Celebrants
by Nickel Creek
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
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  1. Mojo
    Mar 23, 2023
    40
    A strangely bloodless album heavy on technical perfection rather than the visceral emotion at the core of the best roots music. [May 2023, p.91]
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Awards & Rankings

94
#94 Most Discussed Album of 2023

User Reviews

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User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 7 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. Hunter208
    Apr 10, 2023
    5
    At times, musicians become too good for their own good. I think this is the case with Celebrants. Chris Thile is one of the most technicallyAt times, musicians become too good for their own good. I think this is the case with Celebrants. Chris Thile is one of the most technically gifted musicians in the world, however, I believe some restraint would have been helpful for Celebrants. It is a difficult listen at times, with various counterpoint melodies, key changes, etc. I do not believe this benefited the album. I am a lover of Jazz and Bluegrass, so complexity isn't something I frown upon, but the complexity introduced into this album feels like its for complexity's sake and not for the sake of the listener.… Full Review »
  2. mdbrown80
    Mar 26, 2023
    10
    First off, it's crazy that it's been 9 years since their previous album. Was the wait worth it? Absolutely. This album is an absolute delightFirst off, it's crazy that it's been 9 years since their previous album. Was the wait worth it? Absolutely. This album is an absolute delight from start to finish. Whereas 2014's "A Dotted Line" felt like a loving homage to their earlier albums, Celebrants takes a bold step forward for the trio, much like "Why Should the Fire Die" did. Listeners that are familiar with the band members' other projects will find a lot of those influences, especially Thile's work with the Punch Brothers. In particular, Sara's vocals are really punchy on this album, probably owing to her work with I'm With Her and her amazing solo albums. Also, for an album with 18 tracks, it's oddly succinct; it never felt overlong. By the time the closing song Failure Isn't Forever starts, you'll find yourself wondering how the time went by so quickly. For me, the standout tracks are The Meadow and Goddamned Saint.… Full Review »
  3. GSWstatic
    Mar 26, 2023
    7
    A lot of musicians are going through a phase right now of self-reflection after their careers took a major hit during the pandemic. As well asA lot of musicians are going through a phase right now of self-reflection after their careers took a major hit during the pandemic. As well as the general thing is, we all experienced this album, which combines the shock of change time, loss and anxieties about reconnecting with the world again. It also reflects an extremely comfortable band playing more for themselves. Then anyone else this results in some challenging, technically accomplished music with lots of different moods and changes thing is, we all experienced this album, which combines the shock of change time, loss and anxieties about reconnecting with the world again. It also reflects an extremely comfortable band playing more for themselves. Then anyone else this results in some challenging, technically accomplished music with lots of different moods and changes in a single song. It is a challenging lesson at times. It’s also a hefty chunk of tracks and some of them blend together in the end. That doesn’t really matter though I could listen to these guys improvise the way through the phone book. I’m still enjoying myself not for everyone indeed.… Full Review »
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