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CRITIC REVIEWS
90
The great songs just keep coming, one after the next, and they are each beautiful and big and full of the tragic optimism and underlying sense of sorrow that makes Band of Horses such a powerful band. It’s good to have them back at the top of their game.
90
Considering that Bridwell scrapped the initial recordings designated for Things Are Great as he deemed them underwhelming, the refinements he and Zimmerman applied have indeed paid dividends in the form of this gem of an album, which ranks among the band’s strongest offerings to date.
80
Stripped of some of their later sonic ambitions, Band of Horses play to their strengths here on what feels like a solid return to form.
80
Things Are Great is certainly a return to their best form, and it shows signs of the band entering a new golden era with the next one.
80
From the electrifying first few minutes of Things Are Great, it's evident that Bridwell is revitalized.
80
Leading the hardened edge of these epic indie rock songs are Bridwell's eccentric non-chords and tunings, making this easily Band of Horses' best LP in over a decade.
80
‘Things Are Great’ is steeped in vulnerability and a rawness that’s indelible, and with that, it’s an album of bravery and power.
80
Between the weather-worn blues reflections of Hard Times and the euphoric lift of closer Coalinga, the sense emerges of a band rediscovering their footing, a little saddle-sore but riding tall once more.
80
The result is a minor wonder of wit, weight and emotion – the Horses back to full gallop.
78
This is probably the best Band of Horses album in 12 or maybe 15 years.
75
In the end, Things Are Great is Band of Horses’ most intimate outing in over a decade, its plainspoken sincerity and artistic intensity keeping it consistently affecting.
73
Band of Horses’ sixth album unexpectedly delivers on all the qualities that defined their initial success: soaring emotions, crunchy guitars, and Ben Bridwell’s cotton-candy whine.
70
An extended gap since their last full-length outing has resulted in their sharpest raft of material since ‘Cease to Begin’.
70
This Seattle band’s rustic rock
can sometimes seem too mellow, but they
sound refreshed on their first new album
in six years, leaning into their power-pop
Crazy Horse side on songs like “Lights.”
can sometimes seem too mellow, but they
sound refreshed on their first new album
in six years, leaning into their power-pop
Crazy Horse side on songs like “Lights.”
70
As they create their most on-their-terms album to date, Band of Horses manage to lift a weight from your shoulders you perhaps didn’t know was there.
60
Bridwell has a very clear vision for his band and presents it well. His smart lyrics match his previous standards, and the group execute the album well, but it feels too much as if they’re standing in place.
You know what? Things are better because this album is here
Okay this made me really happy. Band of Horses I grew up with, and since their first two records, they kind of made some dud albums. I was worried but I’m so glad to say that I really like this record. It’s not like they changed their sound or flew out of the box or anything but this just compiles a much stronger track list. This feels like them focusing a little bit more on quality than quantity, and that’s great. ... read more
Things Are Great kicks off with a melodic bang as Warning Signs glows as one of the best from Band Of Horses. Crutch goes for more of a catchy roadtrip song and this is not quite as powerful but more breezy. Limping and sometimes skipping along Tragedy Of The Commons gets a bit more serious again and this song really sells it’s conviction in the second half followed by the heartfelt In The Hard Times.
INext up an earworm In Need Of Repair feels like a globally relatable sentiment.
🎶 ... read more
Ok but like how do they make music though? Does the drummer hold a single drumstick between their hooves? Does the guitar player carry the pick in their massive grill and strum with their teeth? Why isn’t the vocalist neighing? Are they anthropomorphic horses? I have so many questions.
Después de dos discos bastante mediocres, la banda de caballos vuelve a su singularidad de sus primeros discos con un nuevo y correcto disco.
TENUE 7/10
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Track List
| 1 | Warning Signs 4:20 | 78 |
| 2 | Crutch 3:43 | 75 |
| 3 | Tragedy Of The Commons 4:58 | 75 |
| 4 | In The Hard Times 4:15 | 67 |
| 5 | In Need of Repair 3:56 | 75 |
| 6 | Aftermath 4:08 | 71 |
| 7 | Lights 3:35 | 70 |
| 8 | Ice Night We're Having 4:21 | 72 |
| 9 | You Are Nice To Me 3:57 | 70 |
| 10 | Coalinga 3:56 | 73 |
Total Length: 41 minutes
Year End Lists
| #32 | / | Albumism |
Comments (2)
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1y
As is usually the case, from what I’ve heard of the band, this album isn’t crazy or anything- but it’s relaxing and nice. :)
Some very chill music, Lights is very cool too
Some very chill music, Lights is very cool too
Added on: October 12, 2021