The Meadowlands
by The Wrens
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 103 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 92 out of 103
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 103
  3. Negative: 9 out of 103

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  1. tortle
    Sep 14, 2017
    10
    Nothing short of essential. Packed with emotion, none of it facile, and laden with surprising hooks throughout. Every time I listen, I am amazed anew.
  2. PimW.
    Aug 15, 2007
    10
    Wow. It feels like receiving a precious gift to discover an album like this. Never heard of the Wrens before but gave it a try after reading all the user comments at metacritic. three months later and I am still overwhelmed by the pure quality and originallity of the music. Every song has great in- and outro's and unbelievably sticky melodies. Still, the diversity is great. All songs Wow. It feels like receiving a precious gift to discover an album like this. Never heard of the Wrens before but gave it a try after reading all the user comments at metacritic. three months later and I am still overwhelmed by the pure quality and originallity of the music. Every song has great in- and outro's and unbelievably sticky melodies. Still, the diversity is great. All songs add something to the whole instead of repeating another. Not being able to get the tunes out of my head is probably the only negativity I can think of with this masterpiece. Can''t wait for the Wrens to bring out the next. Give it a try, at least 5 times and you'll be sold completely. Enjoy!… Expand
  3. JamesS.
    Aug 10, 2007
    10
    Someone must have paid a pretty penny to have Q-magazine to lie and bring their metascore down. This is truely a one band in a million's masterpiece. If you spread the songs out over ten different albums with a bunch of filler (ala major label spin), ever one of these songs would be a hit single. The Wrens deserves so much more respect and praise.
  4. BenH
    Apr 30, 2007
    10
    Just fantastic. Right off the melodies and chords of this album is pleasing, but you can listen more and more and realize how genious the lyrics and every other aspect of the album are. This is my favorite ever.
  5. Joachim
    Mar 7, 2007
    10
    It's just an incredible album. I know I am only repeating what masses of people have said before me, but having discovered the Meadowlands album only just prior to X-mas 2006, I just can't stop playing it. There are so many totally overwhelming tunes on it, and whereas I one day can be totally in love with "She sends kisses" (which, although there's too many brilliant songs It's just an incredible album. I know I am only repeating what masses of people have said before me, but having discovered the Meadowlands album only just prior to X-mas 2006, I just can't stop playing it. There are so many totally overwhelming tunes on it, and whereas I one day can be totally in love with "She sends kisses" (which, although there's too many brilliant songs to single out one in particular, I after all must say is probably THE greatest song on this fantastic record), I can find myself in awe over "13 months in 6 minutes" the next day. Or be passionate to "Hopeless". Or indeed just chill to the tunes of "Boys, you wont". Thank you for sharing this with the world, Wrens lads.… Expand
  6. TtableWhy
    Feb 19, 2007
    8
    I had never heard of Wrens before and this is not the type of music I usually would expect to like, given that it is (for want of a better description) straightforward bar-band type rock'n'roll with just guitar, bass, drums, vocals and no real sparkly guitar riffs/melodies/solos. It is quite dark and chordy. I usually prefer psychedelic, "creative", bright melodic stuff like I had never heard of Wrens before and this is not the type of music I usually would expect to like, given that it is (for want of a better description) straightforward bar-band type rock'n'roll with just guitar, bass, drums, vocals and no real sparkly guitar riffs/melodies/solos. It is quite dark and chordy. I usually prefer psychedelic, "creative", bright melodic stuff like Super Furry Animals, Of Montreal. "This boy is exhausted" was the only song to really attract me on first listen. After about 4 listens, though I began to love all of the songs. The song structures really seep through and the depth and melodies are really beautiful and the singing is great and passionate. Its my favourite album of 2006 along with Destroyer and Midlake and Final Fantasy.… Expand
  7. JohnR
    Feb 15, 2007
    10
    It takes a lot of listens to fully get it but this is the greatest album I've ever played and ai've played a few thousand!
  8. JustinC
    Sep 14, 2006
    10
    Buy a CD, put it down after a year or so of straight listening, pick it back up, and realize, "Hey, this really is one of the greatest CDs of all time"
  9. JoshB
    May 27, 2006
    10
    Amazingly complex from great all around songs like "happy" all the way to pumped up rocking tracks like "per second second". Best CD I've owned....ever.
  10. ArmandoA
    Feb 19, 2006
    9
    "Happy" alone makes the album worth buying. A lot of other excelent good tunes in there, though.
  11. PekkaP
    Dec 8, 2005
    10
    Love it. There's still people around who make good music. Did I say good, I meant, of course, excellent.
  12. SterlingT
    Dec 2, 2005
    10
    I love this album. It's the best music I've heard in the past year.
  13. haly
    Nov 14, 2005
    9
    This is an excellent album. Understated yet complex, its whispery brand of indie rock breathes maturity into a youth-driven realm with bleary-eyed hopeful melodies and tales of life's disapointments. Its lesson is that the strugges are ubiquitous, but the small intermittent comforts we get out of life are what make it all worth it.
  14. jamess
    Oct 25, 2005
    10
    Amazing.
  15. henkvanb
    Oct 9, 2005
    10
    Brilliant
  16. AaronS
    Oct 7, 2005
    10
    An amazing, tasteful collection of indie rock. Not only was this best album of 2003, it's also the best album that I have heard so far in this decade.
  17. NickL
    Sep 22, 2005
    9
    Listening to this knowing nothing of their previous work, each song was pleasantly surprising to say the least and by the end of it the only thing I wanted to do was play it over again. And again. This album hits a spot on the musical spectrum I always knew existed but never really thought I'd hear. Beautiful.
  18. SethH
    Jul 20, 2005
    10
    This is an incredible album. It takes everything that was good about the Wrens' previous albums and matures it into something far better than anyone could have wished for. Absolutely essential.
  19. DanC
    Jul 4, 2005
    10
    A great, great, great album. An amazing collection of songs that are much greater collectively than individually, the utter antithesis of most single-driven alt rock. An album you will listen to again and again, miss when it's not playing, try to convince your friends to buy, and dream of at night. My absolute favorite album since Wilco's yankee hotel foxtrot. Listen to it now. A great, great, great album. An amazing collection of songs that are much greater collectively than individually, the utter antithesis of most single-driven alt rock. An album you will listen to again and again, miss when it's not playing, try to convince your friends to buy, and dream of at night. My absolute favorite album since Wilco's yankee hotel foxtrot. Listen to it now. Right now!!!… Collapse
  20. matta
    May 27, 2005
    8
    This is a good album but there are lots of better indie rock albums that have much lower scores. I'd be interested to see what their score would be like if there were more reviews. Faster Gun kicks ass.
  21. Brendan
    May 9, 2005
    10
    Best record of the last 5 years, anyone who hasn't heard it listen, and if you can see them live, by god do it...
  22. [Anonymous]
    May 3, 2005
    10
    record that broke my heart into 1000000 pieces ;)
  23. NaytivG
    May 2, 2005
    8
    This one CD has been a wonderful insight into the vision and spirit of the Wrens. It shows a real creative progression. The tempo is unpredictable and ultimately very satisfying. I can't wait for the next one.
  24. Steve
    Apr 21, 2005
    10
    Two years after buying this album, it's still occupying my CD player. Absolutely remarkable.
  25. Eurospeaking
    Mar 9, 2005
    1
    I thought indie was dead and buried. Sadly... it's not! This CD mainly contains a sickening mix of immature ballads and nerdy skaterboi-up-tempo tracks; obviously made to please pubertile 14 yos with an issue...
  26. DouglasV
    Mar 1, 2005
    10
    Awesome.
  27. TerrenceO
    Feb 28, 2005
    10
    Best album of 2003, with out question. Flawless, beautiful. I could go on but im lazy.
  28. captaintruth
    Feb 13, 2005
    6
    Not bad ... most of the songs drag it out a bit too long, which isn't helped by the plodding tempos, even on the "rock" songs like Everyone Chooses Sides -- sort of a poor man's Urge Overkill. The acoustic songs are better, but nothing about the playing is going to grab you.
  29. HollisH
    Jan 5, 2005
    10
    Perfect. Thanks guys.
  30. altry
    Dec 26, 2004
    10
    Yes!
  31. davidw
    Dec 15, 2004
    10
    This is one of my favorite cd's of all time. It is one of the cd's that I listen to atleast once a week. Each song on this disc has a special place in my heart. They are also an incredible live act (if you get a chance to see them).
  32. nomorbushit
    Dec 9, 2004
    9
    These guys ought to break with this cd, but probably won't and that sucks. I say re-Release it until people wake up. In the meantime, (note to the wrens) Please keep evolving. I love where you are going. oh, and i love this cd.
  33. Chris
    Nov 8, 2004
    10
    "Everybody Chooses Sides" may well be the best f**kin' ROCK song written in the past decade. A mixture--without being at derivative--of The Clash, The Godfathers and supersonic The Wrens. Believe me: it takes off like a three-stage rocket and propels you into the stratosphere. And, better yet, it is but one of MANY great songs on this CD. ("She Sends Kisses" & "This Boys Exhausted" "Everybody Chooses Sides" may well be the best f**kin' ROCK song written in the past decade. A mixture--without being at derivative--of The Clash, The Godfathers and supersonic The Wrens. Believe me: it takes off like a three-stage rocket and propels you into the stratosphere. And, better yet, it is but one of MANY great songs on this CD. ("She Sends Kisses" & "This Boys Exhausted" to name but two others). Don't be fooled by the jaded fools and never-ending s**tstream of failed-at-rock poseurs who (a) think that anything that sells is garbage, (b) can't do and so endlessly criticize, and (c) can do, are needlessly envious or bitter, and cannot stand any competition. "Meadowlands" is superlative, and the best $$$ I've spent on a CD in ages. The rockers rock, and the slower tempo songs are equally intriguing. … Expand
  34. Jasont
    Sep 18, 2004
    9
    Highly recommended. This album is basically for everyone that likes a good melody, not just indie rockers or pseudo hipsters. This is a band that should be selling out much larger venues than shite nu-metal and "the vines-esque" bands are.
  35. JamesC
    Aug 18, 2004
    10
    Incredible.
  36. EdEd
    Jul 17, 2004
    10
    I thought I was going to make a mix-tape for a girl I'm trying to impress. Y'know include stuff from a whole bunch of my favorite bands. Broken Social Scene, The Junior Boys, The Walkmen, The Olivia Tremor Control; keep out the weird stuff but make sure its songs she's never heard before etc. But, now, at 1:56 in the morning and on the second straight listen through of the I thought I was going to make a mix-tape for a girl I'm trying to impress. Y'know include stuff from a whole bunch of my favorite bands. Broken Social Scene, The Junior Boys, The Walkmen, The Olivia Tremor Control; keep out the weird stuff but make sure its songs she's never heard before etc. But, now, at 1:56 in the morning and on the second straight listen through of the Medowlands I think maybe I'll just give her this and let her be blown away by it... but really this would make a better brake-up album, these guys sound so disenchanted. So I'll probably put 'She sends kisses' in it and end with '13 months 6 minutes' and hope for the best.… Expand
  37. TKlassen
    Jul 2, 2004
    10
    I recently ranked my top 70 LPs of the 'modern rock' era (1977-present) for a friend to peruse... 'Meadowlands' I listed at No. 3, if only because I thought being out less than a year I couldn't place it No. 1... I am however fairly sure this album will hold up to the test of time... it kicks my a** and gives me goosebumps with each and every listen
  38. ASault
    Jun 26, 2004
    10
    If you like indie rock, you must buy this album
  39. DrModesto
    Jun 25, 2004
    10
    Best album of '03
  40. IanV
    May 26, 2004
    10
    excellent
  41. KevinD
    Apr 30, 2004
    9
    What with the Shins, The Stills and The Wrens its almost like pop has found a second wind. This album is essential (except for This Boy Is Exhausted which is disposable nu-metal rubbish) and almost brings me to tears with each listen.
  42. StefanoT
    Apr 19, 2004
    10
    Astonishing. Simply the best album of the year, one of the best indie rock albums I've ever heard. Touching, perfectly crafted, with gems upon gems. Hats off.
  43. RobL
    Apr 8, 2004
    10
    I think the Wrens are the only band where I can't decide which of their albums is my favorite one. They're all brilliant in their own way. The Meadowlands had a lot to live up to for me, as Secaucus and Silver are two of my favorite albums ever. It definitely succeeded. That it's done from sort of a different approach than their previous full-lengths makes it all the more I think the Wrens are the only band where I can't decide which of their albums is my favorite one. They're all brilliant in their own way. The Meadowlands had a lot to live up to for me, as Secaucus and Silver are two of my favorite albums ever. It definitely succeeded. That it's done from sort of a different approach than their previous full-lengths makes it all the more impressive. Like their previous records, I can't stop listening to it. The fact that these guys still aren't one of the more renowned indie rock bands around is a fucking crime. … Expand
  44. AlanB
    Mar 31, 2004
    10
    Simply put: the best album of 2003. I listened to it, literally, ten times in a row; just in awe of how wounded, fresh, and dynamic this album is. This is a must have for anyone who has a grasp of the human condition.
  45. DavidH
    Feb 24, 2004
    10
    I'm totally new to this band but I don't often have this kind of reaction to a band so overwhelmingly. This is a work of incredible power, depth and the genuine love of creation. Buy it NOW!
  46. monkeyboy
    Jan 10, 2004
    9
    mature losers at love
  47. pacohdez
    Dec 23, 2003
    9
    Fabulous & superb...
  48. Meat
    Dec 16, 2003
    9
    Where have you been all my life?
  49. timd
    Dec 8, 2003
    10
    Best album of the year! "The Meadowlands" is like "Almost Famous" ten years after the band didn't live up to their hype recast with casualties of the post Nirvana indie flood. Beautiful and heart breaking. Like "All That You Can't Leave Behind" for people that cherrish Pavement over R.E.M.
  50. TerryS
    Dec 3, 2003
    10
    This get's my imaginary vote for Best Album of 2003 - splendid on dizzying levels.
  51. jamiek
    Dec 2, 2003
    10
    i've watched the wrens grow musically from the beginning. with each year and turn, they grow more and more. they have certainly outdone thenselves with this album. absolutly magnificent!
  52. abef
    Nov 10, 2003
    10
    you gotta be kidding, right? where's the filler?? I've been conditioned through years of industry abuse to tune out at least half of an albums songs. but now I have to maintain rapt attention for all 56 minutes?
  53. RonG
    Nov 6, 2003
    10
    Serves as both the perfect gift for the girl you can't get out of your mind and the perfect kiss-off to the girl you can't seem to get out of your life.
  54. PatK
    Nov 5, 2003
    10
    Album of the year...
  55. Aphex
    Nov 3, 2003
    10
    The songwriting on this album is a cut above anything that i've heard released all year. This disc has a beauty and power that few bands can pull off. I first listened to this CD with headphones on and found myself completely lost in the music by the second song.....amazing.
  56. bobg
    Oct 18, 2003
    10
    The defining moment.
  57. wackyman
    Oct 17, 2003
    9
    Apart from visions of the jesus and mary chain through their music, the wrens are building on a fine, personal stylished indie/shoegazing sound. the music is beautiful and it feels like they play it with such ease. Great effort!
  58. NattyB
    Oct 17, 2003
    10
    This album is as heart-rending as Secaucus was eerily rocking. This is one of the best albums I own. If anyone can better express pain, betrayal, and weary disillusionment, I have yet to see it.
  59. BlakeP
    Oct 13, 2003
    9
    It's good, but that "Kisses" song does stink, Scarecrow.
  60. JeffH
    Oct 8, 2003
    10
    I've heard of the wrens on a sampler Cd I bouth in '96. Thoose two songs have left such a big impression for me to track them down today. I beleive that they are on of the best band I have heard. "Good rainy day music that will put you in a good mood."
  61. SteveGozdecki
    Oct 3, 2003
    10
    Almost unbelievable.
  62. ScareCr0w
    Oct 3, 2003
    10
    First off, Steve Gozdecki at neumu.net is an idiot. 'She Sends Kisses' is one of the most beautifully crafted songs this year. Schlocky? No, Steve, not 'schlocky'.

Awards & Rankings

29
#29 Best Album of 2003
21
#21 Most Discussed Album of 2003
98
#98 Most Shared Album of 2003

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
85

Universal acclaim - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. Delusions of Adequacy
    100
    The Meadowlands is absolutely essential.
    Read full review
  2. Stylus Magazine
    89
    With about twenty killer lines or couplets per song, unexpected hooks coming from everywhere and one of the most ingenious track sequences of the year, it’s not really so hard to imagine what The Wrens have been doing all this time.
    Read full review
  3. Neumu.net
    70
    With all four members taking the mic, cohesion should hardly be expected. Yet, for all the different styles the band employs on this album, all but the closing number seem indelibly stamped as this band's work, uniquely The Wrens.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »