Folker
by Paul Westerberg
  • Record Label: Vagrant
  • Release Date: Sep 7, 2004
Metascore
60

Mixed or average reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 12
  3. Negative: 2 out of 12
  1. AllMusic
    60
    It's hard not to walk away with the feeling he's capable of better than this.
  2. Pitchfork
    72
    There's a disarming simplicity and artlessness... with an increased emphasis on persistent pop melody over crafty wordplay.
  3. PopMatters
    70
    Folker may not be the definitive answer to devotees' prayers, but it is a notable addition to his oeuvre.
  5. Uncut
    60
    It only reveals its strengths after a dozen or more plays. [Nov 2004, p.112]
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  6. Mojo
    70
    Marks a major leap along the road to recovery. [Nov 2004, p.96]
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  7. Under The Radar
    90
    The album is Westerberg at his extremes. [#7]
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  8. Paste Magazine
    80
    Raw and revealing.
  9. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    Rough-and-tumble folk rock with a winning--if self-conscious--DIY approach. [17 Sep 2004, p.76]
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  10. Alternative Press
    20
    The lyrics on Folker make the tripe in Westerberg's early solo material... read like T.S. Eliot. [Oct 2004, p.144]
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  11. Blender
    10
    A poorly-recorded collection of lazily-written songs recorded by an artist whose muse deserted him long ago. [Oct 2004, p.131]
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  12. Filter
    60
    Sounds sometimes Dylan and most of the time Starbucks. [#12, p.102]
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  13. Trouser Press
    60
    Pleasant but alternately catchy and bland.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 23 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. NavyBean
    May 19, 2016
    9
    Get past the first son and it's the best total Westerberg album. Beautiful turns of phrase, heartbreaking weathered voice ... mature Paul ...Get past the first son and it's the best total Westerberg album. Beautiful turns of phrase, heartbreaking weathered voice ... mature Paul ... letting go of including some hard rockers to please his past. He's let it go and it's outstanding.… Full Review »
  2. Mark
    Jan 25, 2006
    8
    It's amazing how much this album grew on me over the course of a year or so. It feels so natural and uncalculated, (forget It's amazing how much this album grew on me over the course of a year or so. It feels so natural and uncalculated, (forget self-consciously ramshackle!), and over time the vocals seem to become clearer, the guitars more purposeful, the melodies more memorable (the drums just as off!). As Far As I Know and What About Mine? are beautifully-conceived songs, but for me it's How Can You Like Him? and Gun Shy that bring about tears of joy that a human being can create and communicate such startling emotion through music. The man is frighteningly good.… Full Review »
  3. RobertB
    Nov 16, 2005
    8
    This one is a grower.
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