• Record Label: Columbia
  • Release Date: Aug 6, 2013
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 29
  2. Negative: 2 out of 29
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  1. Aug 5, 2013
    70
    Ultimately, the Civil Wars are impeccable craftsmen, taking weathered elements and repurposing them for something that feels new and never haunted by what came before.
  2. Aug 30, 2013
    80
    The Civil Wars improves upon its predecessor.
  3. Uncut
    Jul 31, 2013
    80
    The Civil Wars proves more than capable of producing its own dark drama. [Sep 2013, p.79]
  4. Aug 1, 2013
    70
    Darker and more intense than their Grammy-winning debut, their second LP solidifies a drama-heavy brand identity reflected in their band name.
  5. Aug 14, 2013
    65
    Whereas the debut evidenced White and Williams' exquisite knack for singing together, the set was somewhat heavy on ballads that sounded like they were made to soundtrack television dramas. The Civil Wars corrects this both in the song selection and in the way the compositions are delivered.
  6. Aug 5, 2013
    80
    It's unfortunate, really, since without any of that baggage [professional separation], The Civil Wars stands as a powerful and haunting collection that exemplifies Nashville's current fixation with slickly updating traditional themes.
  7. Aug 6, 2013
    83
    Even in the quieter moments, like Williams’ dreamy French lead vocal on “Sacred Heart” and album closer “D’Arline,” there’s the sense that such raw, bare emotion has enabled The Civil Wars to delve deep to intricate details, but also to amplify the internal conflict to greater heights.
  8. Aug 6, 2013
    80
    Working with producer Charlie Peacock, in spite of discord, the pair refine and expand the sound they architected into a more intense take on their tortured (implied) sexual tension.
  9. Jul 31, 2013
    80
    There might not be a “Poison & Wine” here, but taken as a whole, The Civil Wars is a more consistent collection than Barton Hollow.
  10. Aug 1, 2013
    80
    Serene yet disturbed, this is album that progresses the band well.
  11. 83
    While the result might seem a little like that awkward first post-split Christmas when Dad comes back and crashes on the couch, it turns out that, well, conflict suits them.
  12. Aug 5, 2013
    80
    The Civil Wars have gone from blithely conjuring a co-ed version of the Everly Brothers to making a tense, assertive Southern gothic album, complete with religious undertones, images of decaying locales, and tales of troubled relationships.
  13. Aug 6, 2013
    80
    The tension that fills The Civil Wars, giv[es] the songs a sense of weight and purpose that wasn’t apparent on their 2011 debut, “Barton Hollow.”
  14. Aug 23, 2013
    80
    It’s edgy, but civil, and it looks like the war will rage on for the time being at least, regardless of the outcome of each emotional battle.
  15. 80
    The Civil Wars is a testament to the power of their undeniable musical chemistry. It’s even better than their Grammy-winning debut, Barton Hollow.
  16. Aug 6, 2013
    76
    Its inability to be contained within one genre is the band’s strength and triumph.
  17. 75
    The Civil Wars is darker and more expansive than the group's sometimes-snoozy debut, with more varied tempos and instrumental contributions by Nashville pros.
  18. 80
    The Civil Wars offers up 12 perfectly elegant, subtly arranged Americana songs of bad love, misplaced emotion, cheating hearts, fighting and fleeing.
  19. Aug 5, 2013
    91
    Singer-songwriters Joy Williams and John Paul White brought in more instruments, added deeper textures and, in general, upped the intensity of the songwriting for their second effort.
  20. [The songs] are nothing short of radiant, from the perfect vocals to the organic, full-bodied arrangements, from the heart-rending lyrics to the way that producer Charlie Peacock surrounds everything in a smoky ambiance.
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 22 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 22
  2. Negative: 1 out of 22
  1. Jul 2, 2015
    9
    Hands down, this is one of the best folk-rock records I've ever heard. The duo pick up right where they left off with 2011's "Barton Hallow"Hands down, this is one of the best folk-rock records I've ever heard. The duo pick up right where they left off with 2011's "Barton Hallow" but with sharper tunes and stronger lyrics. Every single song on the album is a stand-out, except "Oh, Henry" which is a bit weak, but still digestible. The chemistry between John-Paul and Joy is relentless and better than ever. Great record. Full Review »
  2. Nov 19, 2013
    10
    This self-titled sophomore set is truly amazing and emotional. "The One That Got Away" got me all excited right off the very second it wasThis self-titled sophomore set is truly amazing and emotional. "The One That Got Away" got me all excited right off the very second it was released and waiting for the album was painful because it was way too intriguing. I got the album the very first day of its release, and it doesn't disappoint at all. My favorite track would be "Same Old Same Old" which offers just the right amount of sadness, happiness, introspective lyrics, and tremendous vocals. The Civil Wars is like a gift for popular music. Full Review »