Metascore
83

Universal acclaim - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 18
  2. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. Uncut
    60
    Songs, without exception, are well crafted but more often than not collapse into cloying jauntiness. [Dec 2004, p.153]
  2. Blender
    40
    Staggers under the unbearable preciousness of donkey-voiced singer Colin Meloy. [Sep 2003, p.122]
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 45 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 38 out of 45
  2. Negative: 5 out of 45
  1. Dec 15, 2012
    7
    This album is good. It has it's moments and several songs are so good I listened to them over and over again. However the album as a whole isThis album is good. It has it's moments and several songs are so good I listened to them over and over again. However the album as a whole is lacking especially when compared to later Decemberists albums. It's worth the money but if you're thinking of getting this album as your first Decemberists album then I'd recommend you listen to one of the later albums first. Full Review »
  2. Apr 11, 2011
    6
    Meloy still needs to diversify his sound here, but it's coming along. Her Majesty is not the treasure trove of songs that their next twoMeloy still needs to diversify his sound here, but it's coming along. Her Majesty is not the treasure trove of songs that their next two albums would be. Best songs: The Soldiering Life and The Chimbley Sweep. Full Review »
  3. VincentH
    Mar 19, 2007
    10
    I could write an extremely long essay on how much the Decemberists mean to me and how obsessed I am with them. I won't get into it, but I could write an extremely long essay on how much the Decemberists mean to me and how obsessed I am with them. I won't get into it, but needless to say picking up this album from my local library one Fall day 3 years ago changed my life. I often have a difficult time choosing between this album and "Castaways and Cutouts", and my choice often changes, but right now it's this one. I would have to say personally that this was my favorite period of theirs musically, from 2002 (their 1st album) thru 2003 when they released this album and the 5-Song EP (which contains a few of their best songs). All the songs they made from this period are classic, with "Her Majesty..." being IMO, the best indie-pop album since "In the Aeroplane Over the Sea". Full Review »