing melodies, the band have been grappling with those age-old existential issues, questioning mortality and doubt.
60
We’re not asking Whitney to soundtrack a raging rebellion, we just want them to make us feel things. ‘Forever Turned Around’ only partly succeeds.
40
Confusion and substance abuse are interesting themes hinted at but disappointingly never fully explored on Chicago-based Whitney‘s underwhelming second album Forever Turned Around.
I was afraid of this... The album is pretty for sure and its over in a flash, but after a 3 year wait I was hoping for a bit more than this. I was hoping Ehrlich would take a bit more of a leap in his abilities as a writer. The arrangements are nice, but the lyrical content is too similar to the last album. I can listen to a break up album like no ones business, but give me some more depth.
There is nothing as immediate as 'No Woman' on here, although as a whole there isn't a 'bad' song to be ... read more
There is nothing as immediate as 'No Woman' on here, although as a whole there isn't a 'bad' song to be ... read more
Falsetto Babies return with an intimate follow-up to their immaculate debut. The album is tight, the trumpets are warm, and the mood is gentle. This record is pretty similar to Light Upon the Lake, though there is a larger sense of movement bubbling beneath the surface. They still sound like Allen Toussaint fanboys, so I will be curious to see if they ever shake up their singing style.
It's a fun day for guitars! Where the Lana del Ray feels massive, Whitney uses similar components to create ... read more
It's a fun day for guitars! Where the Lana del Ray feels massive, Whitney uses similar components to create ... read more
About as heartwarming as you can get without it getting cheesy. It's hard not to like something so charming despite the potential criticism that it's just kinda... basic? But I think the group know their strengths and play to them well and that makes for this being a fun listen.
"Forever Turned Around" is a short, simple and heartwarming album with sweet melodies, warm instrumentation and irresistible falsettos. While it doesn't have any tricks up its sleeves, it's still enjoyable and calming while also being mostly cohesive.
Fav Tracks: Valleys (My Love), Used To Be Lonely, Giving Up, Before I Know It, Song For Ty, Forever Turned Around
Least Fav Track: Rhododendron
Score:
8
Great
Fav Tracks: Valleys (My Love), Used To Be Lonely, Giving Up, Before I Know It, Song For Ty, Forever Turned Around
Least Fav Track: Rhododendron
Score:
8
Great
They would always have a soft spot in my heart and they won me again with this release. That instrumental, Rhododendron, is simply addictive. Lazy afternoons never felt this pensive with this record playing on the backdrop.
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Year End Lists
| #36 | / | Gigwise |
| #36 | / | NBHAP |
| #58 | / | Under the Radar |
| #74 | / | Les Inrocks |
| #77 | / | Drift |
| #98 | / | Piccadilly Records |
| / | Esquire (UK) |
Track List
- Giving Up
- Used To Be Lonely
- Before I Know It
- Song For Ty
- Valleys (My Love)
- Rhododendron
- My Life Alone
- Day & Night
- Friend of Mine
- Forever Turned Around
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1y
Totally knew they'd come out with the Whitney review today. At least they didn't totally shit on this one. Tool tomorrow I guess.
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Added on: June 6, 2019