User ratings in Music are temporarily disabled. More info

What Comes After The Blues
by
What Comes After The Blues Image
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 6 Ratings

  • Summary: This disc marks the first new studio recording for the Jason Molina-led four-piece since he dropped the Songs: Ohia name. (Just to be confusing, however, the new band name was the title of the last Songs: Ohia album.)

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. Tiny Mix Tapes
    90
    Once upon an Axcess and Ace, this was a musician who would let his timid voice and simple themes sink in until they were a full part of the consciousness. Now, and more so than on the MEC premiere, strings, slide guitar, peddle steel, banjo, violin, trumpet, and piano are filling in every cranny to create less of a full-on effect, but an equally satisfying rash of strong songs.
  2. Uncut
    80
    Molina's songs achieve the kind of epic, majestic sweep his ambition and talent have long suggested. [Jun 2005, p.104]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. Alternative Press
    80
    The first five tracks just feel like the opening act for the stripped-down, twangy acoustic trilogy that closes out the album. [May 2005, p.172]
    All this publication's reviews
  4. PopMatters
    70
    A plaintive, low-key affair that sounds like a full retreat from the grand, thumping Magnolia Electric Co. and live Trials & Errors.
  5. AllMusic
    70
    A record of quiet fire, fueled by an electric/acoustic guitar dynamic and the determined waver in Molina's vocals, which have strengthened considerably since Songs: Ohia.
  6. Pitchfork
    64
    Maddeningly inconsistent.
  7. Q Magazine
    50
    Heralds a move from mine-shaft fug to West Coast freeway haze. [Jun 2005, p.120]
    All this publication's reviews

See all 16 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. EricF
    Apr 21, 2005
    9
    Excellent slice of americana, similar to Anders Parker or Sun Kil Moon
  2. Mickey
    Apr 19, 2005
    9
    I'm a Jason Molina fanatic, so I think the man can do no evil, but this album is just beautiful. I'm at a loss for words.
  4. IanR
    Apr 16, 2005
    8
    After Trials and Errors, I was expecting this to be a little more rock oriented (and it certainly sounds that way at first), but there's After Trials and Errors, I was expecting this to be a little more rock oriented (and it certainly sounds that way at first), but there's actually some pretty mellow, somber Jason Molina with an acoustic guitar tracks on the second half of the album. Still, it's a great batch of songs... not quite as good as Songs: Ohia'a amazing "Magnolia Electric Co.," but it's close.… Expand
  5. WayneB
    May 18, 2005
    8
    This is one Jason Molina release that might require repeated listenings to sink in, but once it does, I'm guessing it will stay in This is one Jason Molina release that might require repeated listenings to sink in, but once it does, I'm guessing it will stay in regular rotation for many months. Also, saw the band on their recent tour and I was smitten by the songs live presentations! Overall, a must for any fan of Molina's prior projects and a great intro to anyone who has always wondered about this guy (especially those raised by the sonics of Neil Young or Will Oldham).… Expand
  6. MorganK
    Apr 21, 2005
    8
    Not quite the epic masterpiece that was the self-titled album, and a little on the short side, but still stunning and beautiful.
  7. jpotts
    Apr 20, 2005
    7
    Its o.k. but I would argue the versions of the songs on "Trials and Errors" are actually better. I'd encourage anyone new to Molina to Its o.k. but I would argue the versions of the songs on "Trials and Errors" are actually better. I'd encourage anyone new to Molina to purchase it or Songs:Ohia's "Magnolia Electric" to understand why -- even when they are not 100% behind an album like "Blues" -- critics want to be understood as supporting his overall project.… Expand