I'm Going Away
by The Fiery Furnaces
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    91
    Fans can breathe easy: The weirdness that so delights them isn't Going anywhere just yet.
  2. No Ripcord
    90
    The Fiery Furnaces are more than capable of producing catchy three-minute pop songs. They simply waited until now to do so, resulting in one of their best albums yet.
  3. The A.V. Club
    83
    I’m Going Away won’t surprise anyone familiar with the Friedbergers’ predilection for chopped-up blues riffs, martial rhythms, bebop breaks, three-or-four-word choruses, and impenetrably insular folklore. But now neophytes have an easier way in to one of modern rock’s most adventurous acts.
  5. AllMusic
    80
    I'm Going Away is a departure that fits in with the rest of the Fiery Furnaces' work, and it's only fitting that a band this creative can pull something like that off.
  6. Dusted Magazine
    80
    I’m Going Away is striking for its group sound; the Furnaces play with more air around them, more flexibility and interaction.
  7. PopMatters
    80
    The album is best appreciated as a pleasurable pop treat from a group whose vision is ever broadening.
  8. Spin
    80
    It's their most instantly accessible effort after "Bark," with a dozen catchy tunes packed inside 47 easy, breezy minutes.
  9. New Musical Express (NME)
    80
    I’m Going Away sees The Fiery Furnaces abandon their surrealist tendencies to work outside their comfort zone, experimenting with structure and euphony to reassert their status as our most vital musical siblings.
  10. Mojo
    80
    The music and mood's emotional connection makes the Furnaces a band to love at last. [Sep 2009, p.95]
    All this publication's reviews
  11. NOW Magazine
    80
    It’s been a while since Fiery Furnaces released an album with songs that stick in your head. I’m Going Away, the Brooklyn band’s eighth release, is full of them.
  12. Pitchfork
    78
    The Fiery Furnaces will always be arty and precious, but they definitely know their way around a good tune. Have a drink and sing along.
  13. Paste Magazine
    73
    I’m Going Away is another absorbing mile on the Furnaces’ flight from indie-rock convention.
  14. Sputnikmusic
    70
    I’m Going Away finds the band embellishing on their debut, the criminally underrated "Gallowsbird’s Bark," which also found the band at their most melodic.
  15. Under The Radar
    70
    Throughout Away you're often amazed at how normal these track are. [Summer 2009, p.61]
    All this publication's reviews
  16. Billboard
    70
    The new album's lyrical plotlines feel more organized than on past efforts, and musical twists are easier to follow, with Matthew's piano grounding the recording.
  17. cokemachineglow
    70
    I’m Going Away is a good record, it just doesn’t really sound like the Fiery Furnaces. Though for some, I’m sure, that’ll be very welcome news indeed.
  18. Filter
    64
    I'm Going Away is a decent road, but don't worry; you'll be able to put it dow. [Summer 2009, p.94]
    All this publication's reviews

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 13 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 13
  3. Negative: 1 out of 13
  1. DennyG
    Aug 14, 2009
    10
    Please, everyone, stop using the word "accessible". This album -- like "Widow City" it is not just a bunch of songs -- was made to shut up Please, everyone, stop using the word "accessible". This album -- like "Widow City" it is not just a bunch of songs -- was made to shut up critics who want something just barely more adventurous than American Idol. Congratulations -- you succeeded magnificently. Now please get back to extending boundaries!… Full Review »
  2. Kiefer
    Jul 27, 2009
    9
    Really solid album. I am a die hard fan and was initially disappointed that it is so relatively tame for an FF album. But, after about 10 Really solid album. I am a die hard fan and was initially disappointed that it is so relatively tame for an FF album. But, after about 10 listens I have come to appreciate just how listenable it is. There are a number of very beautifully done songs on this album and I suspect that I'll be going back to the well and listening to it many times.… Full Review »
  3. FredR.
    Jul 21, 2009
    9
    I greatly disliked Widow City so my expectations were pretty low for this one. I was pleasantly surprised. I'm Going Away allows their I greatly disliked Widow City so my expectations were pretty low for this one. I was pleasantly surprised. I'm Going Away allows their huge talent to take front stage and it is accessible and fun to listen to.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »