Helplessness Blues
by Fleet Foxes
  • Record Label: Sub Pop
  • Release Date: May 3, 2011
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 245 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 227 out of 245
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 245
  3. Negative: 7 out of 245
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  1. Ricko
    Jan 8, 2018
    9
    An excellent follow up to their fantastic debut. While it retains the sounds of it's predecessor, there are differences between the records. While both albums are laced with hooks, their eponymous debut had more instant tunes. "Helplessness Blues" is a denser, more expansive and often more rewarding record. The work gone into constructing the songs on this is clear and easy to appreciate.An excellent follow up to their fantastic debut. While it retains the sounds of it's predecessor, there are differences between the records. While both albums are laced with hooks, their eponymous debut had more instant tunes. "Helplessness Blues" is a denser, more expansive and often more rewarding record. The work gone into constructing the songs on this is clear and easy to appreciate. As I said, it still has plenty of melodies and harmonies going on but takes a bit more work. I've been lucky enough to see lots of the material from this record played live on 2 occasions which elevates it for me. I love this band and I love this album.… Expand
  2. All_ButTrU4
    Nov 20, 2021
    7
    Satisfying indie folk masterpiece that solidified fleet foxes status amongst indie greats. All considerd their is a dramatic emptiness that subtracts from the songs intentions.
  3. Vampire25
    May 3, 2011
    9
    Fleet Foxes self-titled debut was a perfectly structured, articulated folk record that instantly pulled you into it. An amazing record. Helplessness Blues is no Fleet Foxes (album), but it is a very great attempt. It almost surpasses there debut. The sound is a lot broader in this album. Robin Pecknold's vocals haven't necessarily matured, but they still sound as wonderful as ever. All InFleet Foxes self-titled debut was a perfectly structured, articulated folk record that instantly pulled you into it. An amazing record. Helplessness Blues is no Fleet Foxes (album), but it is a very great attempt. It almost surpasses there debut. The sound is a lot broader in this album. Robin Pecknold's vocals haven't necessarily matured, but they still sound as wonderful as ever. All In All, Helplessness Blues is a wonderful album that's almost as great as there debut. A-… Expand
  4. jyo_tirmaya
    May 15, 2011
    9
    I liked the last Fleet Foxes album, but I thought it was a bit too "sweet-melodious" for me. That's why I don't listen to the Beach Boys or whoever sounds like that. But this new album, "Helplessness Blues", well, let me just say that the Fleet Foxes sound good "helpless" and "blue"! This album gets its hands a little dirty, a little more grit -- not all singy-songy. It took me awhileI liked the last Fleet Foxes album, but I thought it was a bit too "sweet-melodious" for me. That's why I don't listen to the Beach Boys or whoever sounds like that. But this new album, "Helplessness Blues", well, let me just say that the Fleet Foxes sound good "helpless" and "blue"! This album gets its hands a little dirty, a little more grit -- not all singy-songy. It took me awhile to buy this album because I thought it would be like the last one. For me, all of the songs on the last album sounded too much the same. This album mixes things up a bit more and I like it that it has more lyrics. I rarely like ALL of any bands catalog of albums. I had been telling myself that the last album, although I knew it was good and critically acclaimed, was just not for me. ...That maybe the next one would be, and it is, and I am glad because I so much want to love this band. Great job, gentlemen!!! A classic!!!… Collapse
  5. hydrawithears
    Oct 3, 2011
    4
    If you havenâ
  6. MooziikMaster
    May 7, 2011
    9
    Fleet Foxes was a new concept to me this year. I listened to their first album and this one together. Both are great. Even though it may not be as good as their debut album, it is still one of the better albums of 2011 that I have heard. The music of Fleet Foxes is very unique. Not many artists use a lot of instruments in their music (just a computer screen with lots of sound effects likeFleet Foxes was a new concept to me this year. I listened to their first album and this one together. Both are great. Even though it may not be as good as their debut album, it is still one of the better albums of 2011 that I have heard. The music of Fleet Foxes is very unique. Not many artists use a lot of instruments in their music (just a computer screen with lots of sound effects like pop songs). It is a beautiful album that I would recommend to those that enjoy folk/rock and indie rock (and maybe a little bit of experimental rock in there too). The songs that I would recommend are "Bedouin Dress", "The Plains/Bitter Dancer", "Helplessness Blues", and "The Shrine/An Argument".… Expand
  7. LetzTalkMoveez
    Oct 22, 2012
    9
    Sonically compelling all throughout and endlessly unique and interesting, "Helplessness Blues" solidifies the Fleet Foxes as one of the best folk/pop/rock hybrids the world has ever seen.
  8. kermie_the_frog
    Jan 5, 2020
    10
    I honestly believe this is the perfect folk-rock record. It's lush and beautiful, the lyrics are poetic, but it doesn't shy away from pushing the genre in fresh creative ways either. Fleet Foxes might just be my all-time favorite band.
  9. Belmsher
    Aug 9, 2011
    8
    I found this album is a little bit more difficult to listen to than their debut, which I personally think was 100% perfect. Still, i have to take a bow before these melodies and lyrics, particularly "The Shrine/An argument", which is absolutely haunting.
  10. sratomasfer
    Mar 17, 2017
    10
    Go home NME, you're drunk. This record is filled with the experimentalist folky madness that Fleet Foxes have claimed as their own. They've definitely proven themselves a force to be reckoned with.
  11. JUIKER
    May 12, 2011
    9
    I was hoping for something more up-tempo in the follow up to their debut but instead, Robin Pecknold grows in his own direction, the direction the music is taking him, I think. It has so many instances of beauty and I think I shall be discovering things I like about this album (and this band) many years from now. Comparisons to Van Morrison are probably apt.
  12. Dingo
    Jun 30, 2011
    10
    Going into this one was peculiar - though I was one of the few people I know who didn't obsess over their debut, I still had great expectations. I think one of the reasons I adore Helplessness Blues is that it's precisely what I wanted to hear the Fleet Foxes do throughout listening to their debut. There's an undeniable knack for songwriting, and I would argue their melodic sensibilitiesGoing into this one was peculiar - though I was one of the few people I know who didn't obsess over their debut, I still had great expectations. I think one of the reasons I adore Helplessness Blues is that it's precisely what I wanted to hear the Fleet Foxes do throughout listening to their debut. There's an undeniable knack for songwriting, and I would argue their melodic sensibilities trump those of harmony. Highlights include the thrilling yet understated title track, the entirety of "The Shrine / An Argument" (especially the surprise growl - grrrreat!), and the big-picture production of the album. Few records possess the range of emotions and grooves present in each track and put them together to make as much sense as it does on Helplessness Blues.

    Fleet Foxes, I knew you would come through for me.    … Expand
  13. hdcooper
    Apr 8, 2021
    9
    A very human, accessible, and mature record that is filled with so much true passion and emotion.

    9.6/10
  14. Mccusky
    Jul 5, 2020
    10
    Beautiful record, the awesomeness washes over you again and again and again
  15. Sadvilliany
    Jan 1, 2020
    10
    Oh my GOD this album is gorgeous. By far one of my favorite albums of all time. If you haven't listened to this, please, do it now. Helplessness Blues is an album that will leave you either sad, bittersweet, hopeful, or some weird mix of those. It goes through feelings of not living up to expectations and losing who you once were (Montezuma), feelings of hopelessness and helplessness andOh my GOD this album is gorgeous. By far one of my favorite albums of all time. If you haven't listened to this, please, do it now. Helplessness Blues is an album that will leave you either sad, bittersweet, hopeful, or some weird mix of those. It goes through feelings of not living up to expectations and losing who you once were (Montezuma), feelings of hopelessness and helplessness and realizing that your outlook of life growing up was completely wrong (Helplessness Blues), and even feelings of existentialism (Blue Spotted Tail). This album, at least for me, is a feel trip. I hope that if you choose to listen to this album, you love it as much as I do.

    Top 5 Tracks: Helplessness Blues, Blue Spotted Tail, The Shrine / An Argument, Grown Ocean, Bedouin Dress    … Expand
  16. dartagnan
    Dec 14, 2011
    2
    oh dear it would help if they wrote actual songs here but instead we' re are mistreated to song treatments, fragments if you will instead of the actual thing, all done in the inimitable style of CSN. hey deja vu all over again, it was bad the first time around, it's not getting any better this time.
  17. Rob1986
    May 4, 2011
    9
    I was worried that this album would be too much of a departure from the first(which is one of my all-time favorites). I'm pleased to say the album is different from the first, but keeps the tone-rich sound that the first one had. The arrangements on this one are just a little more full than the first which makes it one that you have to listen to more than once. Bottom line is it'sI was worried that this album would be too much of a departure from the first(which is one of my all-time favorites). I'm pleased to say the album is different from the first, but keeps the tone-rich sound that the first one had. The arrangements on this one are just a little more full than the first which makes it one that you have to listen to more than once. Bottom line is it's almost as great as the first one.

    I have to say that NME's review is idiotic. I can understand if this music is not your cup of tea(not really mine either, but I think FF's are exceptional), but instead of critiqueing the entire genre of this type of music try judging THIS ALBUM for it's merits, and understand that others don't necessarily agree with your assessment of what is "boring" music. Some of us can stomach what you think is boring, so don't preach to us just review the album.    … Expand
  18. cmcdonald5
    May 24, 2011
    10
    Fleet Foxes are, and have always been amazing, this album is no exception. Understated, super honest, gorgeous woodsy folk from the heart. This album is a bit more subdued and humble than the previous, but no less outstanding for it.
  19. zimmertosser69
    Sep 2, 2011
    6
    I was letdown by this follow up effort and wished it was more of the harmonic melodies on prior release. I don't see this CD as a step in right direction and hope Fleet foxes gets back to their first 2 releases pattern of beautiful lyrics and arrangements.
  20. Zeus
    May 4, 2011
    5
    I agree with NME ... "They lull you in with their flawlessly polished music and hey-nonny-nonny you into a hypnagogic state, with the aim of making the world safe for the bland, the dull and the wi-fi enabled" (thanks Gavin Haynes) Plus, didn't Pecknold want a very organic feel ... to the likeness of Van Morrison's masterpiece Astral Weeks? Ahh..I don't feel it. The maturity of Pecknold'sI agree with NME ... "They lull you in with their flawlessly polished music and hey-nonny-nonny you into a hypnagogic state, with the aim of making the world safe for the bland, the dull and the wi-fi enabled" (thanks Gavin Haynes) Plus, didn't Pecknold want a very organic feel ... to the likeness of Van Morrison's masterpiece Astral Weeks? Ahh..I don't feel it. The maturity of Pecknold's lyrical content is clear and his voice is as magnificent as on the self-titled album. Yeah, I guess the album is just, simply, boring. I guess if spring ever arrives maybe the album will start to grow on me.… Expand
  21. druss
    Jul 19, 2011
    8
    I can't help but feel that this bands sentiments are all a little hollow. It's really pretty, catchy music but it has to lose some artistic merit points on some of the gag worthy lyrics. I'll take the new Bon Iver or Antlers over this one.
  22. vmd1020
    Jun 3, 2011
    10
    extremely (and almost annoyingly) flawless and quite possibly better than their self-titled effort. Helplessness Blues is a masterpiece and one of the best albums of 2011.
  23. Nahil
    Dec 5, 2014
    9
    I listened to this album before their debut, which means I view this album a little differently then most people on here. I'll get to the point: This album is beautiful. Every small detail adds to it, and the amount of polish given to this album is wonderful. Fleet Foxes really have a handle on their atmospheres, and the slightly darker, introspective feel on this album really bringsI listened to this album before their debut, which means I view this album a little differently then most people on here. I'll get to the point: This album is beautiful. Every small detail adds to it, and the amount of polish given to this album is wonderful. Fleet Foxes really have a handle on their atmospheres, and the slightly darker, introspective feel on this album really brings it all together. Also, the different instruments that make little appearances are perfectly chosen and deepen this already deep, rich album. I'll just keep going on, but what most people say is right. You don't have to be a die hard fan to simply appreciate the craftsmanship presented. It's definitely worth a listen, and proves to be one of the best albums of the year.… Expand
  24. Einardur
    Sep 6, 2011
    7
    Fleet Foxes' second album doesn't have the same impact as their debut, but still the songwriting is solid stuff and alike their debut, the album grows throughout and becomes better and better as you go along.
  25. zmleslie
    Dec 30, 2011
    9
    Fleet Foxes' harmonious music is a work of true craftsmanship. Helplessness Blues, like it's predecessor is an elegant and entrancing experience. It will leave you stunned and ultimately moved.
  26. YFinnau
    May 3, 2011
    10
    NME have no idea about music. The bar was set very high with the release of the first album, and they have definately delivered. If anything I prefer this to the debut. Each track sounds perfected and I haven't heard harmonies like this since the Brian Wilson led era of The Beach Boys. Absolutely fantastic
  27. mickaneso
    May 7, 2011
    10
    A fantastic LP that could probably eclipse their debut release. Of course only time will tell, but currently on my 3rd listen I must say I have a stronger affection to this album than their first. Ultimately I found this a more rewarding listen. They've come a long way in terms of song writing and versatility. I honestly can't fault this album. Highlights for me include The Shrine/AnA fantastic LP that could probably eclipse their debut release. Of course only time will tell, but currently on my 3rd listen I must say I have a stronger affection to this album than their first. Ultimately I found this a more rewarding listen. They've come a long way in terms of song writing and versatility. I honestly can't fault this album. Highlights for me include The Shrine/An Arguement, Helplessness Blues, Grown Ocean & Montezuma.… Expand
  28. Allthatjazz
    Jun 29, 2011
    10
    This has to be the best album of 2011 so far. Introspective, yet universal. Deep, yet accessible. Beautiful music mixed with great vocals, and amazing lyrics. It took a while for me to warm up to it, but once I did I couldn't stop playing this album over and over again. This will go down as one of my favorites for life.
  29. alabasterjones
    Jul 22, 2011
    8
    I found Helplessness Blues to be a lot more human, accessible, and mature than their first album. The title track alone contains more emotion, passion, and insight into the human condition than the entire first album did. It's great to hear these guys broaden their sound and scale back most of the cuteness and droning, unrelatable renaissance fair balladry about mountains and RobinI found Helplessness Blues to be a lot more human, accessible, and mature than their first album. The title track alone contains more emotion, passion, and insight into the human condition than the entire first album did. It's great to hear these guys broaden their sound and scale back most of the cuteness and droning, unrelatable renaissance fair balladry about mountains and Robin Pecknold's brothers that marred the first album. The first three tracks still veer a little too close to that territory for my tastes (especially Bedouin Dress), but as soon as the pounding drums of Battery Kinzie kicks in, so does the album. Grown Ocean, Lorelai, and the title track are all terrific examples of Fleet Foxes breaking out of their bland, gentle shell and realizing their potential as indie folk extraordinaires.… Expand
  30. therealmogwai
    Jul 26, 2011
    7
    Better than the first. I heard simon and garfunkel are considering suing. Stand out tracks:Montezuma, The Plains / Bitter Dancer, Helplessness Blues.
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Awards & Rankings

23
#23 Best Album of 2011
17
#17 Most Discussed Album of 2011
28
#28 Most Shared Album of 2011

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
85

Universal acclaim - based on 42 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 39 out of 42
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 42
  3. Negative: 0 out of 42
  1. American Songwriter
    Jun 30, 2011
    90
    The words are as woodsy and quaint as ever. Pecknold seems to take his inspiration from classic British poetry, and rarely refers to objects, characters, or events that would place him in the 21st century, relying instead on imagery like old stone fountains, seeds, keys, sand, and the night sky.
    Read full review
  2. Austin Chronicle
    Jun 9, 2011
    67
    Where its predecessor corralled modern versions of The Canterbury Tales that the band's foxhunting moniker continues to evoke, Pecknold's Helplessness relies on a suitelike flow in the absence of greatest hits.
    Read full review
  3. Q Magazine
    May 31, 2011
    80
    Both mysterious and inviting, Helplessness Blues retains and expands what made the debut so special. It's an open door to a private world. [Jun 2011, p.108]
See all critic reviews »