Back To Land
by Wooden Shjips
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
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  1. AllMusic
    Nov 14, 2013
    70
    The overall pace, sequence, and vibe of Back to Land finds the Shjips teetering on the edge of classic rock mania with enough restraint to keep things minimal, mystical, and interesting throughout.
  2. Pitchfork
    Nov 15, 2013
    65
    Whether this breakthrough portends a change in course remains to be seen, but, at this point in their consistent-to-a-fault career, it's encouraging to hear Wooden Shjips draw the emotion out of their motion.
  3. Uncut
    Nov 4, 2013
    70
    Their horizon expands via garage-psych incantation "In The Roses" and chugging closer "Everybody Knows," which suggests a Granddaddy epic; the Shjips' ragged country-rock opus is clearly some way off yet. [Dec 2013, p.75]
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  5. PopMatters
    Nov 14, 2013
    70
    It might not be the album you were expecting at all, but it’s certainly one that proves Wooden Shjips’ free spirit still reigns.
  6. Mojo
    Nov 4, 2013
    80
    These Wooden Shjips, however unchanging, even conservative, are becoming increasingly irresistible. [Nov 2013, p.86]
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  7. New Musical Express (NME)
    Nov 14, 2013
    70
    Opening track ‘Back To Land’ wouldn’t be out of place at an Eric Clapton gig, closer ‘Everybody Knows’ is dreary, and ‘These Shadows’ could be a Mazzy Star throwaway. The rest, however, is gold.
  8. musicOMH.com
    Nov 6, 2013
    80
    Their strengths lie within rocky, repetitive grooves and guitar wizardry, with Johnson’s own appearance aptly resembling that of a wizard. Tellingly, the band only once surpass a running time of six minutes on Back To Land. In this case, less is more.
  9. Under The Radar
    Nov 14, 2013
    70
    It's the trickling-down of dusty record bins everywhere, reduced to simple essence and repeated till it hurts.
  10. The Line of Best Fit
    Nov 4, 2013
    70
    Back to Land, then: business as usual, but the business remains good.
  11. Paste Magazine
    Nov 14, 2013
    71
    Even while it seems like Back to Land bubbles in those familiar pools of repetition, their playing more often coaxes the groove to take flight rather than be run into the ground.
  12. Consequence
    Nov 14, 2013
    70
    Back To Land is the most forgiving, clear album in the Wooden Shjips catalog, an interesting step for a band once lauded for their obscurity.
  13. Clash Music
    Dec 11, 2013
    80
    Back To Land won’t immediately blow you away, but that warm, overdriven sound makes the latest LP from this San Francisco quartet another compelling one.
  14. Dusted Magazine
    Dec 17, 2013
    70
    It’s still a trip, just a marginally more vivid one, and that’s a good thing.
  15. Alternative Press
    Nov 4, 2013
    80
    Back To Land whispers intimately and hauntingly of both paranoia and peace. [Dec 2013, p.102]
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  16. Sputnikmusic
    Nov 11, 2013
    80
    Wooden Shjips succeed in making their material as easy listening and cool as possible, and tread on the trails of acclaimed artists such as Tom Petty.
  17. The Quietus
    Nov 14, 2013
    80
    Wooden Shjips' approach with Back To Land is akin to seduction rather than press-ganging. Smooth and lustrous throughout, this collection should see Wooden Shjips emerge from their subterranean lair to reach a deservedly wider audience.
  18. The New York Times
    Nov 11, 2013
    70
    It’s music conceived for interior spaces but influenced by open-air ones.
  19. Classic Rock Magazine
    Jan 2, 2014
    70
    Back To Land lets the sun in through the grooves. [Jan 2014, p.116]
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User Reviews

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User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 6 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. Ricko
    Oct 26, 2021
    7
    This is easy to listen to but is extremely repetitive. I appreciate this is what they are going for but when its mainly instrumental tracks asThis is easy to listen to but is extremely repetitive. I appreciate this is what they are going for but when its mainly instrumental tracks as long these need a bit more complexity within them to keep my attention. There is nothing wrong with this album per se but I like my stoney instrumental rock in a different style (a la "Yawning Man" for example). At times "Back to Land" can be as basic as listening to instrumental versions of Oasis songs. I do like Oasis but not sure I could dig them if they were strictly instrumental.… Full Review »
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