I And Love And You
by The Avett Brothers
  • Record Label: Sony
  • Release Date: Sep 29, 2009
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. AllMusic
    70
    The result is an intimate, poignant album, laced with rich production that enhances, not clouds, the songwriting itself.
  2. BBC Music
    80
    This is an album of surprising tenderness, of intricate (and, importantly, memorable) melodies and deep emotions, and everyman ruminations on love and life that will surely connect with long-standing fans and newcomers alike.
  3. Billboard.com
    77
    Packed front to back with lyrical treats and lovely sonic touches (thanks to producer Rick Rubin), I and Love and You may be one of the major labels' best pieces of news this fall.
  5. Boston Globe
    80
    With Rick Rubin at the helm, employing his trademark austerity but not overdoing the dryness, the group swings for the fences musically, lyrically, vocally, and emotionally. Its batting average is sterling.
  6. Filter
    66
    This is a minor stumble at a major plate, but no fear. The high here do well in drowning out the lows. [Fall 2009, p.92]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. Los Angeles Times
    75
    The Avett Brothers have hit upon a winning approach, and this album is another step in their taking it beyond the obvious.
  8. MSN Consumer Guide (Robert Christgau)
    91
    Mostly it's the tunes that do the slamming. And though their lyrics may be too sincere for sophisticates, they're not sincere enough to suit the Avetts, a disconnect they'll tell you about.
  9. Paste Magazine
    96
    They've constructed something beautiful.
  10. PopMatters
    80
    While the Avett Brothers have had a productive run going on a decade, I and Love and You's new elegant musical direction and very strong set of new songs indicate that they are band that is indeed just getting revved up.
  11. Rolling Stone
    70
    For their major-label debut, producer Rick Rubin has turned the group into a lush chamber-folk outfit. I and Love and You is packed with complex, piano-based beauties.
  12. Spin
    70
    More than anything, I and Love and You proves how miscast the Brothers were as folkies, because their ambitions are so much larger.
  13. The A.V. Club
    83
    Recalling Elton John or Ben Folds at his most Southern-sounding, I And Love And You deserves the larger audience it's been designed for, wrapping shamelessly sentimental, effortlessly beautiful songs in a warm, inviting mellow-rock package.

Awards & Rankings

97
#97 Most Discussed Album of 2009
65
#65 Most Shared Album of 2009

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 46 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 39 out of 46
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 46
  3. Negative: 1 out of 46
  1. matruitt
    May 1, 2011
    10
    My first experience with The Avett Brothers was live at Jazzfest 2011. Following, this was the first recorded album I listened to. While IMy first experience with The Avett Brothers was live at Jazzfest 2011. Following, this was the first recorded album I listened to. While I much prefer their live sound over their recorded sound, most of the songs they performed were from this album, and I was immediately hooked. This album will always be special to me.… Full Review »
  2. Shaun
    Dec 4, 2009
    6
    I've seen heaps of critical and fan praise piled on "I and Love and You" and I'm not saying the Avetts don't deserve it. But I've seen heaps of critical and fan praise piled on "I and Love and You" and I'm not saying the Avetts don't deserve it. But as a fan who discovered these guys some six years ago, I continue to believe that the real masterpiece in the Avett catalog is their prior release "Emotionalism". Raw with a polished feel, tender yet rockin', Emotionalism is the true 10. The Avetts continue to write great songs but I sometimes feel like this album is propelled in large part by the hype of a major label debut and the production of Mr. Rubin.… Full Review »
  3. DarnellS
    Oct 26, 2009
    6
    It's an OK to good album that every folk-infused hipster is losing their shit over. So many 10's on the user reviews is so telling. It's an OK to good album that every folk-infused hipster is losing their shit over. So many 10's on the user reviews is so telling. Really people? This is as good as they come? For real? I've $10 bucks that says you'll have forgotten these guys in 5 years.… Full Review »
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