Traffic And Weather
by Fountains of Wayne
  • Record Label: Virgin
  • Release Date: Apr 3, 2007
User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 32 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 32
  3. Negative: 2 out of 32

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  1. othos
    Apr 5, 2007
    5
    There may be no bigger FOW fan than I, but I must say that TRAFFIC AND WEATHER disappoints. Definitely, the weakest of their four efforts (not counting the B-sides compilation OUT OF STATE PLATES), TAW is lyrically insipid at points (the title cut is just stupid), and Schlesinger's production is too busy and synthesizer-happy. With the exception of "Strapped for Cash," "Yolanda There may be no bigger FOW fan than I, but I must say that TRAFFIC AND WEATHER disappoints. Definitely, the weakest of their four efforts (not counting the B-sides compilation OUT OF STATE PLATES), TAW is lyrically insipid at points (the title cut is just stupid), and Schlesinger's production is too busy and synthesizer-happy. With the exception of "Strapped for Cash," "Yolanda Hayes" and '92 Subaru," the compositions are subpar as well, and Collingswood's insistence on putting in the obligatory faux country song is getting a bit tiresome. All in all, I expected more from a four-year hiatus. Note to FOW: There is a reason why most bands get someone else to produce them. It's called objectivity.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

100
#100 Most Shared Album of 2007

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
68

Generally favorable reviews - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 28
  3. Negative: 4 out of 28
  1. Blender
    70
    On Traffic and Weather, their lyrical touch slips. [Apr 2007, p.114]
    Read full review
  2. Paste Magazine
    40
    The band simply reiterates earlier ideas less interestingly. [Apr 2007, p.54]
  3. Spin
    60
    It's like an alt-rock adaptation of a John Cheever anthology. [Apr 2007, p.87]
See all critic reviews »