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The Head and the Heart
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The Head and the Heart Image
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62

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 22 Ratings

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  • Record Label: Sub Pop
  • Genre(s): Folk, Americana, Alternative/Indie Rock, Alternative Pop/Rock, Indie Folk
  • More Details and Credits »

Top Track

Lost in My Mind
Put your dreams away for now I won't see you for some time I am lost in my mind I get lost in my mind Momma once told me You're already home where... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 18
  3. Negative: 1 out of 18
  1. Beats Per Minute
    May 25, 2011
    82
    If they stick to the melodic folk at the core of their best songs, that fateful open-mic night could be the beginning of something really great.
  2. Uncut
    May 25, 2011
    80
    It's a long time since a debut album forged its influences into something quite as fresh and rich as this. [May 2011, p.87]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. Delusions of Adequacy
    Jul 1, 2011
    80
    If well-crafted folk-pop leaves you feeling lukewarm, by all means join the naysayers; otherwise, I'll be on the side of those dancing and singing along.
  4. musicOMH.com
    May 25, 2011
    70
    For all the humming and picking, the songs feel too similar to each other to hold interest throughout.
  5. Chicago Tribune
    May 25, 2011
    50
    More problematic are the melodies and the songs themselves; they strive for rousing resonance, a deep sense of loss, but often settle for pat prettiness and easy sentimentality.
  6. Austin Chronicle
    Sep 13, 2011
    40
    There's potential in the chemistry, but no daring.
  7. Pitchfork
    May 25, 2011
    38
    Conceptually, they're close to Mumford & Sons: opportunistic in their borrowings, yet entirely unimaginative in the execution. Theirs is a thoroughly timid, tentative take on Americana: roots music without the roots.

See all 18 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 1 out of 5
  1. BeauFuller
    Sep 9, 2016
    10
    Sorry user davidson, but this album isn't either of the two negative things you mentioned.

    It's both original and is quite far from being    Sorry user davidson, but this album isn't either of the two negative things you mentioned.

    It's both original and is quite far from being repetitive.

    Give this album a listen from an amazing band that might have had it's best work on it's first wide release album, which is getting more typical these days.

    I have some great memories attached to this album and with good reason, it's can hit you in the feels very often and can catch you singing along without even knowing it.    … Expand
  2. RamonGuerrero
    May 3, 2014
    10
    The Head and The Heart prove to be a powerful band, that includes folk aspects in metaphorical touching songs, their debut is, without aThe Head and The Heart prove to be a powerful band, that includes folk aspects in metaphorical touching songs, their debut is, without a doubt, a genuine piece of magic.… Expand
  4. imthenoob
    Mar 19, 2019
    10
    I remember just browsing through iTunes back when this album came out and the cover intrigued me enough to click on it and sample some stuff.I remember just browsing through iTunes back when this album came out and the cover intrigued me enough to click on it and sample some stuff. I ended up loving it and this album definitely holds a special place for me and it remains one of the very few albums I find myself going back to. Having 3 different singers provides a unique and despite having their own individual styles, Their harmonies are near perfect. I would highly recommend it.… Expand
  5. doughh
    Jul 20, 2021
    9
    This album is amazing. Many of the limitations such as their seemingly repetitive instrumentals may be seen as a downside, but in reality workThis album is amazing. Many of the limitations such as their seemingly repetitive instrumentals may be seen as a downside, but in reality work in the album's favor, being used as way of connecting each song together. By only using guitars and pianos with liminal editing, this album feels like listening to a live indie band at a small music hall, which I love. The lyrics weigh neither too boringly simple or too obnoxiously complex, which is a sentiment i wish other folk albums could carry. Overall, this album is very much worth listening to.… Expand
  6. davidson
    Dec 10, 2013
    0
    Repetitive and derivative., but at least it's repetitive.

    Over sentimental, overly borrowed, overly styled, overly lacking in content. I'm    Repetitive and derivative., but at least it's repetitive.

    Over sentimental, overly borrowed, overly styled, overly lacking in content. I'm sure there's someone trying on a tight fitting grey pleather jacket and seeing which pouty face goes with it and I'm sure this person likes the band and would make an impassioned argument against my claims. If it wasn't for the uninspired live performance I may have kept said opinion to myself. But sister, this is a cruel world and some people are gonna knock the stuff you like. And sister, sometimes they're right.    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

6
#6 Most Shared Album of 2011

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