Wilco (The Album)
by Wilco
  • Record Label: Nonesuch
  • Release Date: Jun 30, 2009
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 34 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 34
  3. Negative: 0 out of 34
  1. Slant Magazine
    60
    It doesn't help that Wilco is such a complacent album, so easily redolent of sounds and textures the band has called up in the past.
  2. PopMatters
    60
    While Wilco (The Album) has its strong moments, it does not have many innovative ones.
  3. The Guardian
    60
    It's well written, nicely produced and tastefully retro, with a few vaguely experimental bits.
  5. No Ripcord
    60
    The major problem is that this doesn’t sound like a band that’s pushing itself any more, or at least not making the same sort of pushes that lead to the brilliant sucker-punch of Yankee Hotel Foxtrot and the vastly underrated A Ghost Is Born.
  6. Dot Music
    60
    Like a slightly under-serving best of, though, we get glimpses of what they've done before, but nothing substantial enough to set a new high-water mark.
  7. Lost At Sea
    54
    To simply not want to skip tracks isn't exactly saying anything, and certainly not that Wilco has made any kind of return to relevance. But Jeff the person is doing just fine, and instead of chastising this release, let's be happy that the guy who gave us more serious, occasionally harrowing masterpieces such as Summerteeth and Yankee Hotel Foxtrot finally seems to be having some fun. Next time it'd be nice if he let us in on it.
  8. Tiny Mix Tapes
    50
    Wilco (The Album) isn’t a failure--not by any means--but when a band has become so attached to the notion of change and then stagnates, it casts a heavy shadow that’s hard to escape.
  9. cokemachineglow
    50
    Clearly, this record is boring. Whether or not that’s a good thing remains up to your discretion.
  10. Dusted Magazine
    40
    Wilco is a Great Band, if you like stuff that’s boring. And a lot of people seemingly do.

Awards & Rankings

61
#61 Most Discussed Album of 2009
26
#26 Most Shared Album of 2009

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 71 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 58 out of 71
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 71
  3. Negative: 1 out of 71
  1. j30
    Sep 22, 2011
    7
    The album feels uneven, you have some really good songs and some mediocre songs. Wilco (The Song) and Bull Black Nova are two key tracks that I love.
  2. TheDaveHimself
    Jun 30, 2011
    7
    Of course, there isn't necessarily a bad song on here. After all, it's Wilco. As far as an album goes, it seems a bit misguided, but thatOf course, there isn't necessarily a bad song on here. After all, it's Wilco. As far as an album goes, it seems a bit misguided, but that doesn't make it something to avoid. Jeff Tweedy said this album has "something for everyone" and plays like a compilation of their entire career. For instance, "Bull Black Nova" sounds like a b-side from A Ghost Is Born and "Country Disappeared" wouldn't be a stranger on Sky Blue Sky. If you're just getting into Wilco, this is a decent starting point. If you're like the rest of us who've followed the band for years, it's a pleasant reminder that your favorite band is still making music.… Full Review »
  3. mhmusicnmovies
    Sep 8, 2010
    8
    Solid album from Wilco. They somehow manage to change their sound a bit with each record, and though they may not sound much like Uncle TupeloSolid album from Wilco. They somehow manage to change their sound a bit with each record, and though they may not sound much like Uncle Tupelo any more, Tweedy and Company know how to make music. This may not be their best, but its a nice listen.… Full Review »
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