Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 23
  2. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. Each song on "More Adventurous" sounds rich and well plotted. [16 Aug 2004]
  2. Lewis' crisp alto shines on every track... Unfortunately, the songs (and especially the lyrics) don't give Lewis the support she deserves.
  3. Alternative Press
    80
    All the broad-shouldered indie pop and big city folk we've come to expect, but so meticulously refined and consistently pleasing that its crossover ploys seem forgivable. [Sep 2004, p.124]
  4. That Rilo Kiley jump around so much stylistically could slow down More Adventurous' heat-seeker status.
  5. A staggeringly uneven salad of powerpop alt-country and even R&B that succeeds as often as it fails.
  6. Yet another charming balance of winsome melody, subtle studio twinkle, frolicking rock, and tinges of country meshed against traditional song structures.
  7. Under The Radar
    90
    Part commercial breakthrough, part acoustic folk record, part experiment, More Adventurous gives little indication of where Rilo Kiley's sound is headed. [#7]
  8. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    [The] polished production... makes 2002's The Execution of All Things sound like an indie-rock field recording. [20/27 Aug 2004, p.124]
  9. Within this realism is an incredible sense of serenity, which flows throughout the album and creates an incredibly fascinating work showcasing an immense sense of maturity for this young group.
  10. Rilo Kiley's most consistent and sharply executed release to date.
  11. This is pure pop for grown-ups.
  12. The rest of More Adventurous is mostly what you would have expected from Rilo Kiley before the album's bracing beginning, only now it carries the stench of promise unfulfilled.
  13. Basic but gorgeously textured pop-rock with a country tinge, Rilo Kiley's music is led by vocals that'll stop you in your tracks.
  14. Part new-wave keyboards, part folky acoustic guitars, the music on More Adventurous is unexpectedly beautiful.
  15. More Adventurous sometimes gets too precious, but at its best it achieves a kind of cinematic grace.
  16. Blender
    80
    Ambitiously wide-ranging. [Aug 2004, p.133]
  17. Soon to be a jukebox staple at every down-at-the-heels dive and java joint in hipster America, More Adventurous has the potential, and the songs, to go a lot further.
  18. Uncut
    80
    They've managed to retain everything that was oddly beguiling about them in the first place while boosting their mass appeal with a production that is all West Coast sleek and radio-friendly lustrous. [Feb 2005, p.80]
  19. Not all the experiments work... However, Rilo Kiley are more inspiring than you'd think.
  20. Q Magazine
    60
    A glossy production makes for ear candy, but it's bereft of edge. [Feb 2005, p.102]
  21. With pluses so few and far between, it’s a struggle to make it through these 11 tracks without feeling nauseous from all the sickly pop filler.
  22. Mojo
    80
    There's a wit, charisma and individuality at play that lends teeth to Rilo Kiley's tasteful alt country/indie-rock sound. [Mar 2005, p.104]
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 23 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 23
  2. Negative: 1 out of 23
  1. BeauB
    Apr 27, 2007
    9
    Jenny lewis can sell every track on this album with her amazing vocals. Some of the songs were even a bit folkish for my taste, but given the Jenny lewis can sell every track on this album with her amazing vocals. Some of the songs were even a bit folkish for my taste, but given the way Jenny and the band present them, I couldn't help but fall in love with the entire thing. Full Review »
  2. andrea
    Mar 15, 2007
    10
    love it! portions for foxs and does he love you? are on constant repeat. jenny's voice is so fresh and beautiful.
  3. Andy
    Aug 16, 2006
    6
    Good but not great. A couple of so-so songs really hurt the total album for me.