Campfire Songs [Reissue]
by Animal Collective
Metascore
66

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. Filter
    86
    The resulting album comes across, for the most part, as a peaceful, relaxing—if extremely weird—trip through a newfound musical slipstream.
  2. musicOMH.com
    80
    This release was unusual for the band in that it was accompanied with the lyrics in the liner notes, however, so the words that are sung, muttered, chanted and whispered are available if needed, on this most beguiling, dream-like and ultimately just-out-of-reach release.
  3. Pitchfork
    72
    Beyond its canonical interest, Campfire Songs has its own charms. Though rigorously composed, it feels deceptively spontaneous. The atmosphere is both inviting and severe, and startlingly vivid.
  5. PopMatters
    70
    In several ways, Campfire Songs is an album that invites the listener to sit as close as possible and to join the circle. The album gets more uniquely intimate with each listen.
  6. AllMusic
    70
    While Campfire Songs isn’t nearly as dense or kinetic as Animal Collective’s later work would be, it shows off their penchant for layered harmony and experimental song structures, which makes for a fine piece of atmospheric headphone listening.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 34 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 34
  3. Negative: 5 out of 34
  1. Jovian
    Oct 6, 2010
    9
    No, it's not as dense and layered as some of their later work. No, there aren't as many pop hooks. But more than any other Animal CollectiveNo, it's not as dense and layered as some of their later work. No, there aren't as many pop hooks. But more than any other Animal Collective album, this shows off their brilliant songwriting and original use of the human voice as an instrument. They've never done so much with so little, and for me it's their most rewarding album by far.… Full Review »
  2. deadbank
    Mar 4, 2019
    9
    Like much of AC's 2004-2009 works, this album makes me feel something beautiful. It gives off the same wonderful, nostalgic energy as windLike much of AC's 2004-2009 works, this album makes me feel something beautiful. It gives off the same wonderful, nostalgic energy as wind chimes in the rain.… Full Review »
  3. a_straats
    Jul 27, 2016
    8
    This is their best live album to date. Some songs on this album are tiring at times, but most are enjoyable. You can see the emotion andThis is their best live album to date. Some songs on this album are tiring at times, but most are enjoyable. You can see the emotion and texture in these songs. It is amazing seeing that it was recorded on a porch. The song Doggy touches you and reminds you of your dog, and the song Two corvette is peaceful and enjoyable. The guitar on this album is amazing and the vocals.… Full Review »
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