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In the Rainbow Rain
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In the Rainbow Rain Image
Metascore
68

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 8 Ratings

  • Summary: The latest release for the rock band led by Will Sheff, who produced the album with Shawn Everett, was recorded with Benjamin Lazar Davis, Will Graefe, Sarah Pedinotti, and Cully Symington.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. The Independent (UK)
    Apr 25, 2018
    80
    He sounds cleansed of old complications.
  2. Under The Radar
    Apr 26, 2018
    75
    The result is an album that's deeply affecting, but which—even if it is—doesn't feel quite as personal or authentic as much of the band's previous output. It's also their most anachronistic record to date.
  3. Sputnikmusic
    May 1, 2018
    70
    In The Rainbow Rain is an uncommonly jaunty listen.
  4. The A.V. Club
    Apr 27, 2018
    67
    The songs here are among Okkervil’s lushest productions, adorned with choruses and horns and washes of sunny guitar, paired well with whatever subject Sheff happens to be tackling. Even when he gets too sappy, there’s always those stellar arrangements to serve as a saving grace.
  5. musicOMH.com
    Jun 11, 2018
    60
    Clearly Sheff is at something of a crossroads in his life and his world view is changing; perhaps he doesn’t quite know how best to make everything fit together just right. Given time, there are moments of this album that will shine, it’s just a shame there’s so few of them. 

  6. The Observer (UK)
    Apr 29, 2018
    60
    It’s a compelling and moving opener to In the Rainbow Rain, but nothing else here scales the same heights.
  7. Slant Magazine
    Apr 24, 2018
    50
    With the exception of “Famous Tracheotomies,” Sheff often struggles to find compelling metaphors on this album.

See all 18 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. parenter
    Apr 30, 2018
    8
    Basically Okkervil River+Saxophone and psychodelic touches. Lyrics might be more simple, but not in a bad way. Love the band.
  2. shoeletariat
    Apr 27, 2019
    8
    This album is Okkervil River doing what they do best, changing lanes and setting a new course. Lyrically it's far more joyful than theirThis album is Okkervil River doing what they do best, changing lanes and setting a new course. Lyrically it's far more joyful than their previous couple of albums. The production and arrangements are immediately appealing, even if some of the songs lack the allegorical kick in the marbles that old Okkervil River songs deliver. I have a feeling this album may feel unapproachable for new listeners to the band (which might explain some of the low reviews), but for long-time fans, especially those who liked "Away" as much as I did, there is more than enough to savor here. In many ways it feels like a sequel to that album, or like an upbeat counterpoint.

    Frankly, this band is simply not recognized enough for their place on the fringes of pop rock, indie, and folk; they constantly borrow formulas from the best of the best but never in a way that sounds trite, and always combining them in dramatic and creative ways. There isn't a single album in their catalogue that doesn't stand out from the others in some way--and if that's not the work of a genius at work, I don't know what is. I imagine history will remember them more fondly than the present. Rock on Will, thanks for all the great tunes.    … Expand
  4. Doof
    Jun 5, 2018
    6
    I have a topsy turvy/up and down relationship with Okkervil River, half the time their vocal-centric indie impresses - the rest of the timeI have a topsy turvy/up and down relationship with Okkervil River, half the time their vocal-centric indie impresses - the rest of the time their OTT ways grate. 'Away' saw the band hit a sweet spot and career high in terms of satisfying my own particular sensibilities...sadly 'Rainbow Rain' I find takes a step back into the more meandering and somewhat shapeless warbly fodder I can take or leave. A few above passable tracks is the limit to how highly I can recommend this one.… Expand