User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 15 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 15
  2. Negative: 1 out of 15

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  1. Jan 19, 2021
    9
    Based on the critics’ score (69), What Will We Be is severely underrated. Devendra Banhart’s style changed significantly after his 2005 album Cripple Crow, and even more after his 2007 album Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon. He became less aligned with “freak folk” and more aligned with a singer-songwriter vibe, which is basically what he has continued with to this day. This album seems toBased on the critics’ score (69), What Will We Be is severely underrated. Devendra Banhart’s style changed significantly after his 2005 album Cripple Crow, and even more after his 2007 album Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon. He became less aligned with “freak folk” and more aligned with a singer-songwriter vibe, which is basically what he has continued with to this day. This album seems to be about not knowing where you’re going in life, but that being OK because life is a journey. I just made this album sound really corny, but don’t let that dissuade you. The songs on this album are some of Mr. Banhart’s most warm, comforting, and beautiful. This is Mr. Banhart’s loosest, funkiest album to date as of January 2021. There are also moments of straight-up jamming, not unlike some live Grateful Dead. Overall, this collection of songs is very heady and intoxicating. I highly recommend What Will We Be to anyone who likes spontaneous, iconoclastic singer-songwriter music with a loose, hippied-out vibe. Expand
  2. Apr 14, 2013
    9
    My favourite album by Devendra Banhart, filled with lush sounds and influences. It's perhaps not as fluid, with some songs "jumping" to another but it certainly doesn't get you off your cloud. For some people it might be considered a grower, I had the luck to fall instantly in love with it.
  3. Aug 14, 2011
    9
    First I wasn't sure about WWWB, he has some amazing albums and this one sounded a bit different, but its an inspiration. Whether its the music or the lyrics the albums positive message jingles and jangles along, Foolin, Chin Chin and Rats are especially good. Sometimes it can sound a little drawn out but it grows on you as you realise the Devendra worldly style.
  4. Apr 2, 2011
    10
    This is an album that cannot be skimmed through. Listening to each individual is a treat to the ears- they start off slow and soft, but there's always a twist towards the middle and end, such as Chin Chin Muck Muck. First Song for B is the best example of this. The end is absolutely beautiful and heart felt. WWWB is a fantastic album- it is still very Banhart, though the developmentThis is an album that cannot be skimmed through. Listening to each individual is a treat to the ears- they start off slow and soft, but there's always a twist towards the middle and end, such as Chin Chin Muck Muck. First Song for B is the best example of this. The end is absolutely beautiful and heart felt. WWWB is a fantastic album- it is still very Banhart, though the development expected from artists who have created several albums is clear. Expand
Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 25
  2. Negative: 1 out of 25
  1. Butler’s done well to harness the fuller ideas first explored on "Smokey" but, in doing so, has sacrified raw Devendra for something just a bit too, well, Bees-y.
  2. 70
    A big improvement over 2007's ho-hum "Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon," it's also the most consistently satisfying full-length he's made.
  3. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    Maybe he's listening a little too closely to his spirit animal, but either way, the guy sure sounds inspired. [30 Oct 2009, p.58]