Mirage Rock
by Band of Horses
  • Record Label: Columbia
  • Release Date: Sep 18, 2012
User Score
6.0

Mixed or average reviews- based on 32 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 32
  3. Negative: 4 out of 32
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  1. Slowave
    Sep 25, 2012
    6
    Don Henley does Don Henley better than Bidwell. And if you want to listen to The Band you will listen to The Band. A Band of Horses album should be A Band of Horses album. So.... is it? Sadly, Mirage Rock confirms the bump in the road of promise that Infinite Arms hinted at. A first listen of "Slow Cruel Hands of Time" sums up the lackadaisical roller coaster ride that Mirage RockDon Henley does Don Henley better than Bidwell. And if you want to listen to The Band you will listen to The Band. A Band of Horses album should be A Band of Horses album. So.... is it? Sadly, Mirage Rock confirms the bump in the road of promise that Infinite Arms hinted at. A first listen of "Slow Cruel Hands of Time" sums up the lackadaisical roller coaster ride that Mirage Rock never quite takes you on. Lovely acoustics that force you to anticipate the soaring melodies and vocal delivery of "Funeral" and "Great Salt Lakes" (and maybe even "Is There A Ghost") that sadly never come. The first 30 seconds amounts to the last 30 seconds, and you leave the theme park feeling dissapointed. Will this album find its way into your weekly rotation? Probably. Will it become a grower that you find yourself going back to even though you aren't happy and/or comfortable with it? Maybe. All in all, this band is capable of so much more.… Expand
  2. titansandrome
    Jun 12, 2013
    6
    I enjoyed this album, though i can see where some of the fans and critics are coming from. I don't think it deserves to be panned, but it definitely isnt there very best work. Still, a great band.
  3. ConnJack
    Sep 19, 2012
    5
    The new record from indie rockers Band of Horses 'Mirage Rock' has its moments, it has a unique change of sound to it from their folksy roots to a more power pop structure. This record and most of the song just end up being a disappointment.
  4. alwayslistening
    Dec 18, 2015
    4
    It's too bad that the best songs on the album, including the title track "Mirage Rock", were put on the bonus/deluxe EP titled "Sonic Ranch Sessions". Relly's Dream and "Catalina" were the best songs of all in my opinion, so it's unfortunate that many people, who didn't opt for the deluxe package, missed out on that EP. I think that all artists should be able to express their ideas freelyIt's too bad that the best songs on the album, including the title track "Mirage Rock", were put on the bonus/deluxe EP titled "Sonic Ranch Sessions". Relly's Dream and "Catalina" were the best songs of all in my opinion, so it's unfortunate that many people, who didn't opt for the deluxe package, missed out on that EP. I think that all artists should be able to express their ideas freely with each project and not worry about the listener's opinion, but for my taste, I hope the next record will make me want to listen over and over, as with some of their previous releases, rather than cringing and skipping when one pops up on shuffle.… Expand

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
68

Generally favorable reviews - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 29
  3. Negative: 1 out of 29
  1. Boston Globe
    Dec 6, 2012
    80
    Ben Bridwell's voice remains a beguiling instrument in both high and low registers, and there are moments of stark beauty.
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  2. Exclaim
    Oct 30, 2012
    30
    Fourth album Mirage Rock is a bungled mess of poor production and half-assed songwriting.
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  3. Magnet
    Oct 1, 2012
    80
    The songs work as robust individuals, as well as in the dynamic context of the album's sequencing; up-tempo rockers connect with sparse 'n' sullen twangers. [No.91, p.53]
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