• Record Label: 4AD
  • Release Date: Feb 19, 2008
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 29
  2. Negative: 0 out of 29
  1. Blender
    60
    With drums, strings, pianos, amps and backup singers, this is the biggest sounding record ever for a band that used to consist of one guy on acoustic guitar. [Apr 2008, p.81]
  2. As interesting as Heretic Pride already is, it misses an opportunity to pick one direction or the other.
  3. Filter
    52
    While there's magic in Darnielle's always-blissful eye for detail--takes the kaleidoscopic, blood-red sun on 'San Bernadino'--far too often the album works up a head of steam only to wander into unflattering territory. [Winter 2008, p.95]
  4. Mojo
    40
    The polished arrangements of Heretic Pride do Darnielle's songwriting no favours. [Mar 2008, p.106]
  5. This is business as usual: string-laced Americana that ranks alongside other literate types such as The Shins or Midlake.
  6. The music often verges on innocuous, but it serves its purpose as a backdrop for Darnielle’s steadily churning imagination.
  7. The lack of the sort of overarching theme that powered previous discography standouts 'Tallahassee' and 'The Sunset Tree' through their dull bits means that these moments rob the record of a lot of momentum and goodwill.
  8. Without the gripping autobiographical elements of recent Mountain Goats releases (or the tape hiss of the band's lo-fi days) to justify them, Darnielle's idiosyncratic, occasionally annoying vocals and elementary folk melodies fall a little flat.
  9. Uncut
    60
    Darnielle dresses songs of romance, heartache, and travel in elegant leaps of language. [Mar 2008, p.96]
  10. Under The Radar
    60
    Darnielle's increasing love of full band arrangements--which aren't memorable--pushes him perilously close to earning the "soft rock' label. [Winter 2008, p.83]
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 19 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 19
  2. Negative: 1 out of 19
  1. SteveO.
    Apr 11, 2008
    8
    Cool voice but it CAN get a little annoying... good songwriters though... its a good album overall.
  2. MichaelE.
    Mar 4, 2008
    10
    This is a fantastic album. I listen to it again and again. It´s interesting what happens when the Mountain Goats do an album that does This is a fantastic album. I listen to it again and again. It´s interesting what happens when the Mountain Goats do an album that does not fit into their "image". A lot of critics can´t respond to it. And, most important: though it´s a kind of fun album, it has a broad emotional palette as well. And deeply touching songs. Breathtaking! Full Review »
  3. JackB.
    Feb 28, 2008
    9
    break away from the personal and back toward classic outward storytelling.