A Wasteland Companion - M. Ward
  • Band Name: M. Ward
  • Record Label: Merge
  • Release Date: Apr 10, 2012
A Wasteland Companion Image
Metascore
75 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 35 Critics What's this?

User Score
6.8 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 11 Ratings

Your Score
0 out of 10
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  • Summary: M. Ward returns with his solo album featuring such guests as Howe Gelb of Giant Sand, Toby Leaman of Dr. Dog, Tom Hagerman of Devotchka, Mike Mogis of Bright Eyes, Steve Shelley of Sonic Youth, and She & Him collaborator Zooey Deschanel.
  • Record Label: Merge
  • Genre(s): Pop/Rock, Adult Alternative Pop/Rock, Alternative/Indie Rock, Alternative Pop/Rock
  • More Details and Credits »

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 35
  3. Negative: 0 out of 35
  1. The Boston Phoenix
    Apr 3, 2012
    88
    A Wasteland Companion isn't a sonic tidal wave, per se - it's built on some of the folk troubadour's quietest, most intimate tunes in years. But where emotions are concerned, it pummels.
  2. Mojo
    Apr 20, 2012
    80
    A Wasteland Companion revels in the layers of experience overlaid on life, building up texture, building up meaning, building up songs. [May 2012, p.87]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. Q Magazine
    Apr 25, 2012
    80
    In upbeat mode, he's made of stirring stuff, but the real wonder here is to be found when he drops a gear into hushed beauty and sun-dappled loveliness. [May 2012, p.101]
    All this publication's reviews
  4. The Fly (UK)
    Apr 27, 2012
    60
    As engaging as an album of mood swings can be.

See all 35 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. nk40699
    9
    Very good release by M. Ward. A big grower. As usual, M. Ward is a pro at what he does. I wanted to give this an 8, however, some exaggerator gave it a negative review. IMO, almost all albums should receive at least a 5, unless it is total crap. This is a good album. Not fantastic, but it is a very solid release. Definitely does not deserve a below 5 review. Buy it!… Expand
  2. Manik_Music
    8
    Full review at www.ManikMusic.net Both staff members gave a B rating!

    M. Ward plays as a reinvigorated optimist, which a is **** breath of     fresh air, but itâ… Expand
  3. ShepRock
    8
    Ward proves that at the end of "desolation row" a "clean slate" can be found in which "you only have to wait a little while before you find the truth" that in the end leads to "pure joy" where there just "ain't no other way to say just what this feeling is."… Expand
  4. LazarusGravity
    6
    To these ears his weakest collection to date. Pretty enough, but lacking the sonic adventure and song writing rigour of earlier efforts. Beautifully recorded, mind.… Expand

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