Wonderful, Glorious
by Eels
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 28
  3. Negative: 0 out of 28
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. Record Collector
    Jun 4, 2013
    60
    Occasionally, this approach doesn’t match the heartfelt sentiment (see the lyrics to both You’re My Friend and A True Original) but, on the whole, this is the sound of a man reinvigorated, happy to be recording and with a dependable, more involved backing band than ever.
  2. The Quietus
    Feb 14, 2013
    60
    Intermittently enjoyable, Wonderful, Glorious is unmistakably the work of Eels but unlike previous and successful meditations, their tenth album frequently feels like well-honed schtick rather than a worthwhile insight.
  3. Q Magazine
    Feb 8, 2013
    60
    Contentment makes Everett a less compelling narrator than devastation, but Eels still tailor songs rich in ideas yet stripped of unnecessary fat. [Mar 2013, p.109]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. Consequence
    Feb 7, 2013
    50
    Wonderful, Glorious isn’t the sort of reinvention that Everett wants it to be. It’s just another loop around the road that E and his pathos have been treading for years.
  6. Paste Magazine
    Feb 5, 2013
    60
    These are lifeless non-revelations married to engrossing tunes.
  7. Drowned In Sound
    Feb 4, 2013
    60
    Not all of the tracks hit their mark, and this is a far cry from the standard of much of E's earlier material. But it is nonetheless a good record.
  8. The Observer (UK)
    Feb 4, 2013
    60
    The high quality isn't sustained throughout, but this is another solidly impressive outing.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 16 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. dylster13
    Apr 15, 2013
    9
    Lots of crunchy guitars and witty lyrics. More upbeat than other Eels albums. Great album which gets better with each play. Peach BlossomLots of crunchy guitars and witty lyrics. More upbeat than other Eels albums. Great album which gets better with each play. Peach Blossom is a great song for springtime when the cold is gone and the colors of nature have returned. Wonderful, Glorious is a great sing-along track to end the album with.… Full Review »
  2. BKM
    Feb 13, 2013
    9
    The latest effort from Mark Oliver Everett and his alt-rock collective lives up to its title. The focus this time is out is less on melodyThe latest effort from Mark Oliver Everett and his alt-rock collective lives up to its title. The focus this time is out is less on melody and more on musicianship, but the songs still pack a punch both lyrically and emotionally. Most impressive, however, is the depth of the music which rewards repeated listens. An early contender for album of the year accolades.… Full Review »
  3. chuckbuzz
    Feb 10, 2013
    9
    The album (and the lyrics) feels pretty straightforward, with a vibe of "in the moment" thing. But just when you think the music becameThe album (and the lyrics) feels pretty straightforward, with a vibe of "in the moment" thing. But just when you think the music became predictable, there´s a beautiful middle 8 or a great unusual sound, or a change on the dynamics that puts the whole thing in a very different perspective.
    The EELS, at the top of their game, deliver a wonderful glorious album indeed.    … Full Review »
See all user reviews »