Our Endless Numbered Days
by Iron & Wine
  • Record Label: Sub Pop
  • Release Date: Mar 23, 2004
Metascore
84

Universal acclaim - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. E! Online
    83
    Has a few more production touches than his past crackling work.
  2. New Musical Express (NME)
    80
    This time around, Beam is less like some dungaree-wearing, O Brother, Where Art Thou? throwback, and more like the natural - and, frankly, wonderful - successor to the Elliott Smith and Nick Drake school of perfectly beautiful songwriting.
  3. Pitchfork
    86
    Our Endless Numbered Days is cleaner, more diverse, and generally sparser than its predecessor, and, given the apparent limits of Beam's former setup, it's also an astoundingly progressive record: Beam has successfully transgressed his cultural pigeonhole without sacrificing any of his dusty allure.
  5. Delusions of Adequacy
    90
    This may be the kind of album that turns on a new generation of fans to the beauty of folk music, while approaching it from a modern perspective.
  6. AllMusic
    90
    Our Endless Numbered Days is very subdued, thoughtful, melodic, and downright beautiful album and the new sound is more of a progression than a sudden shift in values, production or otherwise.
  7. PopMatters
    90
    This new album sounds fuller and crisper than Iron and Wine's earlier recordings, but the minimalist artistry hasn't changed.
  8. ShakingThrough.net
    82
    A warm, gently beautiful album that rewards the patient listener.
  9. Splendid
    80
    Our Endless Numbered Days won't knock you off your seat with ribald lyrics or rambunctious riffs, but its confident, measured chords and precise tones will hold your attention long after they've grabbed it.
  10. Dusted Magazine
    70
    On Our Endless Numbered Days Beam feels some pressure to subtly expand his repertoire, but the swampy blues of tracks like “Teeth In The Grass” and particularly “Free Until They Cut Me Down” interrupt the aforementioned mood like unwelcome hiccups.
  11. Uncut
    80
    Beam is a master of circumnavigating cliche. [May 2004, p.106]
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  12. Q Magazine
    80
    Even more delicate and autumnal. [May 2004, p.104]
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  13. Spin
    100
    Beam has given us his second straight masterwork: self-assured, spellbinding, and richly, refreshingly adult. [Apr 2004, p.89]
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  14. The A.V. Club
    80
    Beam has a lovely lilting voice, a light instrumental touch, and a casual flair for drama. [24 Mar 2004]
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  15. Alternative Press
    80
    Beam may continue lacing his ragged acoustic with your heartstrings while quietly whispering about a growing understanding of self, but he isn't sitting beneath a pink moon quite yet. That's surely on its way. [May 2004, p.94]
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  16. Mojo
    90
    Beautifully recorded, this is intimate seduction for voice, elegant finger-picked guitar and not much else. [May 2004, p.93]
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  17. Filter
    84
    With honeyed vocals and the tender touch of acoustic guitar, he is already showing signs of songcraft perfection on his second LP. [#9, p.109]
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  18. Tiny Mix Tapes
    70
    Beam's voice is streamlined and a little too perfect for fans of his prior music who felt, with good reason, like Beam was serenading them from their living rooms.
  19. Logo
    80
    Reveals Sam Beam to be a songwriter of exquisite talent and enviable inspiration.

Awards & Rankings

32
#32 Best Album of 2004
92
#92 Most Discussed Album of 2004
33
#33 Most Shared Album of 2004

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 49 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 44 out of 49
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 49
  3. Negative: 2 out of 49
  1. All_ButTrU4
    Feb 11, 2022
    5
    A sparse intimate long rest in warm park grass,unburdened. It feels soft and sincere.
  2. vvsl10
    May 14, 2016
    10
    His best effort ever while Sodom South Georgia is the gem of the album where Mr. Beam tackled his haunting experience about his father's deathHis best effort ever while Sodom South Georgia is the gem of the album where Mr. Beam tackled his haunting experience about his father's death and made it a juxtaposition with his daughter's birth which was ingenious. Very exhilarating, mature, and calming album altogether.… Full Review »
  3. KerimBlue
    Mar 25, 2012
    9
    At first, the album feels too slow, way too careless. The songs seem to have the same melody and just copy off one another. However, withAt first, the album feels too slow, way too careless. The songs seem to have the same melody and just copy off one another. However, with further listening, they become some of the most beautiful songs written of the naughties. They make me want to lay out on a summer day and just look up at the sky, my ears hearing each word and instrument with great delight.… Full Review »
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