Metascore
66 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 11
  2. Negative: 1 out of 11
  1. 80
    Gorgeously sweaty in its simplicity. [May 2005, p.103]
  2. Throughout, Doe strikes just the right balance. He's confident but not arrogant; laid back, yet full of vitality.
  3. Sure to please longtime fans of his plaintive, weathered tenor and gift for melody. [Apr/May 2005, p.136]
  4. Ultimately, too much of Forever Hasn't Happened Yet is made up of songs that don't quite hit their target, either musically or emotionally; it's full of fine moments, but doesn't cohere into a solid whole.
  5. Doe has been mining a vein of stripped-down folk rock for years, but his melodies are sharper this time out, and his tunes are more accessible.
  6. The songs are short and demo-quality, and though Doe still can't resist the rote roots-rock classicism that used to be beyond his means, the slapped-around sound of songs like "Heartless" and "Ready" should thrill longtime fans.
  7. Doe's vocals have always been the perfect compliment to female harmonies, and for that reason, the tracks featuring female guests prove to be the record's most memorable.
  8. The lack of firepower and precision means that it will always pale in comparison to those records that (almost) made X famous. [#9]
  9. An occasionally pretty but merely competent lite-alt-country, the kind you'd hear ordering a soy latte with a shot of hazelnut.
  10. Many of these songs have about as much sonic bite as a warm cantaloupe. When you compound this with Doe's more meandering songs, the results sound anemic.
  11. Will make you thankful your stereo has an easily accessible off button. [May 2005, p.136]
User Score

Universal acclaim- based on 6 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. MitchN
    9
    This album is brilliant, particularly "Twin Brother" and "Worried Brow". I am amazed the comprehensive score is not higher. This rivals the best of his work with X and is one of the most satisfying releases of the last 5 years. Full Review »
  2. KristiH
    10
    Doe shows once again that he is one of our most talented singer/songwriters with this album; it grows on you more with each listening.
  3. Gummo
    10
    This disc is nothing short of brilliant. Among the best CDs I've heard in the past couple of years.