I And Love And You
by The Avett Brothers
  • Record Label: Sony
  • Release Date: Sep 29, 2009
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 46 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 39 out of 46
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 46
  3. Negative: 1 out of 46

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  1. JonB.
    Oct 2, 2009
    10
    Exceeds expectations so much, even excessive patches of polish and poppiness can't overshadow the exquisite songwriting and heart-breaking lyrics. More bawlers and orphans than brawlers, but this album makes its bones because it stops fighting, not in spite of it.
  2. SamanthaD.
    Oct 2, 2009
    10
    I wasn't sold on this album when I first heard it on NPR. But once I listened to it again, I loved it as much as any of their other albums!
  3. MandyS
    Oct 9, 2009
    10
    This album shows the growth of the song writing of the Avetts. It's a solid album through and through with a full, authentic sound. I've been listening to it repeatedly since it dropped! My only (slight) criticism is that it doesn't have as much of the energy we know and love from the Avetts and that's a bit of a change of pace. Definitely looking forward to more to This album shows the growth of the song writing of the Avetts. It's a solid album through and through with a full, authentic sound. I've been listening to it repeatedly since it dropped! My only (slight) criticism is that it doesn't have as much of the energy we know and love from the Avetts and that's a bit of a change of pace. Definitely looking forward to more to come from these guys!… Expand
  4. WadeP
    Oct 10, 2009
    7
    I love the Avett Brothers, and while this is a great developmental and artistic album, it's a departure from what got them here. The songs are so polished and clean that it loses some of the roughness that made the band so appealing. I have a sneaking suspicion their next album will be a throwback to their bluegrass roots. This band won't forget where they came from.
  5. KurtC
    Oct 10, 2009
    9
    They won me over with this one. I wasn't the biggest fan of their previous record "Emotionalism"...much of it seemed over-the-top and sloppy at times. "I and Love and You" is solid, well-written, and still captures the Brothers' raw energy while not going too far over the edge and letting the songs speak more for themselves. Excellent album.
  6. brendae.
    Oct 2, 2009
    10
    The Avett Brothers have never failed to produce amazing albums in the past, and "I & Love & You" is no different. I am grateful for who this band is in my life!
  7. MaineMike
    Oct 2, 2009
    6
    Although I think its a decent album, and the title track is quite good, listening to it leaves me a little disappointed, as there is only one song that displays any hint of bluegrass. It seems the trend away from bluegrass and toward Coldplay is now only 1 album away from being complete. If you like that sort of thing, than add a point or two the score, but I can get Coldplay elsewhere. Although I think its a decent album, and the title track is quite good, listening to it leaves me a little disappointed, as there is only one song that displays any hint of bluegrass. It seems the trend away from bluegrass and toward Coldplay is now only 1 album away from being complete. If you like that sort of thing, than add a point or two the score, but I can get Coldplay elsewhere. Its harder to find the the blend of bluegrass, folk, and pop the Avetts were playing a few years ago.… Expand
  8. LindaM.
    Oct 2, 2009
    10
    Beautiful piece of work from beginning to end. Wonderfully constructed melodies and poignant lyrics. The Avett Brothers deliver again.
  9. MikeW.
    Oct 2, 2009
    10
    A masterpiece. From the energy of the music to the poetic lyrics this is a classic.
  10. Deb
    Oct 2, 2009
    10
    This is the best album to come out in 09 hands down. This is a crowning moment for this band out of Concord North Carolina that has been making brilliant albums for 10 years.
  11. DeezyC
    Oct 6, 2009
    5
    First, let me say, this is my first Avett Brothers. And their sound in general seems like it would appeal to me. But this album feels very contrived and lacking in authenticity. I just couldn't get into it because of this, but I'm sure I'll enjoy other albums of the Avett Brothers.
  12. JasonR
    Oct 7, 2009
    8
    Its solid. Not as good as Emotionalism and maybe a little worse off for some of the production decisions. (Rick Rubin is awful and probably the most overrated producer of all time.) But the songwriting is still strong enough to make this worth buying. See them live if you want to experience how good these songs are truly capable of being.
  13. AdamW.
    Oct 21, 2009
    5
    It's good by the standards of the music industry today, but it's just not anything remarkable for the Avetts. In fact, I think it's a step in the wrong direction. It's like everything that was good about our boys, their ingenuity, their imperfections, their perfection, and their music has all been sucked out and we've been left with a husk of the splendor that It's good by the standards of the music industry today, but it's just not anything remarkable for the Avetts. In fact, I think it's a step in the wrong direction. It's like everything that was good about our boys, their ingenuity, their imperfections, their perfection, and their music has all been sucked out and we've been left with a husk of the splendor that once was. Have you guys listened to Four Thieves Gone? Mignonette? Carolina Jubilee?! Now THAT'S the stuff.… Expand
  14. Shaun
    Dec 4, 2009
    6
    I've seen heaps of critical and fan praise piled on "I and Love and You" and I'm not saying the Avetts don't deserve it. But as a fan who discovered these guys some six years ago, I continue to believe that the real masterpiece in the Avett catalog is their prior release "Emotionalism". Raw with a polished feel, tender yet rockin', Emotionalism is the true 10. The I've seen heaps of critical and fan praise piled on "I and Love and You" and I'm not saying the Avetts don't deserve it. But as a fan who discovered these guys some six years ago, I continue to believe that the real masterpiece in the Avett catalog is their prior release "Emotionalism". Raw with a polished feel, tender yet rockin', Emotionalism is the true 10. The Avetts continue to write great songs but I sometimes feel like this album is propelled in large part by the hype of a major label debut and the production of Mr. Rubin.… Expand
  15. DarnellS
    Oct 26, 2009
    6
    It's an OK to good album that every folk-infused hipster is losing their shit over. So many 10's on the user reviews is so telling. Really people? This is as good as they come? For real? I've $10 bucks that says you'll have forgotten these guys in 5 years.
  16. matruitt
    May 1, 2011
    10
    My first experience with The Avett Brothers was live at Jazzfest 2011. Following, this was the first recorded album I listened to. While I much prefer their live sound over their recorded sound, most of the songs they performed were from this album, and I was immediately hooked. This album will always be special to me.

Awards & Rankings

97
#97 Most Discussed Album of 2009
65
#65 Most Shared Album of 2009

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. Mojo
    60
    With little in the way of banjo now, nearly every song comes steeped in acoustic piano, while the vocals are pitched to eke out every last chunk of substance from well-honed lyrics. [May 2010, p.93]
  2. AllMusic
    70
    The result is an intimate, poignant album, laced with rich production that enhances, not clouds, the songwriting itself.
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  3. Los Angeles Times
    75
    The Avett Brothers have hit upon a winning approach, and this album is another step in their taking it beyond the obvious.
    Read full review
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