I Don't Live Here Anymore
by The War on Drugs
  • Record Label: Atlantic
  • Release Date: Oct 29, 2021
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 55 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 47 out of 55
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 55
  3. Negative: 6 out of 55
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  1. All_ButTrU4
    Oct 29, 2021
    7
    Part of their consistent effort of evolution through each album . Becoming more complex but just as streamlined each time. A sincere exploration of fatherhood that avoids cliché points.
  2. bertobellamy
    Oct 29, 2021
    8
    Solid album, but my favorite is still "A Deeper Understanding;" nevertheless, "I Don't Live Here Anymore" is now one of their best songs ever.
  3. Epicurus
    Oct 31, 2021
    10
    As good as their 2 previous albums. This one is less moody but it has faster pace and it is more exciting. TWOD are now on my list of top 10 artists/bands EVER. I feel happy there is a band I like so much these days when mediocrity reigns in music.
  4. jamos
    Oct 29, 2021
    10
    4th great album on the bounce, not many to live with that, there is so much commercial pressure on artists to deliver sales, its so refreshing to hear an album that ticks the box for artists and fans
  5. stribs
    Nov 2, 2021
    9
    The War on Drugs return after 4 years with another lovely, intricate, sprawling album, further cementing a string of albums beloved by both critics and fans. Certainly, they've also continued to evolve to a crisper, more economic sound, sometimes sprinkled with electronic elements, but these shorter, shinier tunes still include the same virtuoso instrumental performances. The title trackThe War on Drugs return after 4 years with another lovely, intricate, sprawling album, further cementing a string of albums beloved by both critics and fans. Certainly, they've also continued to evolve to a crisper, more economic sound, sometimes sprinkled with electronic elements, but these shorter, shinier tunes still include the same virtuoso instrumental performances. The title track proves one of the years most epic listens, combining themes of loneliness and yearning against a locomotive chug and soaring background vocals, which will give you chills. It's not a pandemic anthem, per se, but, boy, is it a song fit for these tough times. Some other favorite moments and, well, vibes include the tender, haunting piano outro of "Change," the crazed distortion of "Victim," and the meditative stealth of “Living Proof.“ Thematically, it's an album that continuously wrestles with hope and despair, self-abnegation and assertive love—often all within the same song Certainly, one this year’s musical highlights.… Expand
  6. Danthecritic_
    Nov 18, 2021
    2
    Their worst album by far. Extremely disappointing. It lacks the true The War On Drugs sound that made me fall in love with this band in the first place. After masterpieces like 'A Deeper Understanding' this just feels like a bunch of rushed and repeated songs. If you put on any of the songs from the album, you'll need at least a minute to figure out which one it is.
  7. volos
    Apr 28, 2023
    10
    The album is uniquely different from the previous two but is just as much a triumph of their sound. Whether it is the bridge in Harmonia's Dream, the raindrop guitar in Occasional Rain, or the emotion in Adam's in Old Skin as he sings "but the fear it gets too much to take", it all contributes to an exquisitely crafted dreamscape of emotions.
  8. AR_Jansen
    Oct 29, 2021
    10
    Again TWOD delivers an astounding work of art. Beautiful, sincere dreamscape-like songs, intricate layering, you discover something new every time you repeat a song, just perfect. The addition of the ladies from Lucius on the title song just does it. One of those records you'll just keep on playing. Can't wait to see it live upcoming April!
  9. Whiskeycloned
    Oct 29, 2021
    6
    I agree that they needed to tweak their sound after the last one took their mid-'10s sound as far as it could go...but a full embrace of cornball '80s soft rock wasn't exactly where I hoped they'd go. Slower tracks like "Change", "Old Skin", and the Petty-esque closer "Occasional Rain" are highlights.
  10. BlazeTripleJ
    Nov 9, 2021
    0
    A good album from Adam and the boys but it's just missing some of those Dream- Scape sounds from "lost in the dream" and "A deeper understanding". A few songs on this album are more focused for main stream play and radio play which is fine because this band is so underrated. The songs "victim", "I don't live here anymore" and " I dont wanna wait" are undoubtedly the best songs on the albumA good album from Adam and the boys but it's just missing some of those Dream- Scape sounds from "lost in the dream" and "A deeper understanding". A few songs on this album are more focused for main stream play and radio play which is fine because this band is so underrated. The songs "victim", "I don't live here anymore" and " I dont wanna wait" are undoubtedly the best songs on the album but for someone who likes there slower paced songs I recommend "Living Proof" and "Old skin". Overall good album, can't wait to see what they have in-store for the future!… Expand
  11. JuanCarlos_
    Oct 29, 2021
    10
    I feel bad for people not scoring this album 9 or 10. Yes, a first listening might sound similar to "A Deeper Understanding", but please pay attention to production and sound, and all those details; this album goes beyond anything I've recently heard. In a world with acts as ColdPlay becoming simultaneously more famous and pathetic, TWOD gives me (huge) hope on how music can keep evolvingI feel bad for people not scoring this album 9 or 10. Yes, a first listening might sound similar to "A Deeper Understanding", but please pay attention to production and sound, and all those details; this album goes beyond anything I've recently heard. In a world with acts as ColdPlay becoming simultaneously more famous and pathetic, TWOD gives me (huge) hope on how music can keep evolving and make a true difference.… Expand
  12. Segundoleo26
    Oct 30, 2021
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Estás canciones se sienten vacías recicladas un poco básicas nada originales necesitan cambiar el álbum es una locura pero aún es posible… Expand
  13. Ricko
    Dec 10, 2021
    7
    "I Don't Live Here Anymore" continues the rich and unmistakable sound of The War On Drugs. The album retains all that is good about the band, the songwriting is as good as ever but with a sharper, more focused approach. It would be a stretch to call it an expansion or a development of their style but they have kept their sound fresh while continue to produce on a highly accessible level.
  14. Menios
    Dec 2, 2021
    8
    The War on Drugs return after 4 years with another lovely, intricate, sprawling album, further cementing a string of albums beloved by both critics and fans.
  15. iancm1996
    Nov 2, 2021
    10
    It's truly a 98/100, but the nearest score is a 100, or 10 in this case. TWOD, or being more specific, Adam Granduciel has perfected his sound, as Tame Impala achieved it in 2015's Currents. Songs are more compact, more refined, every sound is perfectly recorded and arranged in every song, the sound palette has been extended and I can continue with a lot more. Even the lyrics are moreIt's truly a 98/100, but the nearest score is a 100, or 10 in this case. TWOD, or being more specific, Adam Granduciel has perfected his sound, as Tame Impala achieved it in 2015's Currents. Songs are more compact, more refined, every sound is perfectly recorded and arranged in every song, the sound palette has been extended and I can continue with a lot more. Even the lyrics are more focused and have that characteristic themes of a TWOD album. As some wrote in one of the reviews, is a great achievement in production. And also, more fast paced in comparison to 2017's A Deeper Understanding and 2014's Lost In Dream. Maybe that's what doesn't appeal to me very much, because I really liked those long and super epic songs, but I need to say I Don't Live Here Anymore's songs are really, but really strong. The more I listen to the album, the more I like it.… Expand
  16. Acid3P
    Feb 18, 2022
    8
    I don´t live here anymore is the most pop and atmospheric album to date. Of course, the word "pop" should be taken very figuratively in the case of this producer's meticulous bunch. The strength of this brand remains the same - compositionally these are still very interesting and melodically catchy songs, and the instrumental side is not even worth mentioning. I do miss the obligatory 8+I don´t live here anymore is the most pop and atmospheric album to date. Of course, the word "pop" should be taken very figuratively in the case of this producer's meticulous bunch. The strength of this brand remains the same - compositionally these are still very interesting and melodically catchy songs, and the instrumental side is not even worth mentioning. I do miss the obligatory 8+ minute radio hits though.… Expand
  17. toastedwaldorf
    Oct 30, 2021
    10
    I have listened to this front-to-back 10-12 times now and it is as solid as the last two records despite the production being primarily done remotely. It is a mesmeric masterpiece. Well done.
  18. Rosco010
    Nov 5, 2021
    7
    Wagonwheel Blues was and is still his best,i love each song on that record especially Needle In Your Eye!
  19. Thechosenmendel
    Nov 4, 2021
    9
    The sublime reverb laden guitars of Drugs. Who are we, who do we love, where do we turn amidst the feeling of loss and lostness? Forward, towards the other side of the gray skies.
  20. GioPaola
    Nov 5, 2021
    10
    Best album. Rollercoaster of a ride. Dynamic range front to back exceeds Deeper Understanding, which was also amazing. SO many themes, hooks, etc. WOD take it to new levels with harmonies, his voice being a focal point. LOVE Harmonia's Dream. Victim, title track, Change and Living Proof also fantastic tracks. The second part of Old Skin when it really kicks in is amazing.
  21. Neuromusic
    Jan 4, 2022
    9
    One of my favourite albums of 2021. This album incorporates some of my favourite elements of The War on Drugs' previous albums but builds on these with introspective lyrical themes about about the passage of time whilst retaining infectious guitar melodies and slightly cheesy 80s synths (which can be annoying when overused, but they get the balance just right here). On the whole Adam'sOne of my favourite albums of 2021. This album incorporates some of my favourite elements of The War on Drugs' previous albums but builds on these with introspective lyrical themes about about the passage of time whilst retaining infectious guitar melodies and slightly cheesy 80s synths (which can be annoying when overused, but they get the balance just right here). On the whole Adam's breathy vocals are more present in the mix than on previous releases which is welcome, although there could be more varied dynamics on this front at times.

    My only criticism is that I sometimes feel as though the album loses some momentum after the title track, but the quality of the songs does not diminish. All in all, a great album that builds on the band's maturity and reputation. Definitely one I'll be coming back to!    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

56
#56 Best Album of 2021
55
#55 Most Discussed Album of 2021

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
85

Universal acclaim - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 25
  3. Negative: 0 out of 25
  1. musicOMH.com
    Nov 1, 2021
    70
    Overall, I Don’t Live Here Anymore is a solid addition to The War On Drugs canon, and the full-on embrace of heartland rock means they may well find a whole new audience with this album.
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  2. The Observer (UK)
    Nov 1, 2021
    80
    All in all, it’s a rich, absorbing work that rewards immersive listening.
    Read full review
  3. Under The Radar
    Nov 1, 2021
    85
    I Don’t Live Here Anymore is truly successful as an arena-ish rock record. It’s perhaps their most accessible record, yet never sacrifices the core elements that have made The War on Drugs one of the greatest rock groups of the last decade.
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