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. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. ArjunJ
    Jun 22, 2006
    9
    Incredibly creative. As good as this is, the best is yet to come.
  4. 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
  5. Casey
    Dec 5, 2005
    10
    Incredible effort by amazing musicians. The trio explores deeper themes than their previous releases, and the risk paid off.
  6. DougO
    Nov 12, 2005
    10
    Best album of 2005, easily!
  7. 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
  8. 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.
  9. TobyKeith
    Oct 26, 2005
    0
    I bought this thinking it was Nickelback.... sadly it wasn't. I'd recommend my new album 'Honkytonk University' over this any day - TK
  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. 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
  12. 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.
  13. TerryW
    Oct 10, 2005
    3
    In 1965 at the peak of their popularity and in anticipation of exploring new territory with their up and coming album entitled "Why should the adoration expire?", the Beatles ditched their long time musical companion, mate and producer George Martin along with the original title "Rubber Soul" in order to go for that groovy sound that Sam the Sham and the Pharohs had been so successful In 1965 at the peak of their popularity and in anticipation of exploring new territory with their up and coming album entitled "Why should the adoration expire?", the Beatles ditched their long time musical companion, mate and producer George Martin along with the original title "Rubber Soul" in order to go for that groovy sound that Sam the Sham and the Pharohs had been so successful with("Wooly Booly") in winning the favor of Teeny Boppers the world over who preferred listening to music on those nifty little hand held transistor radios instead of their parents old HI-FI rig. The loss of the "5th Beatle" along with the supurb engineering staff resulted in a dull and uninspired reflection of their previous creative prowess. The recording initially sold well carried by the momentum of the past, but soon languished and fell into obscurity along with successive efforts, having lost the bulk of the the original fan base that included many parents who were turned off by the terrible sound and weak compositions. It seems that the lads listened to and believed all the hype about them being geniuses and such. George Martin was this old guy who apparently didn't praise them sufficiently, so they parted ways and unwittingly sewed the seeds of their own undoing. Who knows the musical and creative heights that may have been reached if the Beatles would have stayed with what worked for them and remained focused on the sincere exploration of the artistic process rather than succumbing to the seductive allure of self adoration. Well anyway that could have happened. I am a devoted fan of Nickel Creek and consider "This Side" to be one of the greatest recordings ever made. To enlist the producer of Smash Mouth to carry them down their new path has to rank as one of the worst decisions a musical entity has ever made. The recording sounds like it was done by an amatuer with blown ears using a cheap consumer digital recorder and monitoring on his computer speakers. It may be the worst I've ever heard. Clearly targeting the MP3 generation, this "Production" is nothing short of offensive on a decent system and quite unlistenable. The song writing is sub par for these guys and the dominance of Thile doing paradies of himself is unbearable. Even Sarah is now affecting her voice to sound like all the other hep female artists out there. The Sean Watkins solo piece is trite and unworhty. They have become a mediocre rhythm section with hardly any of their usual instrumental brilliance. The leap from the wonderful "Nickel Creek" album to the astounding "This Side" was hoped for this time as well, but instead was a shocking fall from grace and a dive into the sticky quagmire of ego-laden bad taste from which few recover. I hope they do however, for they were may favorite and such potential is tragic when lost. I haven't given up, but I do feel it's important to hold artists feet to the fire so that they know for certain when it begins to die.… Expand
  14. 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.
  15. 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.
  16. MattA
    Sep 13, 2005
    6
    Smart, adventurous music...not so smart lyrics.
  17. 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.
  18. 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.
  19. 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.

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 »