Picaresque
by The Decemberists
Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 32 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 32
  3. Negative: 1 out of 32
  1. AllMusic
    80
    While Picaresque follows its predecessor's -- the treacly Her Majesty -- predilection for seafaring and mythology, its boot-covered feet are more firmly planted in the present, resulting in the group's most accessible -- and decidedly upbeat -- product to date.
  2. Pitchfork
    83
    In developing into such a formidable flock, the Decemberists not only have far outstripped those ridiculous comparisons to Neutral Milk Hotel that dogged Her Majesty, but have also allowed Meloy to widen his lyrical scope and hone his ambitious narratives.
  3. PopMatters
    90
    The effect is one of musical theater.
  5. Uncut
    70
    Cuts deeper and sharper than previous Decemberists efforts. [Sep 2005, p.116]
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  6. Rolling Stone
    70
    Picaresque is a triumph of theatrical imagination: the culmination of the Decemberists' steady march to greatness in four years of enriched storytelling and folk-rock invention.
  7. Under The Radar
    90
    The group had a lot of hype to live up to and they nearly managed to do it. [#9]
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  8. The Guardian
    100
    For fans of chiming, literate, lovelorn pop, Picaresque is an absolute treasure trove.
  9. Drowned In Sound
    80
    Picaresque is more than an indie-pop album, it's a collection of eleven lavishly arranged acts rife with the whiff of greasepaint and the roar of an adoring crowd, which you should be a part of.
  10. The A.V. Club
    80
    Sounds brighter and deeper than anything The Decemberists previously attempted.
  11. Spin
    83
    Though [Meloy] rarely cracks a smile, he finds creativity in defeat. [Apr 2005, p.101]
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  12. Paste Magazine
    80
    The Decemberists’ first two records—Castaways and Cutouts and Her Majesty (both in 2003)—felt a touch spotty.... Picaresque trumps them both by dint of its focus, consistency and restraint.
  13. Entertainment Weekly
    91
    [Meloy's] lyrics skip across history... and overflow with mellifluous rhymes. [25 Mar 2005, p.71]
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  14. Alternative Press
    90
    The more realized updates of [Her Majesty] that crowd out the backed of Picaresque reveal a wit so bizarre and vaudevillian beauty so ultimately endearing that by the end, Meloy's sprawling form of theatrical folk has us all. [Apr 2005, p.116]
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  15. Tiny Mix Tapes
    100
    It's hard to imagine The Decemberists topping such a fantastic and ambitious record, but as their previous albums show, I'm sure they'll have no problem one-upping themselves again.
  16. No Ripcord
    80
    Their best full length yet.
  17. Magnet
    70
    The album refines rather than revamps the Decemberists' approach; it's the brightest panel of a triptych, not a new exhibit. [#67, p.95]
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  18. Austin Chronicle
    78
    Where 2003's Her Majesty the Decemberists unfurled tales of royalty, and debut Castaways and Cutouts talked of the sea, Picaresque drafts a whole new cast of characters just as colorful.
  19. Blender
    80
    Gleams with emotion. [Apr 2005, p.113]
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  20. Filter
    84
    The tunes are almost more like short stage scenes than mere songs about people, but the band does well to prevent them from coming off as cheesy allegories so that even the illiterate boors out there can enjoy their downright pretty moments. [#15, p.101]
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  21. cokemachineglow
    90
    While Picaresque is a significant step forward, it’s also a logical one. The band’s sonic palette has expanded gradually from album to album, and appears to have come full circle here.
  22. Billboard
    90
    "Picaresque" is by far the Decemberists' best work to date.
  23. Stylus Magazine
    83
    “I am a writer, writer of fictions,” Meloy claims on “Engine Driver,” and that’s exactly what he does, but it’s what everyone else does too, the only real difference being Meloy hits the thesaurus and maritime literature a bit harder than most.
  24. Delusions of Adequacy
    80
    Another accomplished, cohesive effort that finds the group continuing to tweak without significantly changing its sound.
  25. Urb
    70
    This is XTC times Elvis Costello plus the finest moments from the Americana greats and then some. [Apr 2005, p.108]
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  26. Splendid
    80
    Picaresque is dense and complicated, but only rarely threatens to tip under its own weight.
  27. Lost At Sea
    90
    It’s amazing to see how the Decemberists have grown. The songs from their first EP, 5 Songs, seem like a man and an acoustic guitar, where Picaresque feels like a full blown orchestra.
  28. ShakingThrough.net
    90
    Picaresque features some of Meloy’s most assured songwriting... What makes Picaresque a great album, however, is the snug synthesis between the rest of the bandmates playing in relation to Meloy’s verbose lyrics.
  29. Neumu.net
    90
    This is The Decemberists' strongest release to date, and proves that the group's unique thesaurus-rock has a bright future.
  30. Junkmedia
    80
    While the music is as delicious and diverse as ever, the Decemberists' meal ticket is Meloy's unmatched lyrical prowess, which borders at times on mod-Shakespearean.

Awards & Rankings

55
#55 Best Album of 2005
58
#58 Most Discussed Album of 2005
73
#73 Most Shared Album of 2005

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 127 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 115 out of 127
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 127
  3. Negative: 9 out of 127
  1. kheas
    Oct 9, 2017
    10
    Picaresque came out in March of 2005 under the Kill Rock Stars Label. Written by lead singer Colin Meloy, the album itself was named after aPicaresque came out in March of 2005 under the Kill Rock Stars Label. Written by lead singer Colin Meloy, the album itself was named after a style of fiction that ‘depicts the adventures of a rough and dishonest but appealing hero’. It is an album that could be considered folk rock or indie rock but even that doesn’t do it justice. To me, it’s just good. for more: http://wp.me/p93it6-w3… Full Review »
  2. alternativeman7
    Feb 16, 2016
    9
    Picaresque is my personal favorite Decemberists album, it balances all they do better than any of their other albums: you get the acousticPicaresque is my personal favorite Decemberists album, it balances all they do better than any of their other albums: you get the acoustic ballad Engine Driver, a fun one with 16 Military Wives, and the amazing story on The Mariner's Revenge Song. It's my favorite and I keep coming back to it time and time again, don't miss out!… Full Review »
  3. moonman1994
    Dec 15, 2012
    9
    Great album with several really good songs my favorites being 16 Military Wives and The Infanta. Both of which have excellent lyrics andGreat album with several really good songs my favorites being 16 Military Wives and The Infanta. Both of which have excellent lyrics and instrumentation. This album also has a variety of sounds on it so you won't be bored and most of songs have a great story if you really listen to them especially The Mariner's Revenge Song. Well worth the money!… Full Review »
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