Down in the Weeds, Where the World Once Was
by Bright Eyes
Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
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  1. No Ripcord
    Aug 25, 2020
    60
    Down in the Weeds is at odds with itself—where the band balances music that is ambitious in scope with some of Obert's most nakedly personal work. But just like his complicated and sometimes narcissistic persona, there's a good argument to make about how his over-the-top approach perfectly suits him. That aside, Oberst and his cohorts' generous offering does take them on new, unexplored territory while remaining true to his wry prose.
  2. Mojo
    Aug 19, 2020
    60
    These are precarious songs, Oberst's voice as fragile as an egg, yet when it comes to songwriting, Bright Eyes remain a safe pair of hands. [Oct 2020, p.84]
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  3. Exclaim
    Aug 17, 2020
    60
    It's a logical continuation of 2007's slick Cassadaga (less so 2011's rock-inclined The People's Key) — but given the renaissance Oberst has enjoyed with his side-projects in recent years, it doesn't quite live up to Bright Eyes' lofty name.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 22 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 22
  3. Negative: 3 out of 22
  1. IndianaParkWars
    Sep 14, 2020
    8
    9.6/12
    This is a great album and the first I've heard by Bright Eyes. I knew of Oberst through Phoebe Bridgers but found this album through    9.6/12
    This is a great album and the first I've heard by Bright Eyes. I knew of Oberst through Phoebe Bridgers but found this album through NPR's Listening Party. I gotta say. There's not a dull moment in this album. It's strange, fun, and pleasant. I feel like I'm listening to pop but feel like I'm listening to more at the same time. There's excellent production quality and experimentation that makes the whole album feel like a piece of artwork.

    ALBUM ARTWORK: The artwork is gorgeous. I love the red, green, and black that intersects here. It appears to be a painting that creates a sort of optical illusion. It either diverges into the center to create a vanishing point or is a leafy vine with an orb on the end, draped down in the middle. Regardless of what the picture actually is, I adore the visual and wonder it creates for me.    … Full Review »
  2. Haireater
    Sep 5, 2020
    10
    Perfect comeback though Conor’s voice sounds a bit different. Tilt-A-Whirl and Comet Song are my personal favourites.
  3. AndyRyse
    Sep 3, 2020
    1
    I'm sorry but I cannot forgive so much years with no music. Sorry..........
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