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Civilian Image
Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 20 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 22 Ratings

  • Artist(s): Jenn Wasner, Andy Stack
  • Summary: The Baltimore duo, named after Maryland’s state tree, is made up of musicians Andy Stack and Jenn Wasner – a couple of indie rock and folk favorites.
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Top Track

Civilian
I am nothing without pretend I know my thoughts Can't live with them I am nothing without a man I know my faults But I can't hide them I still keep... See the rest of the song lyrics
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 20
  2. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. Mar 11, 2011
    100
    The added dynamism in Wye Oak's music makes the prettiest passages of Civilian that much more arresting, and the demons lurking beneath them all the more real.
  2. Uncut
    Apr 7, 2011
    80
    Baltimore multi-instrumental duo Jenn Wasner and Andy Stack have raised their game with this third LP. [Apr 2011, p.103]
  3. Mojo
    May 18, 2011
    80
    Civilian [is] coming on like an odd, but most welcome hybrid. [Jun 2011, p.106]
  4. Mar 22, 2011
    78
    Maybe the way the album begins isn't supposed to put its 10 songs into the context of a live show, but certainly it ends the way you'd presume a Wye Oak show to close down: reflectively, with the audience's appreciation at first silent in captivation. Then, though it might not be audible on Civilian, well-deserved applause.
  5. Mar 24, 2011
    70
    Wye Oak should be highly commended for expanding their already strong sound. Let's just hope they leave in a tad more of their younger selves next time around.
  6. Mar 11, 2011
    70
    They create their own sonic world, one you may want join yourself once you dig into its layers.
  7. Mar 7, 2011
    60
    Civilian has just enough personality to stop it being completely pedestrian.

See all 20 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. Oct 9, 2022
    10
    Wye Oak's third album Civilian is easily their best; however, this album, as well as the band are hardly ever talked about. Still, this is oneWye Oak's third album Civilian is easily their best; however, this album, as well as the band are hardly ever talked about. Still, this is one of the best albums of all time. Expand
  2. Apr 4, 2011
    9
    Civilian is a big, lush-sounding album that brings you in close. It's Wye Oak's finest effort to date.
    Here's the review I wrote at
    Civilian is a big, lush-sounding album that brings you in close. It's Wye Oak's finest effort to date.
    Here's the review I wrote at Ludditestereo.net

    http://ludditestereo.net/2011/04/02/civilian-wye-oak-album-review/
    Collapse
  3. Jul 26, 2011
    9
    Perhaps the most addictive album I've had the pleasure of purchasing and listening to since my first listen-through of In Rainbows byPerhaps the most addictive album I've had the pleasure of purchasing and listening to since my first listen-through of In Rainbows by Radiohead. This is a must buy. I bought this on a whim after I saw Wye Oak perform "Holy, Holy" live on the Late Night Show with Jimmy Fallon, and boy was I pleasantly surprised to discover the remarkable construct of this lush masterpiece. If you have ANY doubts, go buy the CD (better sound quality than downloading it from iTunes). I definitely am a huge fan now! Expand

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