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

Universal acclaim- based on 309 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 274 out of 309
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 309
  3. Negative: 18 out of 309

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  1. MooziikMaster
    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. Boosemo12
    Jun 7, 2011
    8
    Solid debut full of great harmonies and solid arrangements, good folk record.
  4. rebel6794
    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.… Expand
  5. RiceKrispiesDave
    Oct 4, 2009
    10
    Joe Blow you should go Blow a Joe, 'cause this album is great.
  6. Belmsher
    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. J.E.
    Jun 11, 2008
    5
    More civil war beard blog rock. They sound just like a less rock influenced My Morning Jacket and Band of Horses. There's nothing original going on here. The songs are pleasant enough, but you've heard it all before. The title track "ragged wood" very blatantly rips off MMJ's "golden".
  8. boozm
    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.
  9. RonJ.
    Jul 29, 2008
    3
    I don't understand the hype. When I first played this album I turned the volume WAY down so no one else would hear it. It was pretty embarrassing. This sounds like something that should be playing as background music at a King Richard's fair.
  10. MaxB
    Jun 10, 2008
    0
    This is awful. This is terrible yuppie music. Read all the reviews and gave it a listen. This is lifestyle music for Starbucks-addict faux hipsters. Your parents will love this because it sucks. Instead, listen to any of the amazing musicians from the last forty years of recorded popular music this band is ripping off that are leaps and bounds ahead of this. Go buy some Squeeze, Fairport This is awful. This is terrible yuppie music. Read all the reviews and gave it a listen. This is lifestyle music for Starbucks-addict faux hipsters. Your parents will love this because it sucks. Instead, listen to any of the amazing musicians from the last forty years of recorded popular music this band is ripping off that are leaps and bounds ahead of this. Go buy some Squeeze, Fairport Convention, Pavement, Elvis Costello, or anything else. Sappy, derivative trash.… Expand
  11. James
    Jul 27, 2008
    0
    My rating may seem low but something has to be done to tame all the crazy high praise. If you like boring mountain music with really lame lyrics and harmonies that will make you want to turn the music down when a car pulls next to you so not to be embarrased -then this is the band for you. Songs that start off by repeating lay me down over and over with vomit inducing harmonies do not My rating may seem low but something has to be done to tame all the crazy high praise. If you like boring mountain music with really lame lyrics and harmonies that will make you want to turn the music down when a car pulls next to you so not to be embarrased -then this is the band for you. Songs that start off by repeating lay me down over and over with vomit inducing harmonies do not make album of the year. There is so much better music out from this year alone. I can't believe how over-hyped these guys are. Just wait until some time passes. I bet no one will want to admit they thought this was a masterpiece 2 years from now. It will be like Clap Your Hands Say Yeah all over again but worse. Basically, this music is lame. Don't get caught up in the hype.… Expand
  12. ChristianP
    Nov 17, 2008
    5
    Technically proficient but other than "White Winter Hymnal," there's no real magic.
  13. uhguhggerson
    Jan 3, 2009
    0
    Uhg. Crap. Stop it already. Just stop it.
  14. HexumS
    Mar 3, 2009
    0
    Listen to some of these user reviews: "I *cannot* listen to a single song without mentally placing myself in a Robert Frost poem". "...or on a late fall road trip through a wooded nowhere." "Harmonies flow and haunt you..." "Probably only Biffy Clyro or Lightspeed Champion have come close..." When you see remarks like these, you know the music is garbage. These people aren't even Listen to some of these user reviews: "I *cannot* listen to a single song without mentally placing myself in a Robert Frost poem". "...or on a late fall road trip through a wooded nowhere." "Harmonies flow and haunt you..." "Probably only Biffy Clyro or Lightspeed Champion have come close..." When you see remarks like these, you know the music is garbage. These people aren't even making sense!… Expand
  15. AndrewS
    Mar 10, 2009
    1
    This music makes me want to stick knitting needles into my ears.
  16. 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
  17. JCC.
    Jul 24, 2008
    4
    After all the hype, I finally listened to this. And what a letdown - it just fits in that dull niche of paint by numbers alternative music. Nice, safe, repetitive but ultimately disengaging and downright dull.
  18. Belle
    Aug 21, 2008
    4
    No no no. Way overrated. It was really... boring. All the tracks sound the same and there's just nothing I loved about it. Bleugh.
  19. FletcherD.
    Jun 20, 2008
    5
    This album is solid, but let's get ahold of ourselves, this is not one of this years best in the big picture. People kind of need to cool their jets and quit riding the Hype Train.
  20. AdamE.
    Jun 5, 2008
    10
    One of the Best Albums Of 2008! A complete masterpiece!
  21. JoeBlow
    Jun 5, 2009
    0
    Just another perfect example of the oldest misconception in the world, if everyone likes it that much, it must be good. Wrong. The way I see it, if everybody likes it that much, it probably means that it's suited for the masses, meaning, common, saturated ideas that are more than likely being done better elsewhere, not en-masse.
  22. DennisD.
    Dec 15, 2008
    4
    I don't get the hype and really don't understand how this made so many best of 08 lists. It's listless and dull, without a memorable track. It sounds like My Morning Jacket on valium.
  23. DagW.
    Aug 15, 2008
    5
    Jump the bandwagon if you must, but frankly this can only appeal to those with an affinity for Shakespearean costume dramas that address each other with "thou" . Save for a couple of undeniably beautiful moments ("Blue Ridge Mountains" and "Mykonos") it is difficult to understand the group's appeal beyond Robin Hood's trusted men. "Meadowlark, fly away down/I hold a cornucopia Jump the bandwagon if you must, but frankly this can only appeal to those with an affinity for Shakespearean costume dramas that address each other with "thou" . Save for a couple of undeniably beautiful moments ("Blue Ridge Mountains" and "Mykonos") it is difficult to understand the group's appeal beyond Robin Hood's trusted men. "Meadowlark, fly away down/I hold a cornucopia and a golden crown/for you to wear upon your fleecy down". I guess that would have passed as poetry circa 1540.… Expand
  24. alabasterjones
    Jul 22, 2011
    4
    When you get right down to it, too often this album sounds like elevator music for indie kids. I really enjoyed the new album they just put out (Helplessness Blues), but I could never really get into this one. Other than the terrific little folk stomper White Winter Hymnal and the intimate Your Protector, this album is way too cute and effete for its own good. Music like this works bestWhen you get right down to it, too often this album sounds like elevator music for indie kids. I really enjoyed the new album they just put out (Helplessness Blues), but I could never really get into this one. Other than the terrific little folk stomper White Winter Hymnal and the intimate Your Protector, this album is way too cute and effete for its own good. Music like this works best when the lyrics and songwriting are deeply personal and easy to relate to, but instead this album settles for bland ballads about mountains, meadowlarks, and the lead singer's brothers, and none of those topics make for very compelling songwriting.… Expand
  25. 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.
  26. clint
    Jun 5, 2008
    9
    A solid and exciting debut of melodic pop gems a la label mates the Shins and Band of Horses.
  27. vasileiosP
    Oct 16, 2008
    9
    Steps higher than the rest untalented music that is out this year. 2nd only to the crazyness of Mgmt.
  28. ZackT.
    Oct 4, 2008
    6
    A great first album , it give hope , but vocal are not really good , sometimes yes sometime no. A bad production with boring songs. But when i hear Tiger mountain or your Protector , i am sure this bands have a great potential.
  29. 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?!
  30. GarrettH
    Jun 9, 2008
    10
    I can't think of a bad thing to say about it.
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Awards & Rankings

7
#7 Best Album of 2008
12
#12 Most Discussed Album of 2008
1
#1 Most Shared Album of 2008

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
87

Universal acclaim - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 31
  3. Negative: 0 out of 31
  1. Absolute Punk (Staff reviews)
    May 11, 2011
    88
    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.
    Read full review
  2. AllMusic
    80
    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.
    Read full review
  3. Delusions of Adequacy
    100
    With their self-titled debut, Fleet Foxes have attained this and have delivered one of the best albums of the year.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »