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. 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?!
  2. ChadS.
    Jun 11, 2008
    9
    "White Winter Hymnal" sounds like The Shins rewriting XTC's "Senses Working Overtime". Catchy as hell, like Split Enz's "I Got You" with vocal harmonies reminiscent of Brian Eno and John Cale's "One Word", "White Winter Hymnal" replaces thinking, replaces everybody's favorite song with this towering achievement of genius. Gorgeous stuff. I also like "He Doesn't "White Winter Hymnal" sounds like The Shins rewriting XTC's "Senses Working Overtime". Catchy as hell, like Split Enz's "I Got You" with vocal harmonies reminiscent of Brian Eno and John Cale's "One Word", "White Winter Hymnal" replaces thinking, replaces everybody's favorite song with this towering achievement of genius. Gorgeous stuff. I also like "He Doesn't Know Why" because it sounds like a tribute to The Chills' Martin Phillips. The majestic ballad would've been at home on either "Submarine Bells", or "Soft Bomb". Fleet Foxes know Kiwi pop. Fleet Foxes blows your mind again on "Your Protector". Imagine Arthur Miller's "The Crucible" as a Broadway musical. Imagine John Proctor singing "you run with the devil" to Abigail before he pins her to the bed. "Your Protector" also sounds like the October Project with an ethereal male singer, instead of an ethereal female one. Along with Vampire Weekend and Bon Iver, Fleet Foxes is helping make 2008 a banner year for indie-minded music.… Expand
  3. 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".
  4. MatthewJ.
    Jun 11, 2008
    8
    This album is very good, just not as good as they say. It doesn't endeavor to extend beyond the structure and sonic signature set out many, many times before in recent years. Plenty of good stuff to listen to here, not as much to be excited about.
  5. BrianE
    Jun 10, 2008
    10
    A glorious synthesis of Smile-era Brian Wilson and forest folk. Bold in its scope, but achingly perfect in its sound and economy. Melodies are extended and rerouted in ways that are surprising and satisfying. An album with the creative heft to be considered one of the year's best.
  6. 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
  7. PaulC
    Jun 10, 2008
    6
    Slightly above average, but nowhere near as good as the reviews. Maybe I expected too much after seeing such a high metacritic score. There are definitely albums with lower scores that rock more, are more fun, and more worth a listen.
  8. GarrettH
    Jun 9, 2008
    10
    I can't think of a bad thing to say about it.
  9. SteveO
    Jun 7, 2008
    10
    There aren't many records on Metacritic I give 10's, in fact the only other two I can think of right now are Radiohead's "In Rainbows" which of course deserves it and She & Him's "Volume One" which reminds me of Joanie Mitchell. "Fleet Foxes" is amazing stuff. Just look at the reviews and you'll see why. Soaring vocal harmonies, hooky, folky melodies, and epic, There aren't many records on Metacritic I give 10's, in fact the only other two I can think of right now are Radiohead's "In Rainbows" which of course deserves it and She & Him's "Volume One" which reminds me of Joanie Mitchell. "Fleet Foxes" is amazing stuff. Just look at the reviews and you'll see why. Soaring vocal harmonies, hooky, folky melodies, and epic, imgainative lyrics make you feel like you've been transported into another time or dimension even. You can tell these guys have been heavily influenced by bands like "Crosby Stills Nash and Young" or even as new as "The Shins". Overall, "Fleet Foxes" is a wonderful record full of emotion and talent. A great debut for a great band. The record will soon become a classic, mark my words.… Expand
  10. JackP.
    Jun 6, 2008
    9
    If you haven't heard this album yet, you may be asking yourself whether it could possibly be that good. I am here to tell you that it is. This record that will stand the test of time.
  11. 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.
  12. 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
  13. 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.
  14. AdamE.
    Jun 5, 2008
    10
    One of the Best Albums Of 2008! A complete masterpiece!
  15. 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.
  16. clint
    Jun 5, 2008
    9
    A solid and exciting debut of melodic pop gems a la label mates the Shins and Band of Horses.
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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
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