Okemah And The Melody Of Riot
by Son Volt
  • Record Label: Sony
  • Release Date: Jul 12, 2005
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. AllMusic
    90
    It's a bracing and welcome return to form for an important artist.
  2. Delusions of Adequacy
    80
    While Okemah is clearly driven by Farrar's vision, it suitably develops Son Volt's sound, bringing it clearly into the mid-2000s while giving a nod toward the influences of bygone days that have always been a factor in Son Volt's alt-country tendencies.
  3. Entertainment Weekly
    75
    Farrar's perfectly ramshackle voice still delivers his oblique lyrics, but now it's backed by a tighter, revamped lineup. [15 Jul 2005, p.71]
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  5. Los Angeles Times
    63
    After a few songs, the formula wears thin -- it's just too plain-spoken and familiar. [10 Jul 2005]
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  6. Lost At Sea
    70
    When not so buried in dank sonics, Farrar's familiar songwriting drawl feels more crisp and lively; being able to hear the record's engaging pop hooks is a revelation. On the other hand, this newfound production clarity reveals that Farrar might be running out of ideas.
  7. New Musical Express (NME)
    70
    Farrar has the passion to carry the songs beyond any hackneyed themes. [6 Aug 2005, p.56]
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  8. Pitchfork
    68
    As the album progresses... Farrar's lyrics become increasingly stilted and veiled, reverting to the forced wordplay and disconnected evocations of his most obscure songs. In the past, this tendency toward purple opacity could be excused, but on Okemah it hinders Farrar considerably.
  9. PopMatters
    70
    Okemah and the Melody of Riot is an intelligent, aggressive album that acts as a sorely needed kick in the ass to the entire Americana/alt.country genre.
  10. ShakingThrough.net
    74
    Despite taking few chances thematically or musically, the reincarnated Son Volt delivers a tight, nothing-wasted set.
  11. Slant Magazine
    90
    Okemah is heady stuff, to be sure, but it's also one of the year's best straight-up rock albums.
  12. Stylus Magazine
    67
    If the sound that the original Son Volt line-up cultivated began to feel oppressing for Farrar, it’s clear on Okemah And The Melody of Riot that a return in part to that sound has been good for his musical soul.
  13. The A.V. Club
    80
    Even when his overintellectualized lyrics smear into a palette of industrial gray, the guitars provide a strong human heartbeat.
  14. Trouser Press
    90
    A stunning return to form.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 30 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 30
  3. Negative: 2 out of 30
  1. JeffT
    Jan 2, 2006
    10
    "Rock and roll around my head alive a kicking" Jay Farrar writes phrases and lyrics that are both simple and layered with complex meaning. "Rock and roll around my head alive a kicking" Jay Farrar writes phrases and lyrics that are both simple and layered with complex meaning. Listen to this album three times and you'll be hooked.… Full Review »
  2. RobertS
    Dec 9, 2005
    10
    Great album! Easily Jay's best since Trace. What blows me away as much as this release is that it can be given a negative review!? Rock Great album! Easily Jay's best since Trace. What blows me away as much as this release is that it can be given a negative review!? Rock critics never cease to amaze. Some can give this a bad review and then rave about a collection of bleeps and whistles with lyrics that make absolutely no sense (can you say - Emporer's New Clothes). Omekah is no fraud, its a damn great rock album! Boo Blender, boo MOJO!… Full Review »
  3. JorinR
    Nov 26, 2005
    8
    This is the best REM album since Reckoning!
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