Magpie and the Dandelion
by The Avett Brothers
  • Record Label: Republic
  • Release Date: Oct 15, 2013
Metascore
66

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
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  1. PopMatters
    Oct 18, 2013
    50
    It’s a decent bunch of leftovers and will likely appeal to Avetts dreamers who prefer the brothers serene and misty-eyed. For everyone else, Magpie and the Dandelion is competently played, handsomely arranged, and fairly boring.
  2. Q Magazine
    Jan 7, 2014
    60
    Not quite as organic as they seem, their perfection lacks taste despite its polish. [Jan 2014, p.117]
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  3. The Guardian
    Nov 21, 2013
    60
    Their recognition of pop's ability to articulate its listeners' feelings, boost morale and offer guidance is the best and worst thing about them: they come across as honest and unaffected, but also self-regarding in their homespun wisdom, and far too quick with a cliche.
  5. The A.V. Club
    Oct 15, 2013
    42
    These songs are nice and they’re pretty, but have no bite, no substance, and no real pizzazz.
  6. Consequence
    Oct 17, 2013
    50
    With just a little more time and some soul-searching, maybe the Avett Brothers can better incorporate the pop and solidify their newfound voice.
  7. Slant Magazine
    Oct 14, 2013
    60
    Too many edges have been sanded off the brothers' music, and whether the blame lies with Rubin's influence or the accelerated writing pace, the result is an album devoid of the band's usual charming lyrics and adroit melodies.
  8. The Independent on Sunday (UK)
    Nov 25, 2013
    40
    There are too many plodding ballads, sentimental on the piano and heavy on the cymbals.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 13 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. BKM
    Oct 18, 2013
    6
    While it's certainly a pleasant and listenable effort, Magpie and the Dandelion suffers from production that is too slick and songs that haveWhile it's certainly a pleasant and listenable effort, Magpie and the Dandelion suffers from production that is too slick and songs that have been done before and better. If the Avetts are to ever regain the anguished howl of their best work, Rick Rubin may have to go.… Full Review »
  2. KPOD
    Oct 15, 2013
    9
    Very strong effort from the Avetts. Things are kicked off by the Alt-bluegrass Open Ended Life perfectly juxtaposed against the beautifulVery strong effort from the Avetts. Things are kicked off by the Alt-bluegrass Open Ended Life perfectly juxtaposed against the beautiful Morning Song. Perhaps a bit heavy on ballads but each song is well constructed and delivered with the proper mix of intensity and understatement. Other standouts include Vanity, Apart From Me and the lead single, a Another is Waiting.… Full Review »
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