Brighter Than Creation's Dark
by Drive-By Truckers
  • Record Label: New West
  • Release Date: Jan 22, 2008
Metascore
83

Universal acclaim - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 31
  3. Negative: 0 out of 31
  1. PopMatters
    60
    Despite such strong material, it’s a shame it has to be bogged down by a good six or seven tracks of filler.
  2. Spin
    60
    [Patterson Hood] cedes too much of the spotlight to competent but less distinctive mates Mike Cooley and Shonna Tucker. [Feb 2008, p.92]
  3. The Guardian
    60
    It's impeccably well done: riffs and basslines lock together as tightly as a highway-bound engine, but, like an American vehicle, the problem is excess.
  5. Q Magazine
    60
    The tragedy, once again, is that nothing here approaches greatness. [Mar 2008, p.103]
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  6. Hot Press
    60
    Sprawling America travelogue stays strictly old school.

Awards & Rankings

34
#34 Best Album of 2008
79
#79 Most Discussed Album of 2008

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 46 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 42 out of 46
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 46
  3. Negative: 2 out of 46
  1. Ricko
    May 30, 2020
    7
    Drive-by Truckers hit an incredibly rich vein of form in the 00's that started with 2001's Southern Rock Opera and for me finishes up here onDrive-by Truckers hit an incredibly rich vein of form in the 00's that started with 2001's Southern Rock Opera and for me finishes up here on this album. Coincidentally (or perhaps not), this also marks the time that Jason Isbell was in the setup, joining after "Southern Rock Opera" and leaving before this one, "Brighter Than Creation's Dark". The songs are solid and at times brilliant. It's the Patterson Hood stuff that I gravitate towards more on this. I have to admit, country rock isn't one of my favoured genres and its goes to show how good this outfit are that they've enticed me to listen and buy many of their records. That said, a 75 minute album with 19 tracks can be a chore to get through even for a band that I'm into.… Full Review »
  2. Shrimpy
    Sep 12, 2016
    10
    Spooner Oldham is what makes this album for me. His work on the keyboards is amazing. This album has a dirty edgy sound to it that works. ASpooner Oldham is what makes this album for me. His work on the keyboards is amazing. This album has a dirty edgy sound to it that works. A Ghost to Most and Self Destructive Zones are instant classic. Its a shame that Shrimpy Swartz is a such a poser fake music fan he has no love for this band.… Full Review »
  3. godmanifest
    Jan 31, 2014
    10
    Really really beautiful songs. They don't have to act out ridiculous emotions for us to react emotionally. The first song truly depressed meReally really beautiful songs. They don't have to act out ridiculous emotions for us to react emotionally. The first song truly depressed me in its beauty and subject matter. Moving stuff.… Full Review »
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