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. Dusted Magazine
    30
    Over rudimentary, skiffle-derived hooks, a kitchen-sink orchestra creates an aura of portent. Then in steps Meloy, doping up the whole affair with empty melancholy until it has to breathe through a tube, wailing big words in a forced accent that conveys despair but fails to signify its cause, fails to signify anything.

Awards & Rankings

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

User Reviews

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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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