Winter Wheat
by John K. Samson
Metascore
85

Universal acclaim - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
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  1. Exclaim
    Oct 21, 2016
    90
    His lyrics are varied, vivid and heavily inspired--by novels, documentaries, history books and more--as he tests the boundaries of his literary creativity, exploring a vast range of narratives, perspectives and topics.
  2. The A.V. Club
    Oct 21, 2016
    83
    These are hopeful, triumphant themes, but what Samson captures so well is the melancholy lurking beneath progress, the sense that we’re in the midst of perpetual loss. This makes for a provoking listen, but also a heavy one.
  3. PopMatters
    Jan 23, 2017
    80
    Winter Wheat is an impressive record, ranking as one of the best of Samson’s career.
  5. Uncut
    Nov 22, 2016
    80
    The mood is pained, the production suitably spare, pushing the singer's understated lyricism to the fore. [Jan 2017, p.28]
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  6. The Line of Best Fit
    Nov 16, 2016
    80
    Samson’s nasal, quietly reflective voice, exposed and unadorned, paints a deeply sympathetic picture of one Winnipegian’s contemplative mid-life, and its supporting cast. The world depicted may be his and his alone, but plenty of it will appear familiar to the rest of us.
  7. Magnet
    Nov 16, 2016
    80
    The songs are quiet and emotionally intense, and they unfold like a collection of short stories in which characters and themes recur and play off each other. [No. 137, p.60]
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  8. AllMusic
    Oct 21, 2016
    80
    It's his friendliness that makes his musings on the human condition work, and with Winter Wheat, he's once again crafted another thoughtful and meaningful set.
  9. NOW Magazine
    Oct 21, 2016
    80
    Winter Wheat reminds us that Samson, with his plaintive, modest timbre, is a singular voice in Canadian music.

Awards & Rankings

35
#35 Best Album of 2016

User Reviews

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User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 4 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. WakkaWakka42
    Oct 24, 2016
    8
    John K. recruits his old bandmates on an album that easily runs toe-to-toe with the core Weakerthans offerings. As always, the lyricism isJohn K. recruits his old bandmates on an album that easily runs toe-to-toe with the core Weakerthans offerings. As always, the lyricism is incredible, the instrumentation subtle yet complex, and the atmosphere melancholy with just enough hope to keep you going. Samson has really gone above and beyond here, making an album that not only fills the hole in my heart where a new Weakerthans album could have gone, but just may be my album of the winter/fall. Repeated listens and close scrutiny of lyrics/characters/stories really bring out the beautiful folds and shades of this record.… Full Review »
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