On the Water
by Future Islands
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
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  1. Pitchfork
    Oct 10, 2011
    77
    Though treading familiar sonic and thematic waters at the start, On the Water really comes alive midway through.
  2. PopMatters
    Oct 19, 2011
    90
    On the Water sounds as fresh and exciting as anything you're likely to hear all year.
  3. Q Magazine
    Nov 8, 2011
    80
    It's heavy stuff, and there is a real rawness at the heart of standouts Where I Found You, Before The Bridge, Give Us The Wind and The Great Fire - all a little hard to swallow at first, but ultimately quite remarkable. [Nov. 2011, p. 128]
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  5. musicOMH.com
    Oct 10, 2011
    70
    The concept is realised for the most part, and while some more variety in the 'musical memories' might have been nice (along with a little more length), there's not much to knock in a cracking example of that rare phenomenon--listenable concept art.
  6. Under The Radar
    Oct 11, 2011
    70
    [Closing number "Grease" is] equal parts sepulchral and redemptive, spiritually recalling David Bowie's Heroes, and providing a triumphantly exhilarating close to this superb Baltimore act's best album to date.
  7. Drowned In Sound
    Oct 11, 2011
    80
    On the Water is surely one of the most unconventionally beautiful records of the year.
  8. The A.V. Club
    Oct 11, 2011
    91
    The record is sweetly evocative, swathed in meditative rhythms and lighthearted melodies.
  9. Paste Magazine
    Oct 10, 2011
    89
    Gorgeous and personal, the band has delivered a record that is not only the product of years of trial and error, but also the rarity of a truly talented storyteller.
  10. Consequence
    Oct 14, 2011
    80
    Their dreamy, romantic and melancholy music is the perfect accompaniment to hope, the kind that can pull you through, and in a time of timidity, they are true believers.
  11. Dusted Magazine
    Oct 11, 2011
    80
    Future Islands clearly wanted to tug some heartstrings this time around, and in the respect, On the Water is an unqualified success.
  12. Tiny Mix Tapes
    Oct 10, 2011
    90
    Now, on On the Water, they've paced themselves, slowed down the tempos, and left room for ambience, such that the album's fevered points hit much more poignantly.
  13. No Ripcord
    Nov 17, 2011
    70
    On The Water relies less on the vocals than its predecessor. The music is more robust, adding more layers than the minimalism of before.
  14. Magnet
    Nov 15, 2011
    75
    Though it reveals apparent influences ranging from Eyeless in Gaza to Simple Minds, the Baltimore trio's third album finds the band updating rather than simply recreating. [#82, p. 55]
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  15. Prefix Magazine
    Oct 10, 2011
    80
    Water is leagues more mature than last year's In Evening Air--the production more robust, the lyrics more evocative of people who've been around long enough to know what's worth lamenting.
  16. The Quietus
    Oct 26, 2011
    80
    On the Water is a 'love album', but much more than that--seldom has a long player narrated so fluidly, consummately and lucidly, a journey of self-realization.
  17. Filter
    Oct 19, 2011
    78
    While On the Water may be a slow burn, the album grows only richer upon second and third listens.
  18. cokemachineglow
    Oct 19, 2011
    65
    On the Water is too uncompromising, too disinterested in being for anyone outside of its circle of two.
  19. Beats Per Minute
    Oct 12, 2011
    70
    Despite the clear motives with the themes in the album, the instrumentation fluctuates in a chaotic manner that makes it very confusing to listen to at times.
  20. Delusions of Adequacy
    Oct 10, 2011
    80
    In the end, there's solace in enjoying the refreshed music Future Islands continue to provide.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 18 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 18
  3. Negative: 1 out of 18
  1. electriclight41
    May 30, 2013
    10
    In between listening to the first album from Future Islands and this endeavor, I had the privilege of attending one of their concerts. I wasIn between listening to the first album from Future Islands and this endeavor, I had the privilege of attending one of their concerts. I was blown away by the passion and intimacy of the performance (especially by Samuel T. Herring). I was able to meet all of the band members, which created a more concrete bond between me and their music.

    They were already my favorite band of all time by then, of course, but this album further solidified my opinion. Amidst rumors that "On the Water" was going to be a slower-paced version of "In Evening Air," I was a bit hesitant that I'd like it as much. Fortunately, it was more finely tuned, personal and optimistic than I anticipated. It's hard to pick a favorite song, but mine are probably "Balance," "Before the Bridge" and "Give Us the Wind" (though "Where I Found You" is equally as impressive and heart-crushing).

    I often go back and listen to some of the earlier Future Islands and Art Lord records, but when I listen to one of the songs from this album again, it reminds me how finely tuned their music is now. I can't wait for the next one.    … Full Review »
  2. impudence
    Nov 7, 2011
    10
    Future islands is hands down my favorite band of 2011. Lead singer Sam Herring's voice is amazing, it regularly reminds me of the cowardlyFuture islands is hands down my favorite band of 2011. Lead singer Sam Herring's voice is amazing, it regularly reminds me of the cowardly lion (but in a good way). As a child of the eighties any band that labels itself post wave is a-ok in my book. Give them a listen!… Full Review »
  3. RickFlairbombed
    Oct 14, 2011
    8
    Really enjoyable album, it may have staled a bit on the 6th, 7th listen, but I enjoy more than "In Evening Air." The songs are more developed,Really enjoyable album, it may have staled a bit on the 6th, 7th listen, but I enjoy more than "In Evening Air." The songs are more developed, and there's more variety here than it's predecessor. It seems like the vocals are not as strong as In Evening Air, but the music definitely compensates. I'ts more subdued, but more powerful IMO. Right now, in my top 5 albums of the year. I am not particularly 80's nostalgic, but the band feels a bit like New Order with a much better singer. Can't wait to see them live!… Full Review »
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