The Invisible Way
by Low
  • Record Label: Sub Pop
  • Release Date: Mar 19, 2013
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 36 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 36
  3. Negative: 0 out of 36
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  1. Record Collector
    Jun 4, 2013
    60
    Low still sound beautiful, but there’s a nagging feeling that The Invisible Way represents a slight drop-off in focus.
  2. The Quietus
    Apr 5, 2013
    50
    It's a record that doesn't undermine their body of work, but nor does it stand out as a career-defining highlight.
  3. Slant Magazine
    Apr 1, 2013
    50
    Low has found what they do well and occasionally even exceed the standards they've set for themselves, but the stoicism and gradual build that comprises the band's best songs is at times defeated by their lyrical disinterest and repetition.
  5. The Independent (UK)
    Mar 15, 2013
    60
    This throws most of one's attention on the vocals, always the most engagingly evanescent aspect of their sound.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 20 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 20
  3. Negative: 1 out of 20
  1. Ziggerastica
    Feb 3, 2014
    9
    Low really are on top form! Their last album, C'mon, was a great piece of work and The Invisible Way continue in this rich and intense vein.Low really are on top form! Their last album, C'mon, was a great piece of work and The Invisible Way continue in this rich and intense vein. Featuring more of Mimi Parker's vocals (an excellent move), it features some fantastic singing alongside the usual unsettling, compelling guitars. My album of last year.… Full Review »
  2. come2whereiam
    Jun 1, 2013
    9
    I have always been a massive fan of both Low and Wilco so you can imagine my excitement when I heard that Jeff Tweedy was on production dutiesI have always been a massive fan of both Low and Wilco so you can imagine my excitement when I heard that Jeff Tweedy was on production duties for ‘The Invisible Way’ Low’s 10th studio album and upon hearing it I can assure you it’s a perfect match. Tweedy has, by keeping the band minimalistic, helped them make perhaps their finest work to date, a subtle and moving record that takes everything you loved about Low and turns it into something darkly beautiful. Piano dominates most of the eleven songs here as do Mimi Parker’s vocals and pushing her to the forefront is a stroke of musical genius, the frailty of her voice giving real gravitas to the songs themes. Opening track ‘Plastic Cup’ tells the story of how a cup used to collect samples to test for drug taking is uncovered many years in the future and revered as a kind of Holy Grail. ‘Just Make It Stop’ is stunning despite its subject matter ‘you see I'm close to the edge, I'm at the end of my rope, the rope is starting to thread, I'm trying to keep my hold’ confesses Mimi before pleading ‘If I could just make it stop’. Elsewhere acoustic guitars hide out in amongst the harmonies, shuffles and handclaps and when Mimi isn’t taking lead vocal she compliments Alan perfectly. Of course this being Low and Jeff there is still some experimentation to be had, the belting keys and fuzzed up guitars in ‘On My Own’ with its ‘Happy Birthday’ refrain for example. But for me the stand out track has to be ‘Clarence White’ a lament to the awesome beauty and destructive power of nature, gospel tinged it rumbles along at a faultless pace as Alan sings ‘You think it’s pretty, but I am a raging river, I’ll cut through your city, just like destroying angels’ for something so stripped back it has real power. And that is what makes these eleven compositions so special, laid bare and raw; you can see just how good a band Low are. Celebrating their 20th anniversary with Tweedy at the helm was definitely the right thing to do and as you will hear the results speak for themselves.… Full Review »
  3. ShepRock
    Mar 29, 2013
    10
    A perfect 20th anniversary present to all of us mature romantics who love the beautiful harmonies that Alan and Mimi bring to us when theA perfect 20th anniversary present to all of us mature romantics who love the beautiful harmonies that Alan and Mimi bring to us when the twilight hour seems the most comforting.… Full Review »
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