The People's Key
by Bright Eyes
Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 35 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 35
  3. Negative: 1 out of 35
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  1. No Ripcord
    Feb 25, 2011
    60
    There's not a lot fundamentally wrong with The People's Key; it's just that we know Bright Eyes can do better.
  2. Under The Radar
    Feb 23, 2011
    50
    The musicianship is outstanding, as one would expect, and Mike Mogis' production is, as usual, flawless, but the songs and direction simply aren't there.
  3. PopMatters
    Feb 16, 2011
    60
    It's funny: after all that growth, Conor Oberst chooses to end his Bright Eyes project right back where it all began-with an unapologetic declaration of solipsism.
  5. Pitchfork
    Feb 16, 2011
    50
    Every line is laid with the rich sense of rhythm and texture that he's mastered over the years, but it still adds up to very little: a wildly spiritual record without any spirit.
  6. Slant Magazine
    Feb 16, 2011
    40
    This overflowing sense of self has done more to define Oberst than anything else, and it continues on The People's Key, spilling into the contemporary malaise he invokes and the often brilliant poetic associations of which he's sometimes capable.
  7. The Independent (UK)
    Feb 16, 2011
    60
    The arrangements are pleasurable enough, less rootsy than before, with some skilled use of orchestration; but it's a shame to find such a gifted songwriter sounding so gullible.
  8. The Telegraph (UK)
    Feb 15, 2011
    40
    Ultimately it amounts to two decent tunes in the singer-songwriter pop idiom, padded out with angsty filler and hot air.
  9. Mojo
    Apr 6, 2011
    60
    Conor Oberst regroups with the band that made him. [March 2011, p. 94]
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  10. Uncut
    Feb 15, 2011
    60
    Problematically for a singer-songwriter, Oberst drops personal feelings, wry asides and hip references equally lightly--ultimately, you're disinclined to believe anything he says at all. [Mar 2011, p.85]
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User Reviews

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User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 41 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 35 out of 41
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 41
  3. Negative: 0 out of 41
  1. jtpnyc
    Feb 15, 2011
    9
    To me, this sounds like what I love about Bright Eyes yet something new at the same time. Seems to me that Conor and friends are filled withTo me, this sounds like what I love about Bright Eyes yet something new at the same time. Seems to me that Conor and friends are filled with good ideas. Not sure how a Bright Eyes fan could not like this? Sounds great to my ears, love it!… Full Review »
  2. davenbettridge
    Jan 2, 2012
    8
    My favorite songs on the album are: 1)Triple Spiral, 2)A Machine Spiritual (In the People's Key) 3)Jejune Stars. It took me a while to warm upMy favorite songs on the album are: 1)Triple Spiral, 2)A Machine Spiritual (In the People's Key) 3)Jejune Stars. It took me a while to warm up to this album as it is a little whacked but when I did I can gladly say its good, and while it's not Bright Eye's best, it does have some depth and good reflective lyrics as Bright Eyes is known for. I would also recommend checking out live versions of these songs as I feel that these recordings are not the best versions out there. Recommended.… Full Review »
  3. nicholkid
    Aug 30, 2011
    8
    Oberst is one of my favorite lyricists. He some how conveys deep messages with simple sentences. I can't fathom how a critic gave this album aOberst is one of my favorite lyricists. He some how conveys deep messages with simple sentences. I can't fathom how a critic gave this album a 30... on what basis are they reviewing albums? I also love the sermon that is sampled throughout the album, the ideas there are very interesting to me. Great listen.… Full Review »
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