Away
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Away Image
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78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews What's this?

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8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 16 Ratings

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  • Summary: The eighth full-length studio release for the indie rock band features contributions from Marissa Nadler, Shearwater's Jonathan Meiburg, and yMusic.
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Top Track

Okkervil River R.I.P.
Hey, my little baby Pointing at the sky's amazing In the lake now All of this sensation And no space on earth to place it Where it's safe now You've... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. Uncut
    Sep 2, 2016
    90
    It may be OR's best album yet. [Oct 2016, p.36]
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  2. Under The Radar
    Sep 7, 2016
    85
    Nothing feels forced here. It's just a tidal wave of grief and the wide-eyed wonderment of being alive, as poignant as anything Nick Drake ever penned, rife with resigned dignity. Dreams never do die, which is an overriding motif Sheff conveys with abject sorrow and grace throughout the astounding Away.
  3. Consequence
    Sep 6, 2016
    83
    The album is a tremendous achievement that captures sentiments of loss, isolation, and searching for a belonging in a way that only a writer with a keen eye and empathetic nature as Sheff’s could fully articulate.
  4. American Songwriter
    Sep 2, 2016
    80
    An immediate comparison that comes to mind is Van Morrison’s Astral Weeks, though by no means as expressive or adventurous. Away is, however, one of Okkervil River’s prettiest records to date.
  5. No Ripcord
    Oct 17, 2016
    70
    Away may only appeal to those who are truly committed to Shelf’s unyieldingly wry judgment, but the score that accompanies it is beautifully intoxicating.
  6. Pitchfork
    Sep 12, 2016
    70
    Away’s scope may be personal, but its takeaways are universal. It’s a touching album about moving on, about the satisfaction of leaving the past behind before it leaves you.
  7. Mojo
    Sep 2, 2016
    60
    Away is a looser and more poignant than the band's previous releases ever hinted. [Oct 2016, p.95]
    All this publication's reviews

See all 19 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. Fractalcathedra
    Sep 21, 2016
    10
    This album is a real masterpiece. The first few times I listened, I thought the second half was a bit unfocused, but it just kept growing onThis album is a real masterpiece. The first few times I listened, I thought the second half was a bit unfocused, but it just kept growing on me, and now the 'aimlessness' seems to me to be more a liberation from traditional verse-chorus song structure, supporting the title/concept of "Away", and making the album a perfect soundtrack for a long walk (or drive). "Mary on a Wave" is my personal favorite here, but they're all great. Varied sounds, lots of textures and symbolism and enough humor to keep the whole thing afloat. And if you like it, buy it! Based on interviews and some of the lyrics, ("The cheaper that the music starts to get, it's like they're trying to make us cheap along with it.") it sounds like they could use the support.… Expand
  2. freshprincecash
    Sep 14, 2016
    10
    Will Sheff is not a man to repeat himself artistically, and he proves that once again with this latest album. Ruminative, spiritual, and muchWill Sheff is not a man to repeat himself artistically, and he proves that once again with this latest album. Ruminative, spiritual, and much less rigidly structured than previous Okkervil releases, he amazes once again with this beautiful collection of treasures. The greatest poet in indie music delights with a collection of songs meditating on death, and the immediate afterlife, as well as other more familiar themes. Nobody else writes songs like these.… Expand
  4. parenter
    Sep 12, 2016
    9
    I'm used to listening to metal, so mine is not quiet music. I like 3 or 4 indie bands and this is now the fifth. Gives me a calm that no bandI'm used to listening to metal, so mine is not quiet music. I like 3 or 4 indie bands and this is now the fifth. Gives me a calm that no band has managed to pass me.… Expand
  5. youshouldcome
    Sep 13, 2016
    9
    Take the yearning nostalgia of The Silver Gymnasium and listen to Will Sheff return to the early simplicity and tenderness of Down the RiverTake the yearning nostalgia of The Silver Gymnasium and listen to Will Sheff return to the early simplicity and tenderness of Down the River of Golden Dreams. What is surprising is the amazing depth of the writing, which unfolds in a melancholy meandering way that's easy to get lost in, positively stuffed with imagery. I'll be listening to this one for a long time.… Expand
  6. WhiskeyStories
    May 30, 2017
    7
    Away is a beautifully soulful album with a sophisticated orchestral instrumentation that pleasantly compliments the passionately emotionalAway is a beautifully soulful album with a sophisticated orchestral instrumentation that pleasantly compliments the passionately emotional lyrics. Though the album has this lovely symphonic sound and melody, after a while it becomes a bit one-note, blurring the songs together. It's a very emotional record, that's unfortunately at times slightly bland, but still very graceful and tender, a truly bittersweet and pleasant listen. Favourite songs: Okkervil River R.I.P.; Days Spent Floating (in the Halfbetween)… Expand
  7. onetwoyve
    Sep 9, 2016
    5
    Hard to reach the highness of the three first albums but this album is still good, better than the last ones. It just misses a couple ofHard to reach the highness of the three first albums but this album is still good, better than the last ones. It just misses a couple of really good good songs. I remember how fascinated I was when I first heard "Red" or "The War Criminal" or "For Real". These songs seems like unreachable again. Sad.… Expand

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