The Civil Wars
by The Civil Wars
  • Record Label: Columbia
  • Release Date: Aug 6, 2013
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 22 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 22
  3. Negative: 1 out of 22
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. Wael
    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" 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.
  2. raviopatra
    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 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 ofThis 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.… Expand

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 29
  3. Negative: 2 out of 29
  1. Austin Chronicle
    Sep 5, 2013
    30
    Ultimately, The Civil Wars plays out lyrically insipid and completely oblivious to the fact that their vocals strive for meaningful but define overbearing.
    Read full review
  2. PopMatters
    Aug 30, 2013
    80
    The Civil Wars improves upon its predecessor.
    Read full review
  3. Record Collector
    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.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »