ILYSM
by Wild Pink
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
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  1. Sputnikmusic
    Oct 11, 2022
    90
    ILYSM explores memories and how to process them in the here and now, while also being a record I expect to be remembered for a long time. It’s Wild Pink’s crowning achievement as a band.
  2. Paste Magazine
    Oct 11, 2022
    84
    There’s a whole lot of ambition on display here, especially in the second half of the tracklist, and all of these disparate pieces somehow come together thanks to Ross’ confidence as a songwriter and arranger. Simply put, if this isn’t the sound of a band leveling up, then I’m not sure what is.
  3. Beats Per Minute
    Oct 19, 2022
    83
    ILYSM captures its maker’s emotional state urgently and obtusely. Though sonically more subdued than other recent Wild Pink material (like the celestial alt-country stunner “Florida”), the transitions between the songs are often brisk and quite abrasive. They manifest like cracks formed inside a glass sculpture right before collapse.
  5. Under The Radar
    Oct 13, 2022
    80
    A collection pushing the boundaries of what constitutes Wild Pink’s sound without completely disassembling what they’ve quietly built over their three previous releases.
  6. Uncut
    Oct 11, 2022
    80
    A real beauty. [Nov 2022, p.38]
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  7. Pitchfork
    Nov 2, 2022
    70
    ILYSM isn’t a brilliant album, but it shines bright and it soothes an aching soul. In this case, that’s more than enough.
  8. Exclaim
    Oct 11, 2022
    70
    Wild Pink's song structures, instrumentation, arrangements and sound design are their most inspired yet, and Ross's steady, calming presence is almost like a spiritual guide. Altogether, ILYSM is reliably enjoyable but just shy of transcendent.
  9. Slant Magazine
    Oct 11, 2022
    70
    Taken individually, the songs on ILYSM are all downright gorgeous, but by the time you get to “War on Terror,” a trembling five-minute acoustic ballad, after a string of several other trembling five-minute acoustic ballads, things start to feel monotonous. Whatever Ross’s limitations as a singer and arranger, though, when he brings his guitar playing to the fore, the results are much more expressive and gratifying.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 19 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 19
  3. Negative: 3 out of 19
  1. swarthyboy1989
    Oct 14, 2022
    10
    This band continues to defy gravity and surprise to the upside with each successive album. Curveballs left & right all over this thing, theirThis band continues to defy gravity and surprise to the upside with each successive album. Curveballs left & right all over this thing, their subtlety is unmatched. All hail Boss Ross!… Full Review »
  2. jaynap1981
    Oct 20, 2022
    10
    Definitely leveling up. I can't believe this band isn't more popular. Don't sleep on it!
  3. alicej243
    Oct 20, 2022
    3
    Nice album but a bit disappointing. Just wasn’t feeling it for the most part.
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