Helplessness Blues
by Fleet Foxes
  • Record Label: Sub Pop
  • Release Date: May 3, 2011
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 245 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 227 out of 245
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 245
  3. Negative: 7 out of 245
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  1. All_ButTrU4
    Nov 20, 2021
    7
    Satisfying indie folk masterpiece that solidified fleet foxes status amongst indie greats. All considerd their is a dramatic emptiness that subtracts from the songs intentions.
  2. hdcooper
    Apr 8, 2021
    9
    A very human, accessible, and mature record that is filled with so much true passion and emotion.

    9.6/10
  3. Mccusky
    Jul 5, 2020
    10
    Beautiful record, the awesomeness washes over you again and again and again
  4. kermie_the_frog
    Jan 5, 2020
    10
    I honestly believe this is the perfect folk-rock record. It's lush and beautiful, the lyrics are poetic, but it doesn't shy away from pushing the genre in fresh creative ways either. Fleet Foxes might just be my all-time favorite band.
  5. Sadvilliany
    Jan 1, 2020
    10
    Oh my GOD this album is gorgeous. By far one of my favorite albums of all time. If you haven't listened to this, please, do it now. Helplessness Blues is an album that will leave you either sad, bittersweet, hopeful, or some weird mix of those. It goes through feelings of not living up to expectations and losing who you once were (Montezuma), feelings of hopelessness and helplessness andOh my GOD this album is gorgeous. By far one of my favorite albums of all time. If you haven't listened to this, please, do it now. Helplessness Blues is an album that will leave you either sad, bittersweet, hopeful, or some weird mix of those. It goes through feelings of not living up to expectations and losing who you once were (Montezuma), feelings of hopelessness and helplessness and realizing that your outlook of life growing up was completely wrong (Helplessness Blues), and even feelings of existentialism (Blue Spotted Tail). This album, at least for me, is a feel trip. I hope that if you choose to listen to this album, you love it as much as I do.

    Top 5 Tracks: Helplessness Blues, Blue Spotted Tail, The Shrine / An Argument, Grown Ocean, Bedouin Dress    … Expand
  6. SplashMcBuckets
    Nov 14, 2019
    10
    Beautifully written and poetic descriptions of trying to find yourself in your 20s and beyond.
  7. WolfyJones
    Oct 24, 2019
    10
    I think this will be one of those albums that will age well as the years go on. One that you'll be proud to show your children and childrens children. It's honestly one of the most impressive follow up albums to an already monumental successful first album. LISTEN TO THIS!
  8. Citadelen
    Feb 18, 2019
    10
    This, easily my favourite album by the Fleet Foxes, and one of my favourite albums overall, they've not only managed to beat the sophomore slump, but have instead returned with a sophomore hump. They've taken the beautiful formula used in their debut, and drawn the lyricism back down to more personal reflection, from the more fantastical sound they had before, managing to sound cynical yetThis, easily my favourite album by the Fleet Foxes, and one of my favourite albums overall, they've not only managed to beat the sophomore slump, but have instead returned with a sophomore hump. They've taken the beautiful formula used in their debut, and drawn the lyricism back down to more personal reflection, from the more fantastical sound they had before, managing to sound cynical yet hopeful simultaneously. Perhaps what I love the most about this album is simply how utterly beautiful and lush the instrumentation is, at times I have to sit and laugh, because it simply amazes me how beautiful this album sounds. All in all, this is yet again an instant classic, and I'll be listening to this album for the rest of my life without a doubt.… Expand
  9. Ricko
    Jan 8, 2018
    9
    An excellent follow up to their fantastic debut. While it retains the sounds of it's predecessor, there are differences between the records. While both albums are laced with hooks, their eponymous debut had more instant tunes. "Helplessness Blues" is a denser, more expansive and often more rewarding record. The work gone into constructing the songs on this is clear and easy to appreciate.An excellent follow up to their fantastic debut. While it retains the sounds of it's predecessor, there are differences between the records. While both albums are laced with hooks, their eponymous debut had more instant tunes. "Helplessness Blues" is a denser, more expansive and often more rewarding record. The work gone into constructing the songs on this is clear and easy to appreciate. As I said, it still has plenty of melodies and harmonies going on but takes a bit more work. I've been lucky enough to see lots of the material from this record played live on 2 occasions which elevates it for me. I love this band and I love this album.… Expand
  10. sounwaves
    May 23, 2017
    9
    This is a beautiful album. The pure acoustic and ballad driven songs just solidify the Seattle band as talented songwriters. The album requires a bit of patience but each song grows much more detailed and whole as you revisit it. Subtle mandolin and ukulele sprites that hang throughout the album give an attentive listener great pleasure re-listening to it. Overall, this album is theirThis is a beautiful album. The pure acoustic and ballad driven songs just solidify the Seattle band as talented songwriters. The album requires a bit of patience but each song grows much more detailed and whole as you revisit it. Subtle mandolin and ukulele sprites that hang throughout the album give an attentive listener great pleasure re-listening to it. Overall, this album is their strongest release yet and I'm hoping for their next LP to be just as beautiful.… Expand
  11. sratomasfer
    Mar 17, 2017
    10
    Go home NME, you're drunk. This record is filled with the experimentalist folky madness that Fleet Foxes have claimed as their own. They've definitely proven themselves a force to be reckoned with.
  12. chapmania
    Apr 21, 2015
    10
    What I have to say has already been said better by others.

    Highlights:
    This album is wonderful, an amazing expression of emotion. In addition, Helplessness Blues (the actual track) is my favorite song ever written. Nothing else hits as close to home and sounds so stunning as it does.

    Nothing else to say - 10/10, easily.
  13. Nahil
    Dec 5, 2014
    9
    I listened to this album before their debut, which means I view this album a little differently then most people on here. I'll get to the point: This album is beautiful. Every small detail adds to it, and the amount of polish given to this album is wonderful. Fleet Foxes really have a handle on their atmospheres, and the slightly darker, introspective feel on this album really bringsI listened to this album before their debut, which means I view this album a little differently then most people on here. I'll get to the point: This album is beautiful. Every small detail adds to it, and the amount of polish given to this album is wonderful. Fleet Foxes really have a handle on their atmospheres, and the slightly darker, introspective feel on this album really brings it all together. Also, the different instruments that make little appearances are perfectly chosen and deepen this already deep, rich album. I'll just keep going on, but what most people say is right. You don't have to be a die hard fan to simply appreciate the craftsmanship presented. It's definitely worth a listen, and proves to be one of the best albums of the year.… Expand
  14. ParrotMuncher
    Jan 12, 2014
    10
    I give it a 9.75.
    -Brilliant instruments (mostly acoustic guitar)
    -Beautiful vocals
    -Tremendous songwriting
    Great album, matches with their previous one, both are fantastic and I don't think I could pick which one I like better
  15. PooPooPerson
    Jul 1, 2013
    9
    Not as accessible as their first album. Less structured and more jam-oriented, it took a few listens to really get into it. But once you stop looking for patterns, hooks, and other familiarities that we typically listen for and let yourself be carried away by the flawless harmony and imagery of this album, you'll reach the nirvana that few bands but Fleet Foxes can deliver.
  16. LetzTalkMoveez
    Oct 22, 2012
    9
    Sonically compelling all throughout and endlessly unique and interesting, "Helplessness Blues" solidifies the Fleet Foxes as one of the best folk/pop/rock hybrids the world has ever seen.
  17. Leftyy
    Mar 10, 2012
    10
    Helplessness Blues steps up the soundscape for Fleet Foxes to a new level. The undeniable greatness of the vocal harmonies remain with new and different instrumental sounds making this album all its own. This is 2011's defining moment in music, one that deserves to be remembered forever.
  18. rapscallion1980
    Jan 5, 2012
    10
    This is a beautiful album, when I make a cup of coffee and put paint to canvas, nothing inspires me more than this album. I honestly thought they couldn't top thier first effort, but now I think they did. Helplessness Blues deserves a 10 and in my opinion is a tossup for best album of the year with Tom Waits 'Bad as Me."
  19. zmleslie
    Dec 30, 2011
    9
    Fleet Foxes' harmonious music is a work of true craftsmanship. Helplessness Blues, like it's predecessor is an elegant and entrancing experience. It will leave you stunned and ultimately moved.
  20. dartagnan
    Dec 14, 2011
    2
    oh dear it would help if they wrote actual songs here but instead we' re are mistreated to song treatments, fragments if you will instead of the actual thing, all done in the inimitable style of CSN. hey deja vu all over again, it was bad the first time around, it's not getting any better this time.
  21. Siriusfisherman
    Nov 9, 2011
    9
    Rating: (9.3)
    We have seen some good indie/folk records over the years, especially in the past five years or so. Bon Iver has released two very ambitious records, his sound changing dramatically from one to the next. The other very notable band that can be brought up in this discussion are the guys I am writing this review for, the Fleet Foxes. They released their self-titled debut to    Rating: (9.3)
    We have seen some good indie/folk records over the years, especially in the past five years or so. Bon Iver has released two very ambitious records, his sound changing dramatically from one to the next. The other very notable band that can be brought up in this discussion are the guys I am writing this review for, the Fleet Foxes. They released their self-titled debut to universal acclaim, but on their second album, (this album), they did not go for a sound change like Bon Iver. Instead, they improved and added on what they had already created. 'Helplessness Blues' is much more ambitious, much more intricate, and much more atmospheric of an album than their self-titled debut. This album pulls off a neat trick of being able to sound like their old album, but still not give the impression of any less grand or spectacular. The layering of vocals and the crisp percussion makes you feel like you are in a giant space, with the boundaries only audible by sound. The acoustic guitar in the songs is very noticeable at the beginning of each new track, but you find it floating off in the background as the more complex aspects kick in. Each track has its own spectacular aspects as well, I do not even feel right singling out any specific song because I feel each one is so much stronger within the setting of the album. This album is something you have to put aside some time to listen to from front to end. Find a beautiful place to sit down and relax and listen to the band take you on a ride and fill your ears with beautiful lyrics. So to sum it up, this is nothing groundbreaking, and I have no doubt that those of you who think Bon Iver's self titled sophomore release will be the one that is the most influential are right. But this album is pure, other-worldly music, at its best.    … Expand
  22. parasite93
    Oct 31, 2011
    9
    I wasn't used to the progressive sound at first; Robin sounds different, that's the most obvious difference here. But that's what most bands do--their sound progresses, or, perhaps I should say, matures. And while this band's debut album is still one of my all-time favorites, this is still one of the best albums of the year, along with Cage the Elephant's Thank You Happy Birthday and theI wasn't used to the progressive sound at first; Robin sounds different, that's the most obvious difference here. But that's what most bands do--their sound progresses, or, perhaps I should say, matures. And while this band's debut album is still one of my all-time favorites, this is still one of the best albums of the year, along with Cage the Elephant's Thank You Happy Birthday and the Antlers' Burst Apart.… Expand
  23. pre1973
    Oct 28, 2011
    10
    BEAUTIFUL, just everything I could ever want in an album, seeing them live confirmed their true musical genius. I feel as though they really tried to make this album slightly more interesting than the first, which was already great. Perhaps the most underrated track is "The Cascades", what a stunning instrumental, really takes you on a mental journey. Long live Fleet Foxes!!!
  24. djmadi
    Oct 24, 2011
    9
    Snobbed by NME, this album is an emotional and powerful journey touching 40 years of American music:it is instant classic in an alternative way. Vocal performances make me dream and cry as few things heard before
  25. Goodonya
    Oct 12, 2011
    10
    Nearly perfect record ... adventurous and unique, this album will stand the test of time. It doesn't "rock", and there's no Stephen Stills in this band (as they are often compared to CSNY,) but it does something more. It conveys a mood brilliantly and it's parts bring together some of the most gorgeous, honest and original song writing to come along in a long, long time.
  26. claw01
    Oct 4, 2011
    10
    Beautiful, and nothing less, Helplessness Blues is an instant classic. Lyrically and melodically superb it is the epitome of great folk music. The first time I heard Lorelai I began to tear up, and when I watched the Fleet Foxes perform Montezuma live I cried. I really feel I can connect with this album on a personal level, and maybe that is why I find it so remarkable.
  27. hydrawithears
    Oct 3, 2011
    4
    If you havenâ
  28. CVanOeveren
    Sep 11, 2011
    5
    There are a couple of great songs here, but for the most part this album feels bland, unexciting and disingenuous in comparison to their debut. They may have extended their musical vocabulary slightly, but all it seems to have done is result in aimless instrumental portions.
  29. Einardur
    Sep 6, 2011
    7
    Fleet Foxes' second album doesn't have the same impact as their debut, but still the songwriting is solid stuff and alike their debut, the album grows throughout and becomes better and better as you go along.
  30. zimmertosser69
    Sep 2, 2011
    6
    I was letdown by this follow up effort and wished it was more of the harmonic melodies on prior release. I don't see this CD as a step in right direction and hope Fleet foxes gets back to their first 2 releases pattern of beautiful lyrics and arrangements.
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Awards & Rankings

23
#23 Best Album of 2011
17
#17 Most Discussed Album of 2011
28
#28 Most Shared Album of 2011

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
85

Universal acclaim - based on 42 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 39 out of 42
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 42
  3. Negative: 0 out of 42
  1. American Songwriter
    Jun 30, 2011
    90
    The words are as woodsy and quaint as ever. Pecknold seems to take his inspiration from classic British poetry, and rarely refers to objects, characters, or events that would place him in the 21st century, relying instead on imagery like old stone fountains, seeds, keys, sand, and the night sky.
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  2. Austin Chronicle
    Jun 9, 2011
    67
    Where its predecessor corralled modern versions of The Canterbury Tales that the band's foxhunting moniker continues to evoke, Pecknold's Helplessness relies on a suitelike flow in the absence of greatest hits.
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  3. Q Magazine
    May 31, 2011
    80
    Both mysterious and inviting, Helplessness Blues retains and expands what made the debut so special. It's an open door to a private world. [Jun 2011, p.108]
See all critic reviews »