Wincing The Night Away
by The Shins
  • Record Label: Sub Pop
  • Release Date: Jan 23, 2007
User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 188 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 162 out of 188
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 188
  3. Negative: 10 out of 188

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  1. dc
    Mar 8, 2007
    10
    this makes me happy. it's the best thing i've heard in a year. i fell in love with oh, inverted world, but was slightly disappointed by chutes too narrow. although it had strong songwriting, it was too crisp and in your face, which didn't keep with the gauzy, warm, multi-tracked, reverb tones of the first album. (i don't think at the time they'd adjusted yet to this makes me happy. it's the best thing i've heard in a year. i fell in love with oh, inverted world, but was slightly disappointed by chutes too narrow. although it had strong songwriting, it was too crisp and in your face, which didn't keep with the gauzy, warm, multi-tracked, reverb tones of the first album. (i don't think at the time they'd adjusted yet to better microphones, equipment, etc.) on this album i feel they've adjusted to better production and reclaimed their voice: a softer, more inviting, rich texture. it's gorgeous. for those of you who are questioning the songwriting, i think you're insane. that has been the constant factor on each of their albums. i think there's a touch of backlash with this band. if you're beyond all that, if you look to music for its beauty and craft rather than its social connotations, if you're not trying to figure out if you're SUPPOSED to like this band, then listen and enjoy. this is a really, really incredible record...as good as the first...in its own way. it baffles me that anyone would dismiss this album as sub-par.… Expand
  2. natalieportman
    Jan 24, 2007
    10
    man if i see one more natalie portman Garden State reference to begin a review i am going to SCREAM. I mean, fair enough that the bands popularity was very much aided by it, but does every single opinion of their music have to be reduced to the sooo predictable hype backlash? This is a great record Garden State or not
  3. ExperimentalWhat?
    Jan 26, 2007
    10
    The Shins did no more experimenting on this album than on Oh! Inverted World. Wincing the Night Away merges the sounds of both previous albums and adds a degree of maturity. Whether or not maturity equals better sound is debatable. This is a great album either way and proof that Mercer is a lyrical genius.
  4. Tj
    Jan 29, 2007
    10
    it just keeps me spinning in my chair. unbelievable melodies and rapturing harmonies.
  5. JimJ
    Feb 1, 2007
    10
    A great album!! The shins have evolved, this release is less euphoric than the previous LPs, but all the songs have a very distinctive identity. As usual, mercier's song writing is absolutely perfect.
  6. GeorgeB
    May 18, 2007
    10
    Smart, addictive, & polished...my favourite record this year (so far)
  7. Marsh88
    Jan 22, 2007
    10
    Amazing. Stunning, Different. "Australia", "Sleeping Lessons" and "Turn On You" are perfect.
  8. CoreyJ
    Jan 23, 2007
    10
    This is The Shins' best album to date. The sounds are deep and mature, and it provides more and more on each listen. The tracks are hauntingly beautiful, especially "Sea Legs," "Spilt Needles," and "A Comet Appears." Their trademark wincing whimsy is here with "Australia," "Phantom Limb," and the astonishingly amazing "Turn on Me," which could prove to be this album's best song. This is The Shins' best album to date. The sounds are deep and mature, and it provides more and more on each listen. The tracks are hauntingly beautiful, especially "Sea Legs," "Spilt Needles," and "A Comet Appears." Their trademark wincing whimsy is here with "Australia," "Phantom Limb," and the astonishingly amazing "Turn on Me," which could prove to be this album's best song. Let's hope Mercer and company continue in the direction they're headed; it's a beautiful one indeed.… Expand
  9. PhilipJ
    Jan 26, 2007
    10
    It surprises me how much this grew on me. A Comet Appears is one of the best songs I've heard in a long time. They didn't fall into the trap of experimentation where you lose what made you lovable in the first place. I don't care that the Shins are now "Your Mom's Favorite Indie Band". They are still my favorite band going on six years now.
  10. EdwinT
    Jan 31, 2007
    10
    One of the best albums Ive heard in a long time. Ive always loved music by the shins and this is probably their best album
  11. DuncanS
    Jan 31, 2007
    10
    Love it!!
  12. MikeP
    Feb 2, 2007
    10
    Fantastically different from what everybody else is doing at the moment. The Shins have their own little niche and I love what they've achieved on this new album. Chutes for now remains my favourite but songs like Australia and Phantom Limb are incredible standouts.
  13. drewp
    Mar 2, 2007
    10
    This is one album that can't easily be dissected into singles--no one of the songs is catchy or hooky enough to have one of your friends asking who's on the stereo, but the whole album is amazing! It's timeless without being retro or boring, and somehow it all these quirky songs add up to one VERY infectious and fun album.
  14. BillS
    Jun 5, 2007
    10
    Whoa. This is the best album I've heard in years. It's produced Shins with lots more sounds, the melodies are great, as are the lyrics, and voice. You people are hard to please!
  15. PeteS
    Jul 14, 2007
    10
    Easily the best walking-around-to music in quite some time. Eclipses Chutes as their best effort...lyrics are just as good, but the surrounding instrumentation blows it away.
  16. JackN
    Aug 4, 2007
    10
    The Shins are an acquired taste, they are one of those bands you either love or hate. I love them, so you can tell this will be bias. I think this is as good if not better than Chutes To Narrow, it seems like the best parts of their first two combined and built upon. The only problem I have is Sea Legs, it is the only song they have written that I skip, but the rest definitely make it The Shins are an acquired taste, they are one of those bands you either love or hate. I love them, so you can tell this will be bias. I think this is as good if not better than Chutes To Narrow, it seems like the best parts of their first two combined and built upon. The only problem I have is Sea Legs, it is the only song they have written that I skip, but the rest definitely make it better than a lot of the crap that people put out now.… Expand
  17. yngvel.
    Sep 25, 2007
    10
    Probably the best album of 2007!!!
  18. JoeE.
    Jan 22, 2007
    10
    Every time I tell myself I'm just going to listen to one song on this album, I break that promise and find myself having to listen to the whole thing. So it's not the hit after hit after hit that Chutes was. It's worlds calmer, but at the same time, it is just damn good songwriting, and in my opinion every bit as good, if not better overall, than their past two offerings.
  19. anonymous
    Dec 29, 2007
    10
    the shins are at their best, in my mind, when experimenting with many different genres in 1 album. in wincing the night away, the shins have a song for every mood, and the music flows almost as well as one their first 2 albums. The shins are a playful indie rock group, and analyzing the singles only kills it. To enjoy this album, you have to just listen and let yourself be swept away.
  20. MattD.
    Jan 24, 2007
    10
    A mix of great, straight up pop/rock and pretty, more textured experiments. Just as good as Chutes Too Narrow in my opinion.
  21. Billy'sWrong
    Jan 24, 2007
    10
    This album is great. And don't listen to Billy below, just listen to the album. Most of the songs seem to follow a pretty logical progression from earlier albums - and the few "experiments" do not "fall flat" as some reviewers say - they're some of the strongest songs on the album. I don't love everything the Shins create because I think I should, I love everything the This album is great. And don't listen to Billy below, just listen to the album. Most of the songs seem to follow a pretty logical progression from earlier albums - and the few "experiments" do not "fall flat" as some reviewers say - they're some of the strongest songs on the album. I don't love everything the Shins create because I think I should, I love everything the Shins create because it's wonderful music that affects me personally. That's enough for me.… Expand
  22. TaylorF
    Jan 25, 2007
    10
    I would call myself fairly naive when it comes to their work as a whole. I have heard the previous albums through and through but never bothered getting them for myself b/c they just didn't grab me. Of course there are outstanding bits of songwriting and mood creation on their previous albums. The 2007 release has been playing non-stop on my work computer for most of this week. I I would call myself fairly naive when it comes to their work as a whole. I have heard the previous albums through and through but never bothered getting them for myself b/c they just didn't grab me. Of course there are outstanding bits of songwriting and mood creation on their previous albums. The 2007 release has been playing non-stop on my work computer for most of this week. I can't stop listening and it is the experimentation and mood exploration that keeps the album so fresh and dynamic. Embrace this album b/c we haven't had anything this exciting in some time. I can't wait to see these guys now.… Expand
  23. HenryJR
    Jan 25, 2007
    10
    It might not be a 10 but we need the average to go way up. I love this album. It's subtle but gripping.
  24. JesseB
    Jan 25, 2007
    10
    Wow. The Shins continue to produce music that is different and better than anything else out there and this album is no departure. The music is bursting with energy and dark spaces all at once, which begins with the haunting opening track. The songs seem to begin as simple pop ditties and then layer upon layer are added to make each a mini masterpiece. The experimentalism on this album Wow. The Shins continue to produce music that is different and better than anything else out there and this album is no departure. The music is bursting with energy and dark spaces all at once, which begins with the haunting opening track. The songs seem to begin as simple pop ditties and then layer upon layer are added to make each a mini masterpiece. The experimentalism on this album makes it not just a great album but a groundbreaking masterpiece. In 20 years Wincing the Night Away will undoubtedly be looked upon as one of the great albums of our time.… Expand
  25. thatguy
    Jan 26, 2007
    10
    Not a disapointment in any way, wait a while and people will come around and see it for what it is: a great album
  26. brittac
    Apr 15, 2007
    10
    i am completely broken-hearted that someone would say this album is a waste of time.. really now.. if you enjoyed the previous 2 albums at all, there is NO way you wouldn't like this one as well.. in fact, i really can't choose a favorite between the three.. but i do know that all of their albums are among my very favorites, and this particular gem hasn't gone without a i am completely broken-hearted that someone would say this album is a waste of time.. really now.. if you enjoyed the previous 2 albums at all, there is NO way you wouldn't like this one as well.. in fact, i really can't choose a favorite between the three.. but i do know that all of their albums are among my very favorites, and this particular gem hasn't gone without a good listen at least once a week since i got my hands on it.. do NOT pass it up.. i repeat, do NOT.. i don't know if i would say that the shins have evolved at all with this one, but it is every bit as whimsical and strangely moving as their other ones.. the shins may not play on the emotions in the same way as other artists do, but they have their own magic.. and i guess it's only a matter of taste or opinion.. but if you get what the shins are about, if you've got a feel for their magic, then you will be very sorry for passing up this album.. on a side-note: their music is best suited for an autumn drive on a drizzly day.. they're for when you want to feel solitary and just a bit melancholy [but not at all in a bad way].. kind of like sunny day real estate.. i put them both in that category.. yep.. that is all.… Expand
  27. Cobweb
    Oct 11, 2015
    10
    It is so rare to encounter a flawless pop-rock album- too often, they're frontloaded with the catchiest tunes and let the second half be filler. But every track on this album serves its purpose- even the 50-second "Pam Berry" is used perfectly to build up tension before the opening bassline of the stunningly beautiful and romantic "Phantom Limb." "Limb," along with "Australia" and "Turn onIt is so rare to encounter a flawless pop-rock album- too often, they're frontloaded with the catchiest tunes and let the second half be filler. But every track on this album serves its purpose- even the 50-second "Pam Berry" is used perfectly to build up tension before the opening bassline of the stunningly beautiful and romantic "Phantom Limb." "Limb," along with "Australia" and "Turn on Me," are three of the best songs of the decade and easily amon the finest the Shins ever recorded. This album is truly flawless. I wouldn't change a thing.… Expand
  28. DavidE
    Jan 30, 2007
    9
    Another great release from a band that continues to have trouble writing a bad song.
  29. ObsceneMinstrel
    Jan 23, 2007
    9
    The Shins' last two albums were little darlings that I would pop on whenever I needed a catchy song to listen to but this one changes the score a bit. It's a really tight and witty masterpiece that explores James Mercer's darker, more narrative side that he's only given us glimpses at before. The music itself seems bouncy and punchy without skipping all over the place The Shins' last two albums were little darlings that I would pop on whenever I needed a catchy song to listen to but this one changes the score a bit. It's a really tight and witty masterpiece that explores James Mercer's darker, more narrative side that he's only given us glimpses at before. The music itself seems bouncy and punchy without skipping all over the place like the last two albums and production-wise the album reminds me of The Smiths circa "The Queen Is Dead." It's a grower, and it gets better every time you play it. Be prepared to spin it a couple times before all of their hooks catch and surprise you. And listen to it with the lyric book at least once through because all of the lyrics on the internet are wrong (as of the release, anyway). Wincing the Night Away is definitely one of my new favorite albums, one that I can play as many times as I want without it ever growing old. Check it out if you're into good lyrics and highly-melodic pop music.… Expand
  30. SueL
    Jan 29, 2007
    9
    I'm not that familiar with the first 2 albums so I come to Wincing relatively ubnbiased I think. I really like this album and its definitely going to be one of the best for 2007. I'm mesmerised by the beautiful Spilt Needles and am enjoying A Comet Appears, Phantom Limb is ok and the others are growing on me. So much to explore and appreciate on this album and yes, I'll go I'm not that familiar with the first 2 albums so I come to Wincing relatively ubnbiased I think. I really like this album and its definitely going to be one of the best for 2007. I'm mesmerised by the beautiful Spilt Needles and am enjoying A Comet Appears, Phantom Limb is ok and the others are growing on me. So much to explore and appreciate on this album and yes, I'll go back and check out the others now.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

88
#88 Best Album of 2007
27
#27 Most Discussed Album of 2007
80
#80 Most Shared Album of 2007

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 37 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 31 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 37
  3. Negative: 0 out of 37
  1. Amazon.com
    60
    Wincing is neither the clever genre recombinant exercise of their second album nor is it the perfect little self-contained universe of their debut. This is not the Shins' best album; it's their growing pains third record.
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  2. Playlouder
    60
    I usually find Shins albums grow on me slowly but surely yet after a good dozen plays I feel my faith isn't being repaid this time, and as a fan that's frustrating.
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  3. Rolling Stone
    70
    Wincing the Night Away feels labored. Gracefully realized though it is, you can hear the three-plus years Mercer spent pondering how to satisfy the expectations his surprise classic had created -- and also how to remain fresh and true to himself.
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