• Record Label: 4AD
  • Release Date: Feb 3, 2004
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 20
  2. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. Mountain Goats have just added a further chapter in an ongoing saga of (micro) relationships examined against a backdrop of (macro) global concern, We Shall All Be Healed being the most explicit yet.
  2. This is a revelatory album for the Mountain Goats and the listeners; both Darnielle and the audience find new strength in his open vulnerability.
  3. 80
    Fragmented and disturbing, yet thoroughly refreshing.
  4. We Shall All Be Healed emphatically proves that Darnielle can create compelling, dynamic music beyond the comfortable confines of his living room couch.
  5. Alternative Press
    80
    Full of hopelessness and destructive defiance. [Mar 2004, p.94]
  6. Uncut
    80
    Despite--or perhaps because of--its viscous air of paranoia, this record is unputdownable. [Mar 2004, p.100]
  7. Darnielle's willingness to throw himself so completely into collaboration is what makes this effort such a triumph.
  8. Perfectly arranged and one of the best of 2004, it's an ideal starting point for newcomers.
  9. Q Magazine
    70
    Darnielle's striking way with a phrase makes songs about Milky Ways for breakfast and smelly flats into things of quiet wonder. [Mar 2004, p.107]
  10. Blender
    70
    They've adopted a crisp, unfussy style that assures the audibility of Darnielle's artful words. [Mar 2004, p.124]
  11. An odd, fascinating journey through the mind of a man who channels messages from horror movies, occult events, and other bewilderments, and turns them into songs.
  12. An underdeveloped and frail album.
  13. His gift for pissed-off poetry and left-field details remains intact.
  14. We Shall All Be Healed is complacent, formulaic for a trailblazer, lapped by Destroyer, optimistic-but-joyless in that it is pessimistic-but-punchy, and gooped with the silly putty of vagueness and cliché.
  15. The slight cracks that shone on Tallahassee are more visible, and unless you're a newbie to Mountain Goats lore, there probably won't be a whole lot new for you here.
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 14 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 14
  3. Negative: 1 out of 14
  1. Ariel
    Oct 7, 2006
    10
    I think what Olympia B meant to say was 'this CD is the bomb.' jahn darnielle is amazing. listening to his songs is like listening I think what Olympia B meant to say was 'this CD is the bomb.' jahn darnielle is amazing. listening to his songs is like listening to someone telling a beautiful story. Full Review »
  2. Two-LaneBlacktop
    Jul 4, 2004
    9
    Ok, it's not quite as brilliant as "All Hail West Texas" or "Tallahassee," but it wasn't fair of us to expect THREE flawless albums Ok, it's not quite as brilliant as "All Hail West Texas" or "Tallahassee," but it wasn't fair of us to expect THREE flawless albums in a row. Still, this is a GREAT set of songs in Darnielle's trademark style... what it lacks in firepower, it makes up for in texture and detail. 9 out of 10. Full Review »
  3. Nickg
    May 22, 2004
    10
    It's going to be hard to top this one. For the next one he's better off going sideways.