Half Smiles Of The Decomposed
by Guided by Voices
  • Record Label: Matador
  • Release Date: Aug 24, 2004
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
  1. The A.V. Club
    60
    Pollard does boost the voltage like before, but the album's apparent air of consideration is rare for GBV... This doesn't really improve the slipping hit-to-miss ratio GBV has produced for the past few albums, but it does set Half Smiles apart.
  2. Tiny Mix Tapes
    60
    A middle-of-the-road release that, because of the context of the band's end, is the most heartbreaking release of the year so far.
  3. Mojo
    60
    It's hardly a career-defining collection. [Sep 2004, p.98]
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  5. Alternative Press
    60
    Sounds like every other disc Matador has released by them. [Oct 2004, p.134]
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User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 18 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 18
  3. Negative: 2 out of 18
  1. Oscar-1823
    Apr 6, 2018
    7
    An average, yet strong release from Guided By Voices. With low filler and some great tracks I would have given this album a 7.5 instead ofAn average, yet strong release from Guided By Voices. With low filler and some great tracks I would have given this album a 7.5 instead of 7.0. Overall, a good album for the band to depart on until 2012s Let's Go Eat the Factory.… Full Review »
  2. aaronL
    Jan 14, 2007
    7
    Overall this record has a darker, more introspective feel than most GbV stuff, and the more progressive-influenced songwriting feels out of Overall this record has a darker, more introspective feel than most GbV stuff, and the more progressive-influenced songwriting feels out of character for the group. Easily this is the least essential GbV record, but at the same time it is so intrieguing - mostly because it's so different.… Full Review »
  3. RA
    Aug 18, 2005
    8
    It's not my favorite GVB album, but there are a few solid tracks. I'm not disappointed because Bob Pollard will continue to write It's not my favorite GVB album, but there are a few solid tracks. I'm not disappointed because Bob Pollard will continue to write songs and perform. Luck for us as we are in rock's nadir.… Full Review »
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