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. Ricko
    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
  2. Vampire25
    Mar 2, 2011
    9
    Fleet Foxes is a wonderful record. Each song stands out for me. Robert Pecknold has the perfect voice for the melodies created in this album. The lyrics are are great and listening to this album makes me wanna grow a beard and live high up in the mountains. Each track is catchy and makes you wanna hum to it. All In All, Fleet Foxes is a wonderful album that needs to b e listened too. A-
  3. clem666
    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.    … Expand
  4. jotaeseche
    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.
  5. 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.
  6. kermie_the_frog
    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.
  7. 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.
  8. XavierBlaq
    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.
  9. SilverMan
    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.
  10. Boosemo12
    Jun 7, 2011
    8
    Solid debut full of great harmonies and solid arrangements, good folk record.
  11. Rikardsen
    Feb 7, 2012
    10
    A folk blast that has plenty to feel, plenty to hear and a warmth, tho it sounds just like my morning jacket in places, I don't know which one came first.
  12. wallofjericho42
    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.
  13. Einardur
    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.
  14. Citadelen
    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.
  15. Leftyy
    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
  16. WolfyJones
    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.
  17. 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.
  18. PooPooPerson
    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.
  19. OneSided
    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
  20. 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
  21. 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.
  22. clint
    Jun 5, 2008
    9
    A solid and exciting debut of melodic pop gems a la label mates the Shins and Band of Horses.
  23. vasileiosP
    Oct 16, 2008
    9
    Steps higher than the rest untalented music that is out this year. 2nd only to the crazyness of Mgmt.
  24. 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?!
  25. GarrettH
    Jun 9, 2008
    10
    I can't think of a bad thing to say about it.
  26. 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.
  27. 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
  28. 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.
  29. JonathanY
    Nov 14, 2008
    10
    This record is so good!!! The vocal harmonies and instrumentation go so well together. Bordering on life-changing!
  30. 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.
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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.
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  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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