• Record Label: Sub Pop
  • Release Date: Jun 3, 2008
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 309 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 18 out of 309

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  1. Jul 10, 2011
    10
    This is what I call an album, fun from beginning to end. A truly groundbreaking achievement in the music industry. These guys know what REAL music is all about. Truly astounding, nuff said.
  2. RicardoC.
    Aug 27, 2009
    8
    Fleet Foxes, sounds pure, dreamy and is a pleasant album. Which is a lot to ask nowadays. (Maybe that's why "masses" liked it, superior-being Joe Blow, and tastes are different so but that logic anything is better than something, since there's no general agreement that something is good, and it doesn't really make any sense for metacritic to exist...).
  3. Jun 7, 2011
    8
    Solid debut full of great harmonies and solid arrangements, good folk record.
  4. Feb 22, 2013
    10
    This debut by Fleet Foxes is simply astounding. Having listened to it for almost 4 years now, I cannot explain the effects it has had on me. I can only say that it truly transcends the timely and rises to the timeless. It's naturalistic, pastoral lyrics touch on universal themes and are given vibrant color by the beautiful harmonies and are accentuated even more by the instrumentals. Can'tThis debut by Fleet Foxes is simply astounding. Having listened to it for almost 4 years now, I cannot explain the effects it has had on me. I can only say that it truly transcends the timely and rises to the timeless. It's naturalistic, pastoral lyrics touch on universal themes and are given vibrant color by the beautiful harmonies and are accentuated even more by the instrumentals. Can't wait to see what is next for their third album. So dang great. Collapse
  5. RiceKrispiesDave
    Oct 4, 2009
    10
    Joe Blow you should go Blow a Joe, 'cause this album is great.
  6. Aug 11, 2011
    10
    There is absolutely nothing wrong to say about this record. Perfect. Cannot recall how many times I've dreamed about Blue Ridge Mountains. This is what I call music.
  7. Oct 19, 2010
    9
    Anyone denying the strength of this album probably shouldn't be listening to it, probably shouldn't be listening to music at all. They're the same people who don't like the film 'Amelie' or the TV show 'The Wire'... it's simply a classic, and it deserves universal acclaim because it's an extraordinarily well crafted piece of culture.
  8. SeanL.
    Jun 5, 2008
    10
    Far and away the most breathtaking thing I've heard in a long time. The sound of every instrument is absolutely perfect, when each element is added it's heart stopping. The vocals are unbelievable, their harmonies are perfect. But I'm gonna have to say that it's Robin Pecknold's vocals that make these songs so stunning (and I'm not usually someone that is Far and away the most breathtaking thing I've heard in a long time. The sound of every instrument is absolutely perfect, when each element is added it's heart stopping. The vocals are unbelievable, their harmonies are perfect. But I'm gonna have to say that it's Robin Pecknold's vocals that make these songs so stunning (and I'm not usually someone that is grabbed by singing, I usually like them lower on the mix) the subtle reverb and everything down to how things are pronounced by him is just perfect. Go buy this album asap along with sun giant, I can't see people disliking this record and I for one can't wait to hear what these guys do next! Expand
  9. AdamE.
    Jun 5, 2008
    10
    One of the Best Albums Of 2008! A complete masterpiece!
  10. DF.
    Jun 6, 2008
    10
    This album gets better and better with each listen. Even though there are obvious splashes of CSNY, The Zombies, and Simon & Garfunkel, it never sounds like a rip-off and is always fresh and original. Easily in my top five favorite albums this year, and very easily could make the top mark. It's that good.
  11. clint
    Jun 5, 2008
    9
    A solid and exciting debut of melodic pop gems a la label mates the Shins and Band of Horses.
  12. vasileiosP
    Oct 16, 2008
    9
    Steps higher than the rest untalented music that is out this year. 2nd only to the crazyness of Mgmt.
  13. MoeinN.
    Jun 12, 2008
    8
    nothing is new...but i think this is new..got it?!...before i download this album i was thinking this is going to be the best..& this is good.. not the best!...got it?!
  14. GarrettH
    Jun 9, 2008
    10
    I can't think of a bad thing to say about it.
  15. Patrick
    Aug 20, 2008
    10
    The most impressive debut I've heard in 15 years or more. This music has reinvigorated a joy for music in me that I haven't felt in the mp3 era.
  16. LeonardoS.
    Aug 4, 2008
    10
    A wonderful album, from start to finish. Intricate, thoughtful, haunting at times, and always eminently listenable. I know it's high praise to say that listening to this album can set the tone and change the mood of a period in one's life, but I don't feel it's an exaggeration to claim this in the case of Fleet Foxes. This album (and the band's earlier EP, Sun A wonderful album, from start to finish. Intricate, thoughtful, haunting at times, and always eminently listenable. I know it's high praise to say that listening to this album can set the tone and change the mood of a period in one's life, but I don't feel it's an exaggeration to claim this in the case of Fleet Foxes. This album (and the band's earlier EP, Sun Giant) have helped define my summer, and I will likely be enjoying this album for many, many months to come. Such a well-crafted album is hard to come by these days. Expand
  17. DavidS
    Jun 8, 2009
    10
    Instantly became one of my most favorite albums, but it's not for everybody since some people don't feel "cool" listening to folk-ish music the only problem i see with this band is, well, can they really make an album better than this one? i doubt it.
  18. JonathanY
    Nov 14, 2008
    10
    This record is so good!!! The vocal harmonies and instrumentation go so well together. Bordering on life-changing!
  19. MartijnR
    Dec 8, 2008
    9
    Mark F, I don't agree with you. I just think the production is done really well. Just because of this way of producing the album gives that unique sound. For the rest Fleet Foxes is the music that we all have been searching for.
  20. MoeinN.
    Jun 12, 2008
    8
    nothing is new...but i think this is new..got it?!...before i download this album i was thinking this is going to be the best..& this is good.. not the best!...got it?!
  21. JakeL.
    Jun 23, 2008
    9
    This is the best album of the year. Order goes 1. Fleet Foxes everything else.
  22. KurtC.
    Jun 24, 2008
    9
    Fleet Foxes are a welcome, fresh, and beautiful addition to the Indie scene. They manage to sound original and forward-thinking while referencing a slew of great 60's/70's influences (CSNY, Simon & Garfunkel, Beach Boys, Bob Dylan, etc.). I also want to point out that on top of their exceptional harmonies, voices, and musicianship that their songwriting and compositions are well Fleet Foxes are a welcome, fresh, and beautiful addition to the Indie scene. They manage to sound original and forward-thinking while referencing a slew of great 60's/70's influences (CSNY, Simon & Garfunkel, Beach Boys, Bob Dylan, etc.). I also want to point out that on top of their exceptional harmonies, voices, and musicianship that their songwriting and compositions are well thought-out, engaging, and keep you interested throughout the entire record. Expand
  23. KellyC.
    Jun 5, 2008
    10
    Hands down the best CD of the year so far. Pick up the Sun Giant EP too - both are excellent.
  24. Mo
    Jun 5, 2008
    10
    This might be the best album of the year. Lush landscapes and texture. It's a different state of mind.
  25. MatthewW.
    Jul 10, 2008
    10
    If you don't like this, I don't like you.
  26. RobB.
    Jul 5, 2008
    10
    The album of the year. Incredible harmonies, beautiful melodies all in its very own world.
  27. KimJ.
    Aug 3, 2008
    9
    Too good for these times.
  28. RaymondH.
    Aug 3, 2008
    10
    This album moves you!!! That is all I can say! You must just listen to it to understand.
  29. IsaacQ
    Aug 7, 2008
    10
    This album captivates the mind and soul. Congratulations Fleet Foxes, you've made it into my chosen few of all time favorite artists and with but a single album.
  30. GerryB
    Sep 11, 2008
    10
    One of the best albums I've ever heard and I am a massive music fan aged 41. Sublime and profound.
Metascore
87

Universal acclaim - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 31
  2. Negative: 0 out of 31
  1. Helplessness Blues is one of the few things reminding me that behind the liquor stores and condominiums is a little freedom and a lot of hope.
  2. Throughout the album, the band sounds wise beyond its years, so it's not really that surprising that Fleet Foxes is such a satisfying, self-assured debut.
  3. With their self-titled debut, Fleet Foxes have attained this and have delivered one of the best albums of the year.