Chutes Too Narrow
by The Shins
  • Record Label: Sub Pop
  • Release Date: Oct 21, 2003
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 212 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 181 out of 212
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 212
  3. Negative: 25 out of 212

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  1. ThomasB.
    Nov 12, 2003
    9
    This is a great album, and worthy of its high praise. Every good album ever made has one commonality: great songs. This one is no exception. They're just quality songs by a band with a lead singer who's got a great voice. Better than the first album, I think.
  2. eugenes
    Dec 13, 2003
    10
    Blissfull riffs and melodic vocals - perfect.
  3. WhitNey
    Dec 29, 2003
    9
    This album excites me because it proves that music can still be simply fantastic.
  4. js
    Dec 31, 2003
    10
    How super. Enjoyable from the very first listen.
  5. Vampire25
    Mar 20, 2011
    9
    May not be better than Oh, Inverted World but Chutes Too Narrow is a near perfect album.The melodic hooks is so catchy, that it'll be stuck in your head long before you hear the album. It also gets better with each listen and I know that's a cliche but it's very true. The opener "Kissing The Lipless" is a wonderful opener that really shows James Mercer's vocal talent. He truly is aMay not be better than Oh, Inverted World but Chutes Too Narrow is a near perfect album.The melodic hooks is so catchy, that it'll be stuck in your head long before you hear the album. It also gets better with each listen and I know that's a cliche but it's very true. The opener "Kissing The Lipless" is a wonderful opener that really shows James Mercer's vocal talent. He truly is a wonderful singer. The musicianship is great and the lyrics will get to you. All In All, Chutes Too Narrow is an adventure through weird places that I recommend you definitely take a ride on this expedition. A-… Expand
  6. j30
    Jan 24, 2012
    9
    This is my favorite record by a band named The Shins. There's no sophomore slump to be seen here, in fact I think it's better than it's predecessor.
  7. KerimBlue
    Mar 22, 2012
    10
    This album is the perfect example of Mercer's amazing song writing abilities. Each track on the album is filled with witty phrases and carefully crafted diction that listening to once is not an option. This songs are timeless. The opening track, "Kissing the Lipless," sounds nothing like the songs from the previous album, but makes a fresh new style for The Shins on this album. Chutes TooThis album is the perfect example of Mercer's amazing song writing abilities. Each track on the album is filled with witty phrases and carefully crafted diction that listening to once is not an option. This songs are timeless. The opening track, "Kissing the Lipless," sounds nothing like the songs from the previous album, but makes a fresh new style for The Shins on this album. Chutes Too Narrow switches it up from "New Slang," a song that made the band popular, but new in this case, new is definitely not bad. Fantastic album, just perfect.… Expand
  8. DexterVane
    Sep 6, 2014
    9
    This is more for people who didn't learn about the shins in "The Garden State" (not that there's anything wrong about that). Although not as good as Oh, Inverted World, still an amazing album. Simply a pleasure to listen to.
  9. t_metzz
    Sep 5, 2013
    10
    Despite the boring performances, The Shins (James Mercer) has been a part of countless brilliant pieces of music and this album is his master piece...
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Awards & Rankings

5
#5 Best Album of 2003
12
#12 Most Discussed Album of 2003
18
#18 Most Shared Album of 2003

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
88

Universal acclaim - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 28
  3. Negative: 0 out of 28
  1. Uncut
    90
    You don't expect progression from such evident classicists, but there's a new clarity, poise and refinement. [Apr 2004, p.107]
  2. Stylus Magazine
    82
    Review 1: All the elements of timelessness are there, but the songs just don’t seem to live beyond the last note. [score=73] Review 2: The Shins’ music has grown by leaps and bounds. [score=90]
  3. Dusted Magazine
    100
    On Chutes, Mercer’s voice is singing right next to you, and the change works wonders.
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