High Violet
by The National
  • Record Label: 4AD
  • Release Date: May 11, 2010
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 303 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 275 out of 303
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 303
  3. Negative: 15 out of 303

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  1. Ricko
    Jun 17, 2017
    10
    Brilliant 5th album from the downbeat indie rock group. The first half of this record is absolutely amazing. Tracks 1-6 are real big hitters and are as substantial and as good as anything they've put out before with "Sorrow" a particular standout. Side one swings back and forth between darkness and elation and after the storm of "Bloodbuzz Ohio" - one of the songs of the 2010, the tempoBrilliant 5th album from the downbeat indie rock group. The first half of this record is absolutely amazing. Tracks 1-6 are real big hitters and are as substantial and as good as anything they've put out before with "Sorrow" a particular standout. Side one swings back and forth between darkness and elation and after the storm of "Bloodbuzz Ohio" - one of the songs of the 2010, the tempo calms down and the rest of the album has the feel of coming down gently. The final 3 tracks bring us to a memorable finish culminating in Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks, a great closing track to one of the great albums of recent times. Perfect in length, well balanced, produced to perfection. "Alligator" was a tough record to follow but they managed it well with "Boxer". "High Violet" completes a remarkable triology of albums that I expect will be the bands legacy for years to come.… Expand
  2. Vampire25
    Mar 18, 2011
    9
    High Violet is one of a kind. Matt Berninger sings all of his emotions. He feels sorrow, he feels pain, he felt heartbroken. His vocals are amazing. The lyrics are really well and the musicianship is fantastic. The drumming is another thing. Some of the best drumming I've heard in awhile. All In All, The National are definitely a band to be reckoned with. A-
  3. j30
    Jan 26, 2012
    8
    A solid output from The National. In some ways it's more consistent than it's predecessor (The Boxer) mainly in it's sound which is a bit lighter. However I miss the atmosphere of dark, almost bleak atmosphere of Boxer.
  4. micho224
    Oct 25, 2011
    8
    Enjoyed this much more than I did "Boxer", but unlike other National albums i found this album to be more immediate than its predecessors which were growers.
  5. Boosemo12
    Jul 10, 2011
    9
    Beautiful, very evocative of something sour and bitter without ever getting dull.
  6. Tbone413
    Sep 25, 2021
    9
    This album is so touching and dramatic and so beautifully put together. It mixes in dark stories with grand moments and doesn’t get dull at all.
  7. jfred7
    Aug 11, 2010
    10
    The National have already put together quite the catalogue of fantastic albums, but High Violet is their best yet. It takes the band's generally melancholic sound into even darker territory, making it more powerful than Boxer or even the more energetic Alligator. Songs like "Afraid of Everyone," "Bloodbuzz Ohio," and "Conversation 16" are potent enough to grip you after only one or twoThe National have already put together quite the catalogue of fantastic albums, but High Violet is their best yet. It takes the band's generally melancholic sound into even darker territory, making it more powerful than Boxer or even the more energetic Alligator. Songs like "Afraid of Everyone," "Bloodbuzz Ohio," and "Conversation 16" are potent enough to grip you after only one or two listens, but the subtler moments prove equally compelling over time. This album has more goosebump-inducing moments than its predecessors, and if you give it the attention it deserves, High Violet will work its way in and haunt you relentlessly. Easily one of the yearâ… Expand
  8. bernlin2000
    Feb 20, 2011
    8
    A wonderful little album that mixes alt-country, indie-rock, even a bit of atmosphere for an interesting mix of music. I don't think I could describe this music to a friend, except to say it's like a Midwestern version of Arcade Fire, but perhaps instead I would just say it's fantastic, worth a listen for anyone that enjoys indie rock.
  9. WhiteCannon
    Oct 21, 2010
    8
    This album is the most charming of those in The National's discography. The poetry is strong, speaking to the awkward middle-aged socialite in all of us. Though the formula they follow can sometimes have uninteresting results, High Violet does its best to keep us listening by reminding us of just how imperfect we are.
  10. txrangersfan72
    Dec 29, 2010
    10
    I tried to listen to more music this year and get back into the groove of finding good music out there. I tried. I really did. Arcade Fire, LCD Soundsystem, Beach House, The Drums. All these critic darlings that do absolutely nothing for me. I like melody. Even as monotone as the vocals of The National can be, the music and production are too elegant to ignore and actually fit wellI tried to listen to more music this year and get back into the groove of finding good music out there. I tried. I really did. Arcade Fire, LCD Soundsystem, Beach House, The Drums. All these critic darlings that do absolutely nothing for me. I like melody. Even as monotone as the vocals of The National can be, the music and production are too elegant to ignore and actually fit well with the vocals.

    From the opening note to the final ambient fade, High Violet takes what was special about The Boxer and takes The National to a level no one came close to in 2010. It simply is the finest collection of compositions recorded in a long time. My personal favorite is "Bloodbuzz Ohio" because of the gorgeous acoustics and charming piano against the powerful drumbeat, all covered in Matt Berninger's haunting baritone vocals. They just don't music like this often enough. Then again, if they did, The National wouldn't seem as special.    … Expand
  11. MrNiceGuyMan
    Oct 6, 2022
    9
    "High Violet" is the album I bring up every time when I recommend The National to someone. It shows perfectly the core of what The National's sound is. While The Boxer was a more raw album from the National, High Violet is polished till the very end. All the songs backs each other amazingly constructing this landmark for indie rock'n'roll. Album starting with "Terrible love" sets saddened"High Violet" is the album I bring up every time when I recommend The National to someone. It shows perfectly the core of what The National's sound is. While The Boxer was a more raw album from the National, High Violet is polished till the very end. All the songs backs each other amazingly constructing this landmark for indie rock'n'roll. Album starting with "Terrible love" sets saddened tone for the album that is not left too far from caring hands still making each song interesting and surprising. "Sorrow" is a perfect example for the ingeniously put together lyrics and how they work with the sound making this feeling that takes the listener for a trip through all these problems we all face. The "red-wine-rock" band has truly outdone themselves again. But still left me feeling that they can and will out-do themselves some time again.… Expand
  12. alaNBrait
    May 28, 2017
    10
    They just keep on putting out music with an extravagant and incredible quality.
    What more can be said, beautiful from head to toe. You get submerged in every song, deeply and it's fabulous.
  13. mickaneso
    May 21, 2011
    10
    A beautifully crafted, artistic, understated album. The National claim that they sometimes can change around a song up to 50 times, such is their desire to perfect the music they make. It definitely shows on this album with subtle instrumentation blending together to form gorgeous melodies in which Mr Berningers haunting baritone vocals accompany. A small minority of people claim thisA beautifully crafted, artistic, understated album. The National claim that they sometimes can change around a song up to 50 times, such is their desire to perfect the music they make. It definitely shows on this album with subtle instrumentation blending together to form gorgeous melodies in which Mr Berningers haunting baritone vocals accompany. A small minority of people claim this album has been falsely hyped by hipster mags and music elitists but don't believe it for a second. This is often the problem when an album understates itself the way this does, people are too quick to toss it a side.… Expand
  14. harlanpepper
    Apr 21, 2011
    10
    Matt Berninger's delightfully melancholy voice goes perfectly with the moody and gorgeous songs on this album. Although it seems to lack the cohesive force that "Boxer" had, the album is exceptional when each song is taken into consideration. The sounds are apocalyptic, gloomy, and creative. An exceptional work from an exceptional band.
  15. Greatbeallo
    Jan 26, 2012
    10
    This album is flawless. Every track plays like a dark hymn for a frightened generation of lovesick vagabonds. The National are one of the best groups around, and this is their best album in my opinion.
  16. MBond1810
    Apr 12, 2013
    6
    Not as good as 'Boxer': this one is more various, but the melodies are too predictable...
  17. BS24
    Sep 7, 2010
    9
    The National have come from the depths of nowhere to gigantic indie stardom, and it is well deserved. SS4DL was the stepping stone and Alligator and Boxer got their name off the ground. Now there is expectations for them and they delivered. From the opening guitar of Terrible Love to eery Afraid of Everyone, to the album climax of England, this is a complete band making some of their bestThe National have come from the depths of nowhere to gigantic indie stardom, and it is well deserved. SS4DL was the stepping stone and Alligator and Boxer got their name off the ground. Now there is expectations for them and they delivered. From the opening guitar of Terrible Love to eery Afraid of Everyone, to the album climax of England, this is a complete band making some of their best music. Its not the great american masterpiece which they will write one day, but its a very good album that will tide me over until they make their masterpiece… Expand
  18. killingspree
    Mar 16, 2011
    0
    Overrated indie band. Obscure music for sad emo hipsters does not make for good music. The music is mediocre. The hype for this band is awful and pushed by cooler than thou hipsters all over the place.
  19. pdcuster
    Nov 29, 2010
    10
    album of the year - no one even came close. sure it's sad, but it's funny too. matt berninger's lyrics just keep getting better. this album may take some getting used to and isn't appropriate for party situations, BUT for anyone who understands that this life is bittersweet (fans of "no country for old men" as an example) "high violet" is essential.
  20. Calexican
    Sep 1, 2010
    4
    It is incredibly dull. I bought it without thinking - partly based on the hype and partly based on some nostalgic memory of what a great song Fake Empire was and is. Unfortunately nothing here gets close and their performance at Glastonbury just confirmed that they have had their 15 minutes already.
  21. qitozex
    Nov 12, 2010
    9
    There really is nothing quite like this album. I mean, how often are there truly depressive albums? Albums that reach out and tear a soul out for a bit? A tear legitimately rolled down my face the first time I heard this one--that's the physical manifestation of the majesty of this album. I still shiver when the guitars explode onto the scene during "Terrible Love", just as the goosebumpsThere really is nothing quite like this album. I mean, how often are there truly depressive albums? Albums that reach out and tear a soul out for a bit? A tear legitimately rolled down my face the first time I heard this one--that's the physical manifestation of the majesty of this album. I still shiver when the guitars explode onto the scene during "Terrible Love", just as the goosebumps from Matt Berninger's harrowing voice die down.

    The band is a difficult one to fall in love with, which is the only true reason that this is getting negative rating. The only review attached to one of these expresses a state of virginity to this style of indie rock. This post-punk-fueled concentration. The first time I heard the National's Boxer, I felt the exact same way. Flat, boring, mumbling, and overly-pretentious garbage. Left no impact and no impact to be had existed. Clearly, though, that has changed. Give the band another chance. They're much more vibrant than you can immediately recognize.    … Expand
  22. benpaco
    Jun 25, 2013
    8
    A very good album. Not incredible, but very good. Picked it up on vinyl and I've listened to the digital versions and I would reccomend splurging for the vinyl. The vocals become much more haunting like that. This album has a lot of ups and very few downs, but fails to really tell a story.
  23. pgs239
    Sep 30, 2010
    10
    To call this album haunting seems to be an understatement - this album gets better, and darker, with each listen. The best new album I've heard in a while..
  24. CalChuchesta
    Apr 23, 2012
    10
    This is by far my favorite album of all time fir a numbah of reasons and the main one being it got me into nonradio music. I saw this as the number two spot on a rhapsody best albums of the year list and was intrigued and tried it out. Needless to say it blew me away! I had no idea music like this existed! The first track Terrible Love really got me hooked. I remember thinking okay this isThis is by far my favorite album of all time fir a numbah of reasons and the main one being it got me into nonradio music. I saw this as the number two spot on a rhapsody best albums of the year list and was intrigued and tried it out. Needless to say it blew me away! I had no idea music like this existed! The first track Terrible Love really got me hooked. I remember thinking okay this is interesting, and I like the song, but let's see what else we got hear. I then got to Sorrow which is where I really got interested, especialy with the lyrics. I then got to Anyone's Ghost which didn't really wow me like the previous two did but I still enjoyed it. I then I got to Little Faith which I thought had one of the coolest intros and I got this sort of flying feel to it and his opening verse pulled me back down. The lyric "I set a fire just to see what it kills" still stands today as one of my favorite. I then got to Afraid of Everyone which I kind of consider the low point of the album. It's not bad but it's my least favorite song and it comes before the five favorite songs. We then get to Bloodbuzz Ohio which is my favorite track on the album and certainly in my top ten favorite songs ever. The lyrics, the guitar, the piano, the everything! I enjoyed this song so much and I believe that Lemonworld, Runaway, Conversation 16, England, and Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks is one of the best five song successions in an album I've heard especially Vanderlyle just because it's an amazing ending to an album that equivalents to the tired ending of a concert.

    Overall I think this album is Perfect and it's one of the best in my opinion. Be sure to check out: Bloodbuzz Ohio, Sorrow, Little Faith, Runaway, and Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks if anything    … Expand
  25. JeffS
    Jun 8, 2010
    10
    This is a brilliant album that - pardon the cliche - just gets better with each listening. In its understatement, it becomes almost overwhelmingly power. It is honest, evocative and quite possibly the most haunting (and haunted) album I have ever heard.
  26. AdrianK
    May 20, 2010
    9
    The third great in album in a row. exceptional music carried by great vocals. Additionally this album grows with every listening.
  27. MartinT
    Jun 9, 2010
    10
    Perfect album. Brilliant for breaking up to. Or buying for a new friend.
  28. David
    May 15, 2010
    10
    Just beautiful music and what a great voice - bought the CD having heard only Runaway and no song disappoints. Too early to say what songs are stand outs - just listen to the entire album and savour a band totally in the zone.
  29. longtimereader
    May 17, 2010
    6
    This album is just OK. I know that the National makes growers (Alligator is a favorite of mine), but this one just comes off as too mopey. It seems like these guys are giving up on interesting melodies and giving into berringer and the drummer- i want a more balanced effort.
  30. MattG
    May 18, 2010
    10
    I wanted this album to be a 10, but on first listen I wasn't sure. Of course it was brilliant, but was it as good as Boxer? After 3 listens I can say it is every bit as good. The thing about a National album is that you know it's going to keep growing on you and you will never tire of it. Oh, there is so much to look forward to! Right now Conversation 16 is a standout, but I wanted this album to be a 10, but on first listen I wasn't sure. Of course it was brilliant, but was it as good as Boxer? After 3 listens I can say it is every bit as good. The thing about a National album is that you know it's going to keep growing on you and you will never tire of it. Oh, there is so much to look forward to! Right now Conversation 16 is a standout, but I'm sure many songs will become standouts over time. On a par with Arcade Fire as the best band in the world right now.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

23
#23 Best Album of 2010
19
#19 Most Discussed Album of 2010
18
#18 Most Shared Album of 2010

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
85

Universal acclaim - based on 36 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 36
  3. Negative: 0 out of 36
  1. No Ripcord
    Dec 20, 2010
    90
    The National's latest is easily up there with the very best indie-rock records of the year.
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  2. BBC Music
    90
    Its charms are subtle, its grip soft and easily shrugged by those who choose to pay it only passing attention. Live with it a while, though, and High Violet rewards patience with songs that colour one's waking existence, becoming vivid night-time narratives when curtains are drawn.
    Read full review
  3. Drowned In Sound
    90
    An easy grandeur is present throughout, as is a sense they are following an increasingly individual, carefully textured path. It is a wild, vivid romance that The National make their own, and on High Violet it sounds just as striking, just as wild, just as vivid as ever.
    Read full review
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