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The Civil Wars
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The Civil Wars Image
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 29 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 22 Ratings

  • Summary: The second release for the duo Joy Williams and John Paul White followed an announced hiatus in November 2012 due to "internal discord and irreconcilable differences of ambition."
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  • Record Label: Columbia
  • Genre(s): Folk, Americana, Pop/Rock, Alternative/Indie Rock, Contemporary Singer/Songwriter, Alternative Singer/Songwriter
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Top Track

Sacred Heart
Quand je marche dans la rue La rue vers le Sacré-Cœur Je me souviens des promesses Au nom de l'amour Je, Je vais t'attendre là Viendras-tu pour... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 29
  3. Negative: 2 out of 29
  1. Absolute Punk (Staff reviews)
    Aug 6, 2013
    95
    [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.
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    Jul 31, 2013
    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.
  3. Consequence
    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.
  4. Boston Globe
    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.”
  5. AllMusic
    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.
  6. Q Magazine
    Aug 20, 2013
    60
    It's the same stark template of vocals, acoustic guitars and assorted surprising adornments, but they save themselves from the overworthy trap by those voices. [Sep 2013, p.100]
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  7. New Musical Express (NME)
    Aug 12, 2013
    30
    Too often their over-earnest delivery is unbearable.

See all 29 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. 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 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.… Expand
  2. 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"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.… Expand