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Welcome Interstate Managers
by
Welcome Interstate Managers Image
Metascore
86

Universal acclaim - based on 24 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 91 Ratings

  • Summary: The New York-based indie-pop band, led by Adam Schlesinger and Chris Collingwood, returns with a long-awaited third LP.

Top Track

Stacy's Mom
Stacy's mom has got it goin' on Stacy's mom has got it goin' on Stacy's mom has got it goin' on Stacy's mom has got it goin' on Stacy, can I come... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. Splendid
    100
    Welcome Interstate Managers is a watershed accomplishment, surpassing the band's debut in terms of whimsical pop songcraft, lyrical astuteness and blind melodic ambition.
  2. ShakingThrough.net
    96
    Not only their crowning achievement to date but also one of the year's finest albums, period.
  3. The A.V. Club
    90
    Even at their most piercingly observant, Collingwood and Schlesinger never lose their warmth for their subjects, and their lack of condescension comes through in the music, as well.
  4. Billboard
    90
    The group encapsulates the Atlantic seacoast just as 1980s twangers the dBs embodied the South and the Beach Boys captured California.
  5. Delusions of Adequacy
    80
    No doubt, the music that falls between the Beatles and Bacharach extremes suffers slightly from adherence to formula, but few can boast such immediately memorable melodies. What surprises, though, is the care that they take with the lighter side of their music.
  6. AllMusic
    80
    This time, the one flaw may simply be that the group doesn't know when to say when.
  7. Uncut
    40
    They're diminished by trying to touch too many bases, often lapsing into sub-Oasis stodge. [Oct 2003, p.114]
    All this publication's reviews

See all 24 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 48 out of 58
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 58
  3. Negative: 6 out of 58
  1. nyynut2798
    Sep 24, 2010
    10
    Great! This is one of the best albums of the last decade. If you don't own it buy it now. Every song is well written and performed. It says aGreat! This is one of the best albums of the last decade. If you don't own it buy it now. Every song is well written and performed. It says a lot for an album when you know the next song is really good, but you can't hit the skip button because the one playing is just as good.… Expand
  2. BStabile
    Nov 13, 2003
    10
    These versatile, talented, able musicians have produced a collection that my little boy (3 and a half) and I can't wait to hear whenever These versatile, talented, able musicians have produced a collection that my little boy (3 and a half) and I can't wait to hear whenever we're in the car. He calls Little Red Light "Oh no" and "Stacy's Mom" "Stacy's Mommy". Being a 48-year old fan of rock'n roll, I hear echos of Simon & Garfunkel, Smithereens, Beatles, Kinks. This is one that will have the longevity of "Can't Buy a Thrill". … Expand
  4. Dillynd
    Sep 1, 2005
    10
    this is the best cd ever made they rock the party and will rock on forever!ROCK ON
  5. BrianM
    Jun 21, 2003
    9
    This is FOW's best album to date. Extremely catchy, polished pop-rock.
  6. timE
    Jan 13, 2005
    9
    the Shins who? Don't believe the hype about that overrated band. This is the record that lives up to the hype and more. Get it fast! Get it now!
  7. MaxM
    Jul 9, 2003
    8
    Each album has had its strengths and this one is equal to its predecessors in every aspect. One of the year's ten best so far!
  8. DavidW
    Nov 8, 2003
    0
    this band and this album suck

See all 58 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

17
#17 Best Album of 2003
25
#25 Most Discussed Album of 2003
41
#41 Most Shared Album of 2003

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