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Mirage Rock Image
Metascore
68

Generally favorable reviews - based on 29 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
6.0

Mixed or average reviews- based on 32 Ratings

  • Summary: The fourth studio release for the indie rock band was produced by Glyn Johns.
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Top Track

Heartbreak On the 101
Did you think that I'd just slowly start to fade You could steal my livelihood and send me on my way I know it's old but I was caught out in the... See the rest of the song lyrics
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 29
  2. Negative: 1 out of 29
  1. Uncut
    Sep 14, 2012
    90
    There's uncommon immediacy to Crazy Horse-style bashers like "Knock Knock" and "How To Live," as well as big-sky ballads like "Long Vows." [Oct 2012, p.73]
  2. 80
    Turns out bringing his [Glyn Johns] old-school rock'n'roll expertise into the southern-fried fold makes for a perfect match.
  3. Dec 6, 2012
    80
    Ben Bridwell's voice remains a beguiling instrument in both high and low registers, and there are moments of stark beauty.
  4. 70
    Band of Horses have embraced a more mature, laid back kind of rock on Mirage Rock, and it's a comfortable, cozy fit.
  5. Sep 27, 2012
    60
    Bridwell's small-town observations have previously had a shallow yet quaint quality to them, but Mirage Rock goes far too heavy on the clichés.
  6. Sep 20, 2012
    55
    The album, sweet as it sounds, is so polite that to keep from offending listeners it stops short of saying anything to them.
  7. Oct 30, 2012
    30
    Fourth album Mirage Rock is a bungled mess of poor production and half-assed songwriting.

See all 29 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 9
  2. Negative: 2 out of 9
  1. Oct 5, 2012
    9
    This album is a treasure. It is one of the better albums that I have heard in quite a while. Each song is a distinctive story in own right butThis album is a treasure. It is one of the better albums that I have heard in quite a while. Each song is a distinctive story in own right but even more impressive as a body of work. The songs are lush and rich with attention to detail and song structure. At points you feel as if Neil Young is being channeled and at others, America or CSN or Bob Dylan even. The vocals are dead-on perfect. Ben Bridwell's voice (as well as Robin Peringer) are fine tuned at this point in their respective careers and the harmonies are... flat-out... awesome. I highly, highly recommend this album not just to Band of Horses fans, as they will undoubtedly find it great, but to music fans in general. From start to finish, it's gold. In particular, listen to Knock. Knock, Heartbreak on the 101, Slow Cruel Hands of Time, Dumpster World. Plus, if you appreciate drums - which you should as they are the most important instrument in the band (sorry to the rest but it's the truth), Sera Cahoone kicks the sh!t out of the songs. Ass-kicking good. Expand
  2. Sep 25, 2012
    8
    Band of horses has never ceases to impress me. Infinite Arms represented a change in song writing as well as a developmental period in theirBand of horses has never ceases to impress me. Infinite Arms represented a change in song writing as well as a developmental period in their career. I am glad to see they are continuing to experiment, including some experimental vocals that are quite successful. In the end this album has highs and lows. The highs, such as Knock Knock, Everything's Gunna Be Undone, and Slow Cruel Hands of Time outweigh the lows, the lyrics. Unfortunately, lyrically this album is a step in the wrong direction. Certain lyrics elicit a face palm, however the musically this album is quite good. Do not expect to hear the same style of music as their 1st two albums, you will not find it. However, with an open-mind and a couple of listens it is apparent that Mirage Rock is a welcome addition to the Band of Horses collection. Expand
  3. Nov 17, 2012
    8
    Well, this band has changed and continues to change, but I LOVE every step of their growth. The funny thing about this album though, is thatWell, this band has changed and continues to change, but I LOVE every step of their growth. The funny thing about this album though, is that the title track (and all the best stuff) is on the bonus disc, which you can only get with the deluxe version. So I don't think Columbia did the band a great service by issuing the album this way. Anyway, LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT. For all you alt. freaks, well too bad. Go listen to some old angry obtuse noise stuff. This is real. Expand
  4. Jun 12, 2013
    6
    I enjoyed this album, though i can see where some of the fans and critics are coming from. I don't think it deserves to be panned, but itI enjoyed this album, though i can see where some of the fans and critics are coming from. I don't think it deserves to be panned, but it definitely isnt there very best work. Still, a great band. Collapse
  5. Sep 19, 2012
    5
    The new record from indie rockers Band of Horses 'Mirage Rock' has its moments, it has a unique change of sound to it from their folksy rootsThe new record from indie rockers Band of Horses 'Mirage Rock' has its moments, it has a unique change of sound to it from their folksy roots to a more power pop structure. This record and most of the song just end up being a disappointment. Expand
  6. Dec 18, 2015
    4
    It's too bad that the best songs on the album, including the title track "Mirage Rock", were put on the bonus/deluxe EP titled "Sonic RanchIt's too bad that the best songs on the album, including the title track "Mirage Rock", were put on the bonus/deluxe EP titled "Sonic Ranch Sessions". Relly's Dream and "Catalina" were the best songs of all in my opinion, so it's unfortunate that many people, who didn't opt for the deluxe package, missed out on that EP. I think that all artists should be able to express their ideas freely with each project and not worry about the listener's opinion, but for my taste, I hope the next record will make me want to listen over and over, as with some of their previous releases, rather than cringing and skipping when one pops up on shuffle. Expand
  7. Jun 18, 2013
    1
    To keep it short, this is one giant turd of an album. A totally unlistenable mish-mash of cheese, twang and dopey, uninspired lyrics (seeTo keep it short, this is one giant turd of an album. A totally unlistenable mish-mash of cheese, twang and dopey, uninspired lyrics (see "Dumpster World"). Band of Horses' music has been on a sharp decline since the departure of Mat Brooke and I think "Mirage Rock" is finally rock bottom. Expand

See all 9 User Reviews