User Score
Universal acclaim- based on 188 Ratings
User score distribution:
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Positive: 162 out of 188
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Mixed: 16 out of 188
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Negative: 10 out of 188
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MichaelC.Jan 31, 2008The second half of the album trails off in to okay, but kind of generic and bland pop music. But the first half is so mindblowingly good, I could care less. Sleeping Lessons, Australia, and Phantom Limb are among my favorite songs of the year. The Shins can make some incredible music.
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JSheetsMar 19, 2007pass this one up. A complete and total waste of time. The entire album sounds the same.
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KurtCobainJan 22, 2007The Shins give pop music a bad name. Go by Deerhoof's new album intead of this easy listening garbage.
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ToddWJan 26, 2007
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romanmcMar 5, 2007
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BillyGJan 23, 2007While this album has good parts to it, the rest is a befuddled mess. The Shins get good ratings because people are under the impression that they are supposed to love the Shins, even when they are shitting in your ears.
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GeorgeC.Feb 7, 2008This is a plea to stand-in guitarist Eric Johnson. Please Eric... please resurrect Fruit Bats before these douchebags end up dragging you and your creativity into the turd basket with them, and before Marty tries to beat up your girlfriend.
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tboneApr 29, 2007Australia is the only good song on the album. It's pretty much an homage to the baby boom generation and 60s music, which totally blows.
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Mar 19, 2020There isn't a loose song on the album. It's a shame 15 year old idiots give albums a zero score...
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paulFeb 4, 2007
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DavidEJan 30, 2007Another great release from a band that continues to have trouble writing a bad song.
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AndyFeb 1, 2007Chutes Too Narrow was one of the best, I knew it'd be hard to match up to that record. It seems like they try to but it all doesn't competely add up. It seem slike there are more songs that are filler than their past two albums combined. The "real" songs are fantastic but there should be more of them.
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GuyHFeb 5, 2007I came to this release a Shins virgin so I'm obviously not comparing this album to past releases. I'm impressed and will track down the previous 2 albums on the strength of this. The sound is quite understated and a little bit melancholy so the disc requires a few spins before it sinks in. Phantom Limb, Australia, Red Rabbits and Girl Sailor are the stand-out tracks.
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dcMar 8, 2007
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ObsceneMinstrelJan 23, 2007
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DougRJan 23, 2007Definitely another great Shins record but despite the surprising slighting by the critics above, "Chutes Too Narrow" is one of the most perfect alt-pop classics of all time. There is no way in Hell (see "Red Rabbits") that this album even comes close to the generation defining masterwork that its predecessor is.
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TylerJan 23, 2007For the most part the critics got it wrong. This is not the best Shins album. That title belongs to the brilliant Chites Too Narrow. This is a good album (what else could we expect) but not a great one. Standout tracks are Australia, Sea Legs, Split Needles, Girl Sailor and Turn On Me.
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DrunkenMasterJan 23, 2007Overrated whitebread whining for spoiled middleclass kids just a bit too old to be "emo".
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AdamWJan 23, 2007This album is good. Then again, they didn't take enough chances for it to be great or horrible. They seem content on their sound and it's probably their least interesting album.
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MartinoGJan 23, 2007Kurt Cobain doesn't know what he talking about. He probably only listen Nirvana since 15 years. This album was great and this is a good start for 2007 after a disapointing 2006.
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KevinOJan 24, 2007Lacks some of the punch and energy of Chutes, but I must say that I'm still intrigued by some of the sounds and melodies. Definitely need to listen more. I reserve my right to upgrade this score.
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natalieportmanJan 24, 2007man 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
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DavidAJan 24, 2007The lyrics/songwriting are great, I think it takes the best of Oh! Inverted world and Chutes too narrow.
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ExperimentalWhat?Jan 26, 2007The 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.
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TjJan 29, 2007it just keeps me spinning in my chair. unbelievable melodies and rapturing harmonies.
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SueLJan 29, 2007
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FancyPantsJan 30, 2007Very disappointed and surprised by all the great reviews this has gotten. I listened to CTN pretty much non stop when I got it, but I don't think I'll be pulling this one off the shelf too often. Sleeping Lessons is great, Australia is good and Phantom Limb has grown on me despite its plodding pace. But the rest is filler and unmemorable.
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DavidTJan 30, 2007A great album that may not be as immediately impressive as their previous two but one that grows and grows with each listen. I cannot get tired of this album.
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MikeHJan 30, 2007
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JimJFeb 1, 2007A 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.
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DeryWMar 7, 2007I've never really paid attention to The Shins until this made me sit up and listen. I don't think there is a dull moment in the album except "Pam Berry".
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nickhApr 1, 2007Quite a different sound than your probably expecting but this album really grows on you. I have to say i prefer the last couple albums but to be a great band i think they need to evolve and experiment while still delivering the nuances and such that you like them for, which can be found in here in spades. give it time to settle in.
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CaseyRDubyaApr 24, 2007Not bad. Don't really see what the difference between this record and their others is. Doesn't sound any worse or better to me. Decend band. Good record
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GeorgeBMay 18, 2007Smart, addictive, & polished...my favourite record this year (so far)
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johnJul 28, 2007Sounds like the past 2 records with a higher budget and the edges smoothed out.
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EthanSJan 22, 2007This album is near perfect because of one simple fact: It sounds exactly like the Shins. It expands on their sound in much the same way Chutes Too Narrow expanded on Oh, Inverted World. The production is tighter and more experimental, but they manage to stick perfectly to the signature sound that has made them everyone's favorite indie band.
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Marsh88Jan 22, 2007Amazing. Stunning, Different. "Australia", "Sleeping Lessons" and "Turn On You" are perfect.
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LennyTJan 22, 2007Mercer makes his melodies sound effortless.
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gregJan 22, 2007pretty good album.
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mikes.Jan 22, 2007The shins continue to improve with each release. This album has better production than their previous releases and the songs are catchier. The shins lead singer still has an odd sounding indie voice, but good song writing makes up for the weak vocals. Still he sounds much better than he has on previous records. A good indie album but not an essential listen.
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DaveJan 23, 2007Look, this is not the Shins' best album. This much is true. To trash on it or give it bad ratings as a result of this truth, however, is just irresponsible. This is still a very strong album and deserves to be rated as such.
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CoreyJJan 23, 2007
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DanB.Jan 23, 2007Good. Nowhere near as good as their first two. Granted, I've only listened three times and it might be one of those albums that grow on you. The first two albums, though, where those sort of albums that you knew instantly were good, and *then* they grew on you some more. Oh well.
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BenjaminWJan 24, 2007I'm a huge fan for a long time. This is an enormous disappointment. So much filler on this thing. I really wish it was better than it is.
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MattAJan 25, 2007I thought it was a great CD with plenty of excellent songs. My biggest compaint is that it was a bit short, and i feel that they could have taken more time to write a couple more worthwhile tracks to put on the CD... that's all.
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s.s.Jan 25, 2007Some songs like 'turn on Me' and 'Phantom Limb' are among their best while others are a sign of new influences of production and sound. A mixed bag album that we're not used to with The Shins, leaving the hope that the next one will be right on target with their newfound blips and cymbals.
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MichaelS.Jan 26, 2007
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PhilipJJan 26, 2007It 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.
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davidRJan 29, 2007A classic, ,that like other Shins albums, must be listened to multiple times to appreciate. For those still evaluating in the box of the first 2, keep listening, Sea Legs is a fusion gem...an amazing band!
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mattaJan 29, 2007This is The Shins best album to date (just barely better than Oh, Inverted World), but they are still one of the most overrated indie bands out there (Zach Braff and Garden State aside). Rogue Wave is much better.
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EdwinTJan 31, 2007One of the best albums Ive heard in a long time. Ive always loved music by the shins and this is probably their best album
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andreslJan 31, 2007i think they are getting such good reviews because of their previous albums but this one is clearly inferior. phantom limps and turn on me are great , while australia and sleeping lessons are good enough. the rest of the record just doesn't cut it. And there are some songs like Sea legs that are just bad. Too slick for my taste and not enough good songs.
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DuncanSJan 31, 2007Love it!!
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AnasFeb 12, 2007not nearly as amazing as the first two although there are some great tracks. my favorite is "red rabbits" and "sleeping lessons"
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LoganMFeb 12, 2007what a dissapointment!!! it sucks so bad, don't buy this unless you want to waste your money on a cheap album
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TomFeb 17, 2007Here we are, 7 years into the new century, and I can't think of any good or memorable new bands that have popped up in the last 7 years. Then I heard this album. The Shins give me hope for new popular music. And this one apparently the lesser of their releases?
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MosstinPFeb 18, 2007A cracking album. Unabashedly pop in excelsis. This is what The Shins do and what they will also do. Why complicate it? Gorgeous stuff.
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NeiloMplsFeb 19, 2007
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JosephKFeb 21, 2007It's not as life-altering as Natalie Portman would have you believe but it's certainly a great album.
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MikePFeb 2, 2007Fantastically 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.
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SeanFeb 4, 2007It took me two listens to love Chutes Too Narrow. It's taken me 12 listens to love this album. But none of that matters because i love them just the same, when all is said and done. A grower like Beck's Sea Change was a grower, but not any less-great because of it. I can't wait for whatever the Shins pull out of their hats next.
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JakeFeb 7, 2007
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VincentHMar 18, 2007
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drewpMar 2, 2007This 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.
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BrianJMar 8, 2007Okay, but I hear nothing new from this band. This sounds exactly like their other stuff. Overall: good, but they don't appear to be evolving as a band.
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BillSJun 5, 2007Whoa. 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!
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PeteSJul 14, 2007Easily 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.
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JackNAug 4, 2007
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yngvel.Sep 25, 2007Probably the best album of 2007!!!
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jeffsJan 22, 2007Following the trajectory of Coldplay and Death Cab For Cutie, the Shins have gone from heroes to zeroes in two albums. Bravo.
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davegJan 22, 2007where did the melodies go?
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JoeE.Jan 22, 2007Every 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.
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DavidPJan 22, 2007Not as good as their first two albums but they were great. still has a lot of really great songs! highly recommended. its good to see that some bands can make more than one good album! (CYHSY)
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MattEJan 22, 2007The first four songs are great (I'm not counting "Pam Berry.") After that, the record sounds a little forced. I think The Shins didn't evolve enough on this release ("Sleeping Lessons" is a good example of a stylelistic shift for the band.) I feel disappointed
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anonymousDec 29, 2007the 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.
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MattD.Jan 24, 2007A mix of great, straight up pop/rock and pretty, more textured experiments. Just as good as Chutes Too Narrow in my opinion.
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Billy'sWrongJan 24, 2007
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JakeBJan 24, 2007
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TrevorrJan 24, 2007Clearly most of the people who gave this album a negative review need to have their ears cleaned out.. did you all suddenly go deaf... a great great album.. try listening
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MattS.Jan 25, 2007Great album. It's not very experimental, it doesn't expand much from their previous sound, but that's OK. This is great Shins' pop, and I'm all for it.
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JasonNJan 25, 2007Lyrically, this is their best album. Production-wise, it is their best. But great lyrics and great production dont always equal great songs. There are a couple missteps, but this is still an amazing album.
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TaylorFJan 25, 2007
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HenryJRJan 25, 2007It might not be a 10 but we need the average to go way up. I love this album. It's subtle but gripping.
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JesseBJan 25, 2007
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thatguyJan 26, 2007Not a disapointment in any way, wait a while and people will come around and see it for what it is: a great album
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[Anonymous]Jan 26, 2007
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evanJan 27, 2007Great album. It takes a listen or two, but once ou get there it is a mood maker.
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micheleRJan 28, 2007Oh! Inverted World is still better than the last two.
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timmJan 28, 2007good stuff. their best outing yet. nice to see a band which improves through time. that is increasingly rare.
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jmJan 31, 2007
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AdamRFeb 13, 2007Worthy of one of the better albums of the year so far but it just sounds a little disorganized. They're sticking to their trademark sound and lyrics are solid
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WHFeb 14, 2007Delightful and smart. A great album for rainy days, long sunny drives and just dancing around the house.
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JustinTFeb 15, 2007The Shins drew me in with their timeless album, Chutes Too Narrow. While Wincing The Night Away doesn't leap out in such a potent way, it is still brimming with subtle genius. Bringing the lovely nuances out of Wincing is something like falling asleep - one must be patient, aloof, and unmindful to bring out the dreamy soundscapes it offers.
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MichaelKMar 14, 2007Not as immediately catchy as Chutes Too Narrow, but rewards with a few listens. Melodic, erudite pop-rock music. Destined to be one of this year's best releases.
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TristramCApr 12, 2007
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KennyMApr 13, 2007A good album but not as exciting as their older work...and I am beginning to fear that The Shins, like Modest Mouse before them, are on the road to becoming just consistently okay.
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brittacApr 15, 2007
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annegApr 25, 2007wincing the night away is a good album but not as catchy as chutes too narrow. but a few suprises like australia and sea legs along with turn on me offer a great melodic pop-rock sound
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Nov 3, 2010Not as good as their past albums, aside from 3 or 4 songs this album is kind of a let down. At least the songs that I like are really, really good and I can listen to them over and over.
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Oct 11, 2015
Awards & Rankings
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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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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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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.