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Conor Oberst
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  • Record Label:
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Conor Oberst Image
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 34 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 24 Ratings

  • Summary: The first solo album released on CD for the Bright Eyes singer was recorded in Mexico.

Top Track

Cape Canaveral
Oh, oh, oh brother totem pole I saw your legends lined up And I never felt more natural Apart, I just came apart Please, please, please sister... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 34
  3. Negative: 0 out of 34
  1. Los Angeles Times
    100
    His melodies curl to drive the stories, while his lyrics illuminate the road with a sometimes dazzling light.
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    Sprawling and brawny, Conor is the least maudlin album Oberst has made. [8 Aug 2008, p.67]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. Slant Magazine
    80
    It's no surprise that Oberst is able to pull off this style exceptionally well, but what impresses most about the record is how its relaxed vibe--the album was recorded with the specially assembled Mystic Valley Band in just two months at a private house in Mexico--carries over into Oberst's songwriting.
  4. Prefix Magazine
    75
    The result is a confident, tight batch of tracks that beautifully encompass a prosaic kind of ache.
  5. Rolling Stone
    70
    Largely, this is the introspective folk rock of Bright Eyes, though there's some welcome shift away from autobiography.
  6. Spin
    70
    The album does an admirable job of living up to its low- key title (with spare acoustic tracks) and its situation (with loosey-goosey, classic-rock-indebted numbers).
  7. The Guardian
    40
    Although Oberst's reedy voice may occasionally shine, this album needs a bang rather than a whimper.

See all 34 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. ChadS.
    Aug 11, 2008
    10
    If you're good, you can get away with a faux-off-the-cuff spoken-word narrative about a surreal plane crash, before launching If you're good, you can get away with a faux-off-the-cuff spoken-word narrative about a surreal plane crash, before launching acoustically into your best Bob Dylan imitation, as the thirsty Conor Oberst audaciously pulled off with aplomb and confidence on "At the Bottom of Everything"(from "I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning"). He recorded himself drinking a beverage, and I didn't mind at all. One song is all it took to make me a loyal fan. A first impression is everything. Now, he's an I. Maybe Oberst stopped hiding behind his Bright Eyes moniker as a response to the similar move made by Bill Callahan(he who was Smog), or, Jakob Dylan(he who was a Wallflower). On this eponymous debut, Oberst finally wrote a song that is equal to anything in the Dylan canon. "I Don't Want to Die(in the Hospital)" sounds like an update of "Bringing It All Back Home"-era Bob, updated by Gordon, circa 1984. Listen closely, and you just might hear a hint of "Never Tell" and "Jesus Walking on the Water" from the Violent Femmes' underrated "Hallowed Ground". While everybody is mining the sixties for his influences, Gordon Gano might be flying under the radar. "Souled Out" makes funny reference to "Knocking on Heaven's Door", in which the recently dead "won't be getting in" because heaven is "all souled out". Warren Zevon got in. But will there be room for Axl Rose? He has some explaining to do about the original cover art for "Appetite for Destruction". "NYC-Gone Gone" is a cool Slade-like rave-up. And finally, the album closes gracefully with "Milk Thistle", a langorous ballad that sort of recalls Cat Stevens' "Moon Shadow".… Expand
  2. voodoocookie
    Aug 15, 2008
    10
    Conor nails it again. It doesn't sound too different from another Bright Eyes album but with each and every album his sound has been Conor nails it again. It doesn't sound too different from another Bright Eyes album but with each and every album his sound has been evolving. You can't really still expect him to sound like the fever/lifted days. Lyrics and music still top notch and he seems to be enjoying himself here which is nice to see!… Expand
  4. CarlF.
    Aug 7, 2008
    9
    Great album about escapism and life on the road. The music matches the lyrics perfectly. Seems like the critics are taking Conor Oberst for Great album about escapism and life on the road. The music matches the lyrics perfectly. Seems like the critics are taking Conor Oberst for granted. An album that would be fantastic for a roadtrip across the United States.… Expand
  5. JorgeBizarro
    Aug 5, 2008
    7
    Melodic, warm, lOberst tells you part of his life sharing some drinks, maybe not his best, It's his most accesible.
  6. Ricko
    Nov 17, 2011
    7
    Consistenly good without ever really catching fire anywhere. Enjoyable but overrated in my opinion. Cape Canaveral, Eagle on a Pole, MilkConsistenly good without ever really catching fire anywhere. Enjoyable but overrated in my opinion. Cape Canaveral, Eagle on a Pole, Milk Thistle are the highlights.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

50
#50 Most Shared Album of 2008

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