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. American Songwriter
    Nov 14, 2013
    50
    Ultimately, Back To Land is a little too much “vibe” and not enough “oomph”--a not unpleasurable 40-minute cruise, but one which sometimes feels lo
  2. DIY Magazine
    Nov 11, 2013
    40
    Undoubtedly there’s riches to be found here but the treasure map is harder to follow than ever.
  3. Drowned In Sound
    Nov 4, 2013
    60
    Those wanting an intense, borderline overdose, hit of rushing psychedelia for 42 minutes need look no further, whilst others wishing for a bit more diversity are barking up the wrong tree.
  5. Exclaim
    Nov 8, 2013
    60
    Johnson has made great creative leaps with every new album he makes, but with Back to Land, he seems to have finally backed himself into a corner.
  6. Q Magazine
    Nov 25, 2013
    60
    It still nods to The Velvet Underground and strung-out '80s pioneers Spacemen 3 and Loop, but chord changes are no longer as rare as Shane MacGowan's teeth, and there's more of a pop sensibility. [Dec 2013, p.117]
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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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