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Woman King [EP]
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  • Record Label:
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Woman King [EP] Image
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 22 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 35 Ratings

  • Summary: Sam Beam's latest release is a 6-track EP recorded with Brian Deck.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
  1. Spin
    91
    His loosest, most inspired set yet. [Mar 2005, p.86]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. PopMatters
    90
    Woman King is, in essence, the sound of a songwriter with an intuitive grasp on his craft, swiftly acknowledging the studio's crucial supporting role in his songs' structure and rearing.
  3. cokemachineglow
    86
    Woman King is the sound of Iron & Wine becoming a band; the sound of a singer-songwriter taking that all-important step forward; the sound of a group refusing to slip into the trap of staleness and homogeneity.
  4. Paste Magazine
    80
    Producer Brian Deck understands that Beam's music is fragile. [Apr/May 2005, p.132]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. Neumu.net
    80
    Ultimately, Woman King promises remarkable things to come for Iron and Wine, especially if Beam continues to expand his musical palette.
  6. Junkmedia
    70
    There's a layered, almost psychedelic feel to a lot of these songs, suggesting that Beam may not be the died-in-the-wool folkie some might have pegged him as.
  7. Alternative Press
    60
    His world-music diversions should challenge even those who aren't pedestrian Iron & Wine fans--but that's what EPs are for, right? [Apr 2005, p.116]
    All this publication's reviews

See all 22 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
  1. [Anonymous]
    Oct 2, 2006
    10
    Iron & Wine's finest work. Not a bad song on it. I just wish it was longer.
  2. 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 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
  4. HarryH
    Dec 30, 2005
    10
    Jezebel is the upmost enspiring song i've heard by Iron&Wine yet.
  5. 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 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.… Expand
  6. JohnR
    Apr 6, 2005
    9
    Another stellar Iron & Wine release, with not a wasted note. Excellent ep.
  7. 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, 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.… Collapse
  8. RavingLunatic
    Apr 2, 2005
    4
    Jezebel is still fantastic, and In My Lady's House is pretty good, but the rest just bites. These songs are not good. I've listened Jezebel is still fantastic, and In My Lady's House is pretty good, but the rest just bites. These songs are not good. I've listened to them several times, and they still do not come close to connecting. I think everyone is so anxious to give Sam Beam plaudits for changing up his style that they've overlooked the stale songs. Buyer beware.… Expand

See all 22 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

44
#44 Best Album of 2005

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