The Hazards Of Love
by The Decemberists
  • Record Label: Capitol
  • Release Date: Mar 24, 2009
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 31
  3. Negative: 1 out of 31
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    33
    Hazards of Love drowns in convoluted plots, blustery guest vocalists, and comically out-of-place guitar shredding.

Awards & Rankings

36
#36 Most Discussed Album of 2009
68
#68 Most Shared Album of 2009

User Reviews

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User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 98 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 84 out of 98
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 98
  3. Negative: 5 out of 98
  1. MarcusH
    Jul 20, 2009
    10
    A work of sheet insane genius. I'm as gob-smacked on the 100th listen as the 1st -- even more so. This is a truly brilliant creation of A work of sheet insane genius. I'm as gob-smacked on the 100th listen as the 1st -- even more so. This is a truly brilliant creation of fine art and good ol' rock n roll.… Full Review »
  2. JeffP
    Jul 8, 2009
    10
    Colin has balls, he actually believes you can write songs that mirror the most tragic aspects of our society and make them hit home with the Colin has balls, he actually believes you can write songs that mirror the most tragic aspects of our society and make them hit home with the average 10 second attention span of today's listeners, something only Cobain has gotten away with in the last twenty years. An earlier User's comment alikened HOL to Thick as a Brick, I found this true from the first listen. The span of styles is amazing, the instrumentation superb, the story a sad comment on the degeneration of parenting skills. Just a treasure to get lost in.… Full Review »
  3. MattA
    Mar 26, 2009
    9
    I will just start by saying that those who say that this "Isn't a decemberists album" are completely and utterly wrong... besides the I will just start by saying that those who say that this "Isn't a decemberists album" are completely and utterly wrong... besides the fact that it's on the cover. The decemberists have been known to try new sounds, riffs, melodies and other means to match Colin Meloy's ambitons. The Hazards of Love is as close to a "Rock Opera" as we're are going to get now-a-days, and for that, i humbly applaude Colin for taking a risk and creating a fresh experience in these modern times. Now, i have to say that i am a HUGE decemberists fan, so i may be a bit biased in my review. However, being a fan, i can say that this album is not for everyone. It's very complex, emotionally driven, and one can't get singles from it... easily... The album is, However, very cohesive and succeeds in building and releasing in moments to create a full fledged story element, climax and all. If you are going to listen to this album, do it in one sitting... or on the car ride to and from work. It takes about an hour. I won't guarantee that all will like it, but if you've ever liked the decemberists and understand their lore and style...then enjoy. Listen to "The Tain" if you want a similar experience by the same band... consider it the "short film" to the "feature length."… Full Review »
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