• 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. Sep 6, 2011
    7
    Fleet Foxes creates a atmosphere of wonder and mystique in something which is somewhat not all that uncommon; they play it the drifting way, the organic style, with echos and oddities of strings and melody, sounding like something that's come brushed out of the old ages. But most importantly, they do what they do true and they capture your senses as you get carried along.
  2. Mar 10, 2012
    10
    This album is nothing less than a brilliant and triumphant masterwork of some of the most talented musical artists of the past decade. Every song on here is beautiful and well composed, each in its own regard. The instrumental structure is simply divine on all fronts, thus, this band ends up bringing the folk/baroque genre (if I may call it that) to a whole new level. Buy this album rightThis album is nothing less than a brilliant and triumphant masterwork of some of the most talented musical artists of the past decade. Every song on here is beautiful and well composed, each in its own regard. The instrumental structure is simply divine on all fronts, thus, this band ends up bringing the folk/baroque genre (if I may call it that) to a whole new level. Buy this album right now, and if you're so inclined, I suggest buying the vinyl. Expand
  3. Apr 15, 2011
    10
    If you don't like this album it's just not for you. That is all. This album is perfectly achieved in every way. If you don't like football, don't go to a football site and just start leaving nasty "football sucks" comments everywhere. These guys are our Simon and Garfunkel, they make hauntingly perfect music paired with wonderful melodies. Their new album is due out in May. Judging fromIf you don't like this album it's just not for you. That is all. This album is perfectly achieved in every way. If you don't like football, don't go to a football site and just start leaving nasty "football sucks" comments everywhere. These guys are our Simon and Garfunkel, they make hauntingly perfect music paired with wonderful melodies. Their new album is due out in May. Judging from the single they've released, I shan't be disappointed. Expand
  4. Nov 19, 2011
    10
    This album is so beautiful it sometimes brings me near tears. People who dont like it dont really listen to it and absorb it. They just reject it because it is unfamiliar and something very far form the music we hear today. Just give it a listen and stay in that moment.
  5. Nov 4, 2012
    10
    Absolutely superb album. It does more than merely sound good - it *feels* good. There is lyrical genius scattered throughout, as well as wonderful compositions, melodies, and harmonies. I can find nothing I would consider to be a fault. An album very close to perfection. A must have.
  6. Dec 11, 2017
    9
    Fleet Foxes eponymous debut is an amazing full length debut. One of the albums of the 00's in my opinion and a great live band too. This record has a maturity that is hard to believe for a debut. The first 3 tracks are classic West coast folk pop but the rest of the album maintains an unbelievably high standard up all the way through. The closing section of the album is as memorable as theFleet Foxes eponymous debut is an amazing full length debut. One of the albums of the 00's in my opinion and a great live band too. This record has a maturity that is hard to believe for a debut. The first 3 tracks are classic West coast folk pop but the rest of the album maintains an unbelievably high standard up all the way through. The closing section of the album is as memorable as the opening with "Blue Ridge Mountains" one of my all time favourites and fan favourite "Oliver James" a great closing track as well. Vocally and musically this record is impeccable throughout. As I've mentioned already, a very mature sounding record for a debut and great to see such a talented bunch of artists get the recognition they deserved. Check it out and then go explore the rest of their catalog. Expand
  7. Jun 10, 2012
    10
    This album was one of the most catchy albums I've ever listened to... Wonderful songs, great harmonics and lovely lyrics. One of the best albums of 2008, certainly.
  8. Sep 1, 2012
    5
    This album has some lovely moments, but the whole saturday afternoon at the renaissance fair vibe ends up feeling forced upon repeated listens. Didn't even make it to my IPod.
  9. Jul 1, 2013
    10
    Made a Metacritic account just to say how much I loved this album. Every track is an inconceivable aural delight as Robin Pecknold has an undeniable talent for taking his songs in unexpected but beautiful new directions.
  10. Jan 13, 2015
    7
    I would split up this album: the first part (first 5 songs) that gets wholly into Americana and Country and felt to me as honestly [though cohesively] tasteless and flat; and the second part (next 6 songs) that sinks into a more melodramatic indie folk suffering, that felt utterly heartbreaking and profound. All accompanied by celestial choruses and mostly an old-days spirit.
  11. Dec 26, 2013
    10
    Probably the lushest, most purely beautiful indie folk album I have ever heard, Fleet Foxes is an amazing achievement in a genre that largely gets overlooked because of country and indie pop/rock. The album would worth owning just for "White Winter Hymnal," and is made incredible by its other ten tracks, each of which are fantastic for their own reasons.
  12. Feb 18, 2019
    9
    One of my favourite albums of all time, I absolutely love the choral harmonies and the imagery their instrumentation produces, in some songs it's almost as if they've managed to capture the nostalgia of childhood and spring, and then lace and fit them together into a beautiful debut album. This is truly an album that will stand the test of time, and become regarded as a classic.
  13. Jul 31, 2023
    8
    The varied vocals and deep vocal performance create an enchanting listening experience. The changing pace and delivery keep the album fresh and engaging throughout. The beautiful harmonies elevate the songs, adding a sense of depth and emotion as the record strikes a perfect balance between peaceful moments and rewarding musical discoveries. The poetic lyrics add a layer of meaning andThe varied vocals and deep vocal performance create an enchanting listening experience. The changing pace and delivery keep the album fresh and engaging throughout. The beautiful harmonies elevate the songs, adding a sense of depth and emotion as the record strikes a perfect balance between peaceful moments and rewarding musical discoveries. The poetic lyrics add a layer of meaning and introspection to each track, making the album both musically and intellectually stimulating.

    Furthermore, the album holds great nostalgic value, evoking fond memories and a sense of comfort. In the end of the day, Fleet Foxes' self-titled album truly captures the essence of folk-indie music.
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  14. Oct 24, 2019
    10
    Simply put, this album is a must listen. It absolutely is one of the best albums you will listen to. It set the course for the folk movement that would follow.
  15. Jan 5, 2020
    9
    I could listen to this record 60 more times and I would still consider it one of the most honest and beautiful folk-rock records ever made.
  16. Sep 30, 2020
    10
    An absolute joy to listen to. I discovered it whilst traveling by train accross Bavaria. It was snowing, it was Christmas and this was an epiphany. The Blue Ridge Mountains is one of my favourite songs ever, on ANY album, by ANY artist and in ANY genre.
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.