Why Should The Fire Die?
by Nickel Creek
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 27 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 27
  3. Negative: 2 out of 27

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  1. ClintM
    Sep 2, 2005
    9
    If Chris Martin (Coldplay) and Alison Kraus were to have some babies and raise them listening to Fleetwood Mac, you would have the same result as Nickel Creek's latest album. Breautiful, Often Bitter...Brilliant.
  2. CharlesB
    Oct 11, 2005
    9
    This is one of the most incredible albums i've heard this year. Nickle Creek is the kind of group that everyone can appreciate. I will scream from the roof tops about his album. Their talent crosses so many genres.
  3. PatrickD
    Oct 13, 2005
    8
    Quite different compared to the mellow sounds of This Side. At first listen, one may be confused that this is Nickel Creek at all, but after a few listens growing on you, the sheer brilliance shines through on every track. The instrumentation is complex and first rate. The only issue I have is with the recording process. This Side was very clear to the listener, in that every word sung Quite different compared to the mellow sounds of This Side. At first listen, one may be confused that this is Nickel Creek at all, but after a few listens growing on you, the sheer brilliance shines through on every track. The instrumentation is complex and first rate. The only issue I have is with the recording process. This Side was very clear to the listener, in that every word sung could be heard clearly and every instrument could be heard very well. Not so much here as the sound sounds compressed, much of the detail being lost, which is a real shame. Their next album needs to return to the previous recording process to get the most out of the recording.… Expand
  4. Casey
    Dec 5, 2005
    10
    Incredible effort by amazing musicians. The trio explores deeper themes than their previous releases, and the risk paid off.
  5. ChristopherC
    Oct 6, 2005
    9
    Amazing album that transcends through every preconceived pigeon hole. The lyrics are haunting, moving and beautiful. The harmonies are uniquely exquisite. Every listen the listener can find new territories of layered acoustic to rest one's ear upon. Recomend to any indi-rock fan.
  6. FredS
    Sep 13, 2005
    8
    A different sound but still great music. The group continues to reinvent itself, this time without producer Alison Krauss. Helena even includes a rocking drum beat, very different for a blugrass album.
  7. Seamuss
    Sep 1, 2005
    10
    An easy contender for album of the year. Brillaint, smooth. It flows with a warmth that embraces the emotion displayed in this modern folk masterpiece.
  8. LaurenO
    Oct 3, 2006
    10
    Nickel Creek really comes into their own on this record. They are truly original. One of the things I've always loved most about them is the conviction in their voices.
  9. ScottC
    Nov 5, 2005
    9
    Of all the albums I have heard this year, this is among the best. It combines the best of the previous two albums to create a fun and lush sound.
  10. AlexM
    Oct 16, 2005
    8
    There is much to like from this album. There is a definite change in the progression and sounds of this CD, but no one can doubt that if the members of Nickel Creek truly felt a need to produce traditional bluegrass, they could return to those roots immediately. All three are immensely talented in vocals, song writing, and instruments, so why not sit back and see what they produce when There is much to like from this album. There is a definite change in the progression and sounds of this CD, but no one can doubt that if the members of Nickel Creek truly felt a need to produce traditional bluegrass, they could return to those roots immediately. All three are immensely talented in vocals, song writing, and instruments, so why not sit back and see what they produce when tackling other types (i.e. indy rock, "bluejazz", etc.) of music? Songs like "Can't Complain," "Somebody More Like You," "Doubting Thomas," and even "Best Of Luck" prove that Nickel Creek can easily mimic other singer/songwriters in the Indy Pop market yet often times produce more compelling results.… Expand
  11. MarshF
    Dec 23, 2005
    10
    This album is one of the best ever. Dont listen to village voice, they dont know what they are talking about. NC is not what they say. Sure the album is different than nickel creek's eirlier work, like "Cowpoke", but they were only kids then! There are so many great things on this album, like the songs "When in Rome", which is such an amazing track, "Jealous of the Moon" has one of This album is one of the best ever. Dont listen to village voice, they dont know what they are talking about. NC is not what they say. Sure the album is different than nickel creek's eirlier work, like "Cowpoke", but they were only kids then! There are so many great things on this album, like the songs "When in Rome", which is such an amazing track, "Jealous of the Moon" has one of the most beautiful riffs at the beginning of the song. "Eveline" has such haunting lyrics and a droning melody. My favorite track, "Helena" is one of NC's best tracks ever, the building of that song is great. And the amazing "Douting Thomas" shows nickel creeks christian side, as chris sings those amazing words. And the title track is so incredible, it cant be put in words. Of course there are down points, like "Cant Complain", which kinda is no good, lyrics just dont work, but even if this album was just one song with "Helena", it would still be a 10, its so good. So be quiet Toby Keith, you cant grade an album 0 for buying the wrong album. This CD rocks, and you all know it. So go home, throw your old nickelback CD's away. Smash those Pharrel albums with a hammer. Delete your Green day crap from iTunes. AND GET THIS CD!… Expand
  12. SeanR
    Oct 4, 2005
    8
    Could have been better. As opposed to their two previous albums the guitar was overwhelming and not enough variations of riffs. The fiddle and mandolin weren't used to their full potential. Great album but was dissapointed.
  13. ArjunJ
    Jun 22, 2006
    9
    Incredibly creative. As good as this is, the best is yet to come.
  14. JeffW.
    Sep 26, 2007
    10
    After a couple years of listening, Why Should the Fire Die still intrigues and engages me every time I hear it. I listen to all types of music (from Buck 65 to Beatles), and I would recommend it to anyone who will give it a serious listen.
  15. DougO
    Nov 12, 2005
    10
    Best album of 2005, easily!
  16. Mack
    Nov 5, 2005
    10
    This album is amazing. Yes, it does signal a change from the last time out, but those who cannot handle the subtle (and not so subtle) changes (such as Terry W below) are being far too stodgy and close-minded. This trio is displaying incredible growth and diversity with this recording and their move away from the 'traditions' of bluegrass is nothing but a (successful) attempt to This album is amazing. Yes, it does signal a change from the last time out, but those who cannot handle the subtle (and not so subtle) changes (such as Terry W below) are being far too stodgy and close-minded. This trio is displaying incredible growth and diversity with this recording and their move away from the 'traditions' of bluegrass is nothing but a (successful) attempt to overcome the restrictive constraints that their genre places on them anyway. They're an amazing group with remarkable talent, and we're lucky to have such a genuinely great band around today in a world full of talentless and vapid corporate music.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

47
#47 Best Album of 2005

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. AllMusic
    80
    Why Should the Fire Die? is a brave album that warrants more than a passing glance from country and bluegrass purists, and the full support of the indie rock/folk/pop community.
    Read full review
  2. Amazon.com
    70
    Why Should the Fire Die? is certainly the trio's boldest and most creative album, albeit one that might not appeal to their earliest fans.
    Read full review
  3. Entertainment Weekly
    91
    Steeped in tradition... but also flirts with pop immediacy. [19 Aug 2005, p.144]
See all critic reviews »