Away
by Okkervil River
  • Record Label: ATO
  • Release Date: Sep 9, 2016
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
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  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 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.
  2. 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 band has managed to pass me.
  3. WhiskeyStories
    May 30, 2017
    7
    Away 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, aAway 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
  4. 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 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 wellWill 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
  5. 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 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 myThis 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

Critic Reviews

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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
  1. 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.
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  2. 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.
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  3. The Independent (UK)
    Sep 22, 2016
    80
    After bandmates quit and more heavy blows rained down, he retreated to a cabin, where these wonderful songs poured out. “Frontman In Heaven” is one of several which both mourn and resurrect the idiocies and potent faith of the rock’n’roll age.
    Read full review
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