User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 59 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 52 out of 59
  2. Negative: 3 out of 59
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  1. Mar 19, 2013
    9
    While the influences of Fleetfoxes, MMJ and Bon Iver are clearly present, Matthew Houck has enough imagination to take the listener beyond into some truly original and sweet territory. This is a fantastic set and an early candidate for album of the year..
  2. Apr 4, 2013
    7
    This album took a few listens to grow on me. It's a strange combination of many genres, but overall, it is a worthwhile album to listen to. It's quite different from anything else I've heard over the past few years, so I say kudos to the band for their unique sound. The highlights are: "Song for Zula" and "Ride On, Right On".
  3. Apr 17, 2013
    9
    Everything I expected and wanted in the newest Phosphorescent album. The more I listen to this, the more it blows me away. Deep yet exciting, his best work in my opinion.
  4. Jun 1, 2013
    7
    It’s been a few years since ‘Here’s to Taking it Easy’ but now Phosphorescent the working moniker of Matthew Houck returns with probably his most accessible album to date. The short but sweet ‘Muchacho’ is a vibrant mix of styles bookended by the mellow intro/outro of ‘Sun, Arise!’ and ‘Sun's Arising’. ‘Song For Zula’ veers dangerously close to U2 but somehow manages to end up more in theIt’s been a few years since ‘Here’s to Taking it Easy’ but now Phosphorescent the working moniker of Matthew Houck returns with probably his most accessible album to date. The short but sweet ‘Muchacho’ is a vibrant mix of styles bookended by the mellow intro/outro of ‘Sun, Arise!’ and ‘Sun's Arising’. ‘Song For Zula’ veers dangerously close to U2 but somehow manages to end up more in the Bon Iver camp, this is followed by the catchy acoustic Bolen rumble of ‘Ride On Right On’ with its meandering tune and jubilant woos. ‘Terror In The Canyons (The Wounded Master)’ sounds a lot like Wilco, beautiful Americana with a drop of experimentation. ‘A Charm A Blade’ bursts into life at the chorus with a brass section that recalls The Polyphonic Spree at their most joyous. ‘Muchacho's Tune’ is based around a gorgeous slide guitar that underpins the song and compliments Houck’s vocals whereas the atmospheric piano in ‘A New Anhedonia’ shows a more melancholy side, as does ‘Down To Go’ which is like early Bonnie Prince Billy. I really like ‘The Quotidian Beasts’ but then I also like ‘Wicked Game’ by Chris Isaak which it does resemble slightly, others might not be so forgiving. Lyrically and musically Houck is on top form and it’s hard not to fall for this record despite its short running time and if nothing else it’s a good starting place for new fans to discover his understated talent. Expand
  5. Jan 30, 2014
    9
    Grammies missed this album. A perfect melding of country, electronica and great melodies. A mellow classic. Will look for more from this artist in the future.
  6. Sep 3, 2017
    10
    My favorite album of 2013. Many people rightly point to the brilliance of Song for Zula, but this is an album for me that is strong all the way through - Terror in the Canyons, Muchacho's Tune, the Quotidian Beasts. No songs to skip here.

Awards & Rankings

Metascore
85

Universal acclaim - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 26
  2. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. Mar 25, 2013
    80
    Muchacho is a well balanced listen, one that finds Houck adding new hues to old canvases and striking gold at every turn.
  2. Mar 21, 2013
    88
    Every sound is lovingly recorded and given a cradle of space.
  3. Mar 21, 2013
    84
    It’s rare to find a lyricist so honest and a vocalist so earnest, and when put into song it seems to Houck as if every word is vital and cathartic and necessary.