Woman King [EP] - Iron & Wine
User Score
8.8 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 31 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 31
  2. Negative: 0 out of 31

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  1. TomasM
    May 1, 2005
    10
    I think this release has changed the Iron & Wine style from Our Endless Numbered Days. It's more focused, a little less washy. It really reminds me of where Jason Molina is taking his music with the new Magnolia Electric Company stuff - a little heavier, more definite riffs, very reminiscent of Neil Young and his time with Crosby Stills and Nash. Personally, I love this change, I really think it focuses Iron and WIne's obvious songwriting talent and makes the payback more immediate. I came away with a much stronger initial impression than when I bought the other two albums. The Woman King EP really blew me away. Expand
  2. DaveyS
    May 6, 2005
    9
    If you don't like this, then you don't like music...each song is dripping in melody....some of my favorite recordings are EP's that perfect length that satisfies yet leaves you craving a little more...you'd have to go out of your way not to like this...
  3. carlosa
    Nov 3, 2005
    10
    I was a fan of iron and wine before but didn't have any of his albums but when i heard the woman king ep i instantly liked it and went out and bought it. Sam Beam is channeling some mean,wild 50s delta bluesmen spirits in songs like "woman king", "freedom hangs like heaven", and "evening on the ground (lilith's song)".
  4. JamesH
    Feb 25, 2005
    9
    Interestingly less lo-fi that previous efforts. Songs (Jezebel, In My Ladys House) that are very similar to previous style of writing really stand out over the more faster paced tracks. One major problem is that it doens't have enough songs on it but then i always hold by quality over quantity.
  5. Tocci
    Mar 1, 2005
    9
    As usual Mr. Beam has crafted a brilliant album... this time lyrics which float around the role of women in mythology and religion without being too cryptic or scholarly. The new instrumentation is an interesting approach. I especially like the percussion which makes me think that Wilco is not the only band currently listening to Califone.
  6. matta
    May 26, 2005
    9
    Really, not a bad song on here. Sam Beam's voice mixed with his laid-back approach and beautiful lyrics make his music so special, and so easy to appreciate on repeated listens.
  7. RebekahC
    May 26, 2005
    9
    This EP is amazing, Jezebel is a beautiful song that depicts the story almost sweetly :) .. buy this now
  8. [Anonymous]
    Oct 2, 2006
    10
    Iron & Wine's finest work. Not a bad song on it. I just wish it was longer.
  9. HarryH
    Dec 30, 2005
    10
    Jezebel is the upmost enspiring song i've heard by Iron&Wine yet.
  10. MichaelL
    Mar 29, 2005
    10
    There was one song off the last record: "Cinder and Smoke" that caught my attention. This short, brilliant EP blew my expectations right off the reviews, websites, etc... It's been awhile since one record, especially one that doesn't really fit in with my already eclectic taste struck me insantly as something I'd probably be listening to for the rest of my life.
  11. StarletDragoness
    Apr 17, 2005
    10
    Personally, I felt that the songs on the album were fantastic. I am rather eclectic in my taste of music for the most part, and I can enjoy just about anything- but to find a sing that actually touches me and causes me to stop whatever else I am doing just to sit and listen... This is rare...
  12. JohnR
    Apr 6, 2005
    9
    Another stellar Iron & Wine release, with not a wasted note. Excellent ep.
  13. iand
    Jan 24, 2006
    10
    Jezebel is my favorite song . period. numero uno. When I saw him play it in concert I cried.
  14. AnneL
    Feb 23, 2005
    9
    I love this EP. I didn't know if I would like Iron and Wine with electric guitars, etc, but somehow it still works. Each song is awesome, but Jezebel really stands out.
  15. ag
    Feb 23, 2005
    10
    does this guy ever dissapoint? so far, no! he switches it up a bit, and it's still great. his 4 releases are more consitantly great than any other band/artist i can think of. awesome.
  16. ChrisC
    Feb 25, 2005
    9
    I like this a *lot* better than Endless Numbered Days. It has everything that was good about Endless Numbered Days, but with more energetic, engaging songwriting. I can't wait for Beam's next full album, if this is a preview.
Metascore

Universal acclaim - based on 22 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 22
  2. Negative: 0 out of 22
  1. Woman King is an ideal transition record for Beam, interweaving colorful new threads into a familiar pattern and hinting at powerful and majestic songcraft to come on his next full-length.
  2. Woman King is too short to be considered the high point of Iron & Wine's career -- it certainly points in that direction, though.
  3. Woman King subtly opens the sonic palette up to include more percussion, piano, and wait is that an electric guitar?