User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 9 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 9
  2. Negative: 0 out of 9
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  1. Mar 31, 2012
    6
    Recorded in Justin Vernon's studio, third album of Bowerbirds - "The Clearing" is somewhat the essence of folk. We can find a carefree, but also pathetic "Tuck In The Darkness", "In the Yard" - referring to the recent doings of Bon Iver, or purely acoustic "Walk the Furrows". Components of the songs such as the bridges in the "Brave World" at times did not stick to the main axis,Recorded in Justin Vernon's studio, third album of Bowerbirds - "The Clearing" is somewhat the essence of folk. We can find a carefree, but also pathetic "Tuck In The Darkness", "In the Yard" - referring to the recent doings of Bon Iver, or purely acoustic "Walk the Furrows". Components of the songs such as the bridges in the "Brave World" at times did not stick to the main axis, thereupon listener gets rather chaotic compositions. However, ignoring these minor shortcomings "The Clearing" can be stated as a good album. Expand
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 26
  2. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. Apr 12, 2012
    50
    The Clearing is nothing if not the sound of a band discovering a new home, musically, emotionally, and physically. The sound is far bigger than either of the previous fingerpicking-heavy records.
  2. Mojo
    Mar 22, 2012
    80
    Bowerbirds at their least bucolic, both expanding and focusing on a sound that is as timeless as The Band. [Apr 2012, p. 89]
  3. Mar 21, 2012
    80
    What's emerged here is more unpredictable, a transitional record that still feels complete.