Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 12
  2. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. Billboard
    80
    [It] sounds more like a continuation of Pinback's 2004 high-water mark, "Summer in Abaddon." This is, of course, a good thing. [27 Jan 2007]
  2. With Living Well, Rob Crow has created some of his finest work.
  3. Mojo
    80
    Imagine a math-rock XTC fronted by Elliott Smith, illuminating the quiet corners of life. [Mar 2007, p.94]
  4. Is Rob in a Mellow Mood occasionally predictable? Sure, but there's nothing promised here that isn't delivered on, no premise underachieved.
  5. Alternative Press
    70
    Whether you're a fan of Pinback or Goblin Cock, you can probably find something worth listening to on Living Well. [Mar 2007, p.135]
  6. He sounds rushed, like he doesn't have time for too much tinkering. This is a good thing.
  7. Though this may not reach the same critical heights as, say, Summer in Abandon, Crow exhibits an extremely sharp flex of his solo muscle.
  8. Much of Living Well stands among Crow's best work because he sticks to what he knows and what he does best: oddball pop music.
  9. Under The Radar
    70
    Perfect melodic indie rock. [#17, p.98]
  10. Magnet
    70
    An endearing solo effort with a higher percentage of hits to misses than 2003's My Room Is A Mess. [#75, p.96]
  11. Crow’s ego and identity have been largely removed from Living Well’s equation, and in its place are a number of undeviating, short, one-word-title indie rock songs that don’t require an explanation or setup.
  12. An album that, much like Pinback’s 2004 full-length Summer in Abaddon, is more immediate in its appeal but suffers from repeated listens.
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 6 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 1 out of 6
  1. jjmuggs
    Apr 15, 2007
    10
    better than anything by pinback, ever...
  2. PinbackFan
    Feb 13, 2007
    8
    Mostly great and enjoyable. Some songs are not as well developed or intricate as Pinback, but that's OK. It's a nice album and gets Mostly great and enjoyable. Some songs are not as well developed or intricate as Pinback, but that's OK. It's a nice album and gets better with multiple listens Full Review »