Away
by Okkervil River
  • Record Label: ATO
  • Release Date: Sep 9, 2016
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
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  1. Blurt Magazine
    Sep 27, 2016
    60
    Away has some fine moments, but is an LP completists will get the most mileage out of, perhaps as that curio figure in an artist’s evolution to somewhere else.
  2. Slant Magazine
    Sep 9, 2016
    60
    Despite some conceptual shakiness and a few instances of turgid sentimentality, Sheff is doing fine on his own, continuing to detail unsteady emotional ground with a characteristic mixture of self-assurance and existential dread.
  3. The Guardian
    Sep 8, 2016
    60
    A fragmented, frustrated mindset has contributed to a sprawling, inconsistent album with brief flourishes of verdant beauty.
  5. Exclaim
    Sep 7, 2016
    60
    Sheff's lyrics, while typically verbose but economic, are more rambling here, but it's refreshing to hearing him cut loose.
  6. Mojo
    Sep 2, 2016
    60
    Away is a looser and more poignant than the band's previous releases ever hinted. [Oct 2016, p.95]
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User Reviews

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User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 16 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 16
  3. Negative: 1 out of 16
  1. 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.… Full Review »
  2. 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)… Full Review »
  3. 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.… Full Review »
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