Wilderness - Archer Prewitt
Metascore
81 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 20 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 20
  2. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. Wilderness is Prewitt's most accomplished solo effort to date. He has craftily corralled the large scale orchestral sweep of White Sky, but kept the intimacy of the guitar/voice confessionalism of Gerroa Songs.
  2. Languidly pretty. [21 Jan 2005, p.88]
  3. A fantastic work of art from a modern master of pop music. [#9]
  4. Wilderness is another absolute gem.
  5. The consistency of Wilderness' eleven songs is almost overwhelming.
  6. Though the songs eschew familiar structures, their triumphant, readily accessible moments occur with surprising frequency; multiple hooks litter the lengthier compositions, and the shorter pieces usually contain at least two winsome passages.
  7. 80
    Showcases Prewitt as an original melodic writer and arranger. [Feb 2005, p.99]
  8. The finest work of this talented individual's solo career thus far.
  9. A gentle yet insistent collection of songs, Wilderness is marked by its subtle beauty and meticulous attention to sonic detail.
  10. Both fastidious and unassuming, Wilderness never begs for attention, but often rewards it just the same.
  11. 80
    Love and heartbreak hasn't sounded this good since Matthew Sweet's Girlfriend. [#9, p.70]
  12. Wilderness is nothing if not consistent, and even its dullest points are palatable given the right mood.
  13. The lyrics are urgent, but the delivery is complacent, and that makes for an odd (yet strangely rewarding) listening experience.
  14. 70
    His gentle voice sits amid occasionally baroque arrangements, the simplicity of which ensure his more complex songwriting skills remain accessible. [Feb 2005, p.76]
  15. Jim O'Rourke's solo work comes to mind on tracks like Leaders, but there's more emotional depth here. [Feb 2005, p.102]
  16. Prewitt combines the low-key melancholia of Nick Drake with the symphonic aspirations of Brian Wilson.
  17. Wilderness has a few disposable songs: the second half in particular drags on a little bit as different tracks become pretty much indistinguishable. However, the downtime and background amidst moments of appeal channels the spirit of '70s AM radio pretty accurately.
  18. It's complex, deeply melodic, carefully arranged and (for the most part) very satisfying.
  19. For all it lacks in the pop-song department, it's not a bad pop record.
  20. Prewitt's songs take their time unfolding, giving the album a meditative quality that's pretty admirable. [#14, p.105]
User Score

Universal acclaim- based on 12 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. [Anonymous]
    9
    Absolutely beautiful songs!
  2. AndrewT
    9
    Could be his best work yet outside of S&C, including what he did with the Coctails
  3. JackW
    6
    Each of the songs on the album have a rambling quality that prevents them from forming cohesive wholes. These are not pop songs traditionally crafted and melodically there is little that unites each composition. I find myself drifting off listening to this, not from relaxation but boredom. The songs don't strike me as particularly insightful nor beautiful. the pottery barn comment seems apt, but even here the songs lack the melodic robustness of norah jones style crooning. Full Review »