The Stage Names - Okkervil River
Metascore
82 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 28 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 28
  3. Negative: 0 out of 28
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  1. Delusions of Adequacy
    100
    Everything is here: melody, harmony, great lyrics, smart instrumentation and pure emotion. It’s book ended by two of the best songs of the year and everything in between is music gold.
  2. Under The Radar
    90
    Each song is expertly crafted, with an amazingly punchy set of melodies delivered by an extremely tight band with sometimes larger arangements that never become fussy. [Summer 2007, p. 76]
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  3. Alternative Press
    90
    This album truely is a collection of gems. [Oct 2007, p.162]
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  4. Filter
    90
    Wildly alive, majestic and by turns brooding and raucous--often within the same song--The Stage Names burns with all the loneliness and adventure of a never-ending road trip.
  5. Prefix Magazine
    90
    With his band's fourth studio album, frontman Will Sheff stakes a claim here for the right to be called the best songwriter working right now.
  6. Pitchfork
    87
    Despite its density (they fit worlds into just nine songs), the album remains exciting and accessible, albeit highly sobering.
  7. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    Thanks to the fuzzy-folk-rock vibe, Names never feels like an undergrad lit class. [24 Aug 2007, p.133]
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  8. The A.V. Club
    83
    The Stage Names is a relatively straightforward roots-rock record, rounded out by clever, pop-culture-obsessed songs.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.8 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 59 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 34
  3. Negative: 0 out of 34
  1. Vampire25
    8
    I thoroughly enjoyed this whole album. From start to finish, it's a melodic, rhythmic triumph that gets better with each listen. All In All, Okkervil River never tend to fail.… Full Review »
  2. SaintGod
    10
    Better and more coherent than Black Sheep Boy, which basically means a perfect record. Can't wait to see what follows stage names and stand in's... Okkervil River: Stewardess. Will could make something incredible out of it, no doubt. I said it first. Honestly this record is perfect. Not just one of the best records of 2007 but taken with the Stand Ins after, stands among the best double albums, or taken alone, best albums, since contemporary music began. Seriously, the 60's where just a start people, get over it.… Full Review »
  3. ConnorG.
    10
    Incredible album, listen to the depth and you will be surprised. Look for the stories, the meanings and you will find that this is easily the best album out of 200...No contest, hands down.… Full Review »
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