Sky Blue Sky
by Wilco
  • Record Label: Nonesuch
  • Release Date: May 15, 2007
User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 213 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 177 out of 213
  2. Mixed: 25 out of 213
  3. Negative: 11 out of 213

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  1. brianf
    May 18, 2007
    8
    I've been listening to this on their website for a while, and heard a few of the songs done live on bootlegs for over a year. Didn't especially get into some of it, but had especially enjoyed Impossible Germany and Walken. I thought the cd as a whole seemed too mellow, not at all like AGIB or YHF, so kind of a letdown. But I also hadn't listened to it start to finish at one I've been listening to this on their website for a while, and heard a few of the songs done live on bootlegs for over a year. Didn't especially get into some of it, but had especially enjoyed Impossible Germany and Walken. I thought the cd as a whole seemed too mellow, not at all like AGIB or YHF, so kind of a letdown. But I also hadn't listened to it start to finish at one time. Just got the cd in the mail yesterday, it came with a dvd which I first watched. Today I put the cd in and listened to it through headphones start to finish. As someone commented previously, it sounds great as a whole, for me that's somewhat how YHF was too. Not all songs seem to stand on their own, but as an entire cd it all works.… Expand
  2. matta
    May 21, 2007
    7
    I'm glad this score has gone down a little. Really, it doesn't deserve to be in the same ballpark as A Ghost Is Born (and certainly not Summer Teeth or Yankee Hotel Foxtrot). It is solid, but not great. I feel like some reviews I've seen have given good marks just because it is Wilco, and on the flipside, some critics have been extra harsh because it is not as good as their I'm glad this score has gone down a little. Really, it doesn't deserve to be in the same ballpark as A Ghost Is Born (and certainly not Summer Teeth or Yankee Hotel Foxtrot). It is solid, but not great. I feel like some reviews I've seen have given good marks just because it is Wilco, and on the flipside, some critics have been extra harsh because it is not as good as their last three albums. Just taking it on its own merits, and not comparing it to past work, it is, like I said, good but not great.… Expand
  3. MikefromMaine
    May 20, 2007
    9
    Finally, the Wilco album that delivers on the promise of AM and Being There. While all that experimenting did produce some fine albums, everything from Summerteeth up until now, seemed to lack the emotion of their first two collections. Sky Blue Sky delivers simple and honest emotion mixed in with some occasional interesting instrumentation to produce the album that Jeff Tweedy was Finally, the Wilco album that delivers on the promise of AM and Being There. While all that experimenting did produce some fine albums, everything from Summerteeth up until now, seemed to lack the emotion of their first two collections. Sky Blue Sky delivers simple and honest emotion mixed in with some occasional interesting instrumentation to produce the album that Jeff Tweedy was destined to make. And the Nels Cline lead and lap steel guitar work really tops it all off. Maybe I am a biased early Wilco (and UT) fan, but this could be their finest hour.… Expand
  4. jay
    May 6, 2007
    10
    Wilco is back and feeling comfortable about playing music. Great music. The Band. The Beatles. Pure songs with guidance and strength. Sky Blue Sky is the calm after the storm of searching....and I am glad this is the result. Sounds like home to me.
  5. JuanF.
    Feb 10, 2008
    10
    Is simple, beautiful, intelligent, all great songs. I think is the mayor Wilco album. Just listen songs like on and on and withe light.
  6. PabloG
    Oct 30, 2007
    10
    I love this record. Wilco's beautiful collaboration in sound truly reflects a vision unique to those who know the hard times in life, but stand firm in hope. This album takes me. Thank you Wilco.
  7. KyleW
    May 14, 2007
    10
    This is a Wilco album for fans who have been there from the beginning. A delicious ode to roots rock that shold be digested by music lovers of any age.
  8. GregB
    May 14, 2007
    10
    You have to give this one time, no question. It is not going to reach out and grab you at first. But when you hit the right number of listens and the little buttons start to get pushed in your brain, you'll find that this is a breathtakingly beautiful and soulful record. I get chills everytime I listen to it now. Brilliant.
  9. [Anonymous]
    May 16, 2007
    9
    Phenomenal album. It is different from Ghost and YHF, but that is what they needed. They carried over the sound from Kicking Television and put it into album form. Yes, it is more chill, but still the songs are great. Not too big of a fan of "what light" but love the rest. If you can only check out one, "Impossible Germany" is awesome.
  10. cables
    May 16, 2007
    9
    A brilliant departure from the experimentalism that bogged down parts of "a ghost is born". It recalls the pop glow of summerteeth with an added bit of maturity.
  11. steve
    May 16, 2007
    9
    gorgeous guitar work, this album will grown on you with listenings, short attention spans will find it troublesome, they have mastered their craft.
  12. TomJ.
    May 16, 2007
    8
    I've been a Wilco fan for 10 years and this band has sent me on a roller coaster of a ride through alt.country, Beatlesque pop, and noisy post-rock. I can honestly say I wasn't prepared for an album like "Sky Blue Sky". But after just one listen, not only did I identify it as a collection of Wilco songs, but an "album", a cohesive musical statement. It's hard to make a I've been a Wilco fan for 10 years and this band has sent me on a roller coaster of a ride through alt.country, Beatlesque pop, and noisy post-rock. I can honestly say I wasn't prepared for an album like "Sky Blue Sky". But after just one listen, not only did I identify it as a collection of Wilco songs, but an "album", a cohesive musical statement. It's hard to make a texturally scaled-down record such as this without great songs underneath. I must admit; after pouring over the two Loose Fur records, I really wanted to hear Glen Kotche come out a little more on this record. But the songs didn't call for it, and the performance of all the musicians proves the band understands that no one member is more important than the song. The record sounds truly effortless, like a band getting together playing the songs they like with people they like. Nothing is forced. Some say it's Wilco showing it's age; I think it's Wilco showing their incredibly tasteful musical abilities and the spirit of a collective that can survive all the guff and criticism this industry can dish out. Where do they go from here? I have no clue. Then again, I've never been able to answer this question and I'm never disappointed in the end.… Expand
  13. SteveVW
    May 2, 2007
    7
    A couple misses, but overall a great summertime record, breezy and fun. Seems effortless, which mean a whole lot of effort was likely put into these songs. Not a deep, "important" record by any means, but its importance may just lie in its simple charm. Its only rock and roll, but I like it.
  14. DaveC.
    May 20, 2007
    9
    This album reminds me of Dylan's domestic turn with New Morning - not so much in its style, but in its imagery from the ordinary responsibilities of life in your 30's and 40's. It's not as dark and tormented as the Yankee and Ghost albums, but SBS is a beautiful addition to the Wilco cannon.
  15. KumerKumer
    May 2, 2007
    10
    There
  16. yourmom
    Jun 12, 2007
    9
    well crafted music..... It's hard not be pleased. Although i find it to be one small step back from A Ghost Is Born.
  17. Adrian
    Jun 17, 2007
    8
    Not as experimental as their previous efforts but a solid effort none the less. Everything has been simplified and we're back to the alt-country roots ... love and loss
  18. GarthG
    Jun 20, 2007
    10
    Absolutely Awesome in its Beauty, Simplicity and Complexity! A classic that just grows and grows on you!
  19. Walton
    Jun 7, 2007
    9
    Sky Blue Sky lacks the astonishing diversity of Being There or the experimental flair of Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. Yet it contains some terrific songs. Both Impossible Germany and Walken are among the very best numbers in Wilco live shows. And for the sentimental, Please Be Patient With Me is very touching. The best thing about Sky Blue Sky is that it is a unique addition to the Wilco/Tweedy Sky Blue Sky lacks the astonishing diversity of Being There or the experimental flair of Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. Yet it contains some terrific songs. Both Impossible Germany and Walken are among the very best numbers in Wilco live shows. And for the sentimental, Please Be Patient With Me is very touching. The best thing about Sky Blue Sky is that it is a unique addition to the Wilco/Tweedy repertoire.… Expand
  20. JohnP
    Jun 9, 2007
    9
    Apparently effortless and deceptively simple, as are all manifestations of brilliance.
  21. ChrisB
    Jul 2, 2007
    8
    The indie-hipster rejection of Sky Blue Sky puts a spotlight on the hypocrisy and shallowness of much of the movement. Take the same album, throw in some electric background noise and a few not-quite-cohesive off-harmonies, the same people trashing it would be calling it album of the year. Sky Blue Sky is a solid album full of a lot of extremely strong guitar riffs and overall good The indie-hipster rejection of Sky Blue Sky puts a spotlight on the hypocrisy and shallowness of much of the movement. Take the same album, throw in some electric background noise and a few not-quite-cohesive off-harmonies, the same people trashing it would be calling it album of the year. Sky Blue Sky is a solid album full of a lot of extremely strong guitar riffs and overall good songwriting. It's not as good as Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, but what is?… Expand
  22. JaimeP.
    Jul 8, 2007
    10
    best music of the century, so far. A few seconds of Either way or impossible germany are much worthwhile than the f*** discography of truly boring groops, i.e U2, !!! or those monkeys in antarctica
  23. LewisM.
    Jan 8, 2008
    9
    Beatiful and fantastic, though im hoping this album is one for jeff to have some fun and the next will be a bit more messed up! Full of hope.
  24. BrendanD
    Apr 25, 2007
    10
    Yes, the sonic chances taken on Wilco's sixth album are more subtle, but calling it inconsequential, as some (I'm looking at you, Under The Radar) will, is far from fair. I'd say it's more a "breezy" record, similar in structure to Bob Dylan's "Desire" or the Beach Boys' "Friends," and sounding quite a bit like the Grateful Dead's "American Beauty." Now, Yes, the sonic chances taken on Wilco's sixth album are more subtle, but calling it inconsequential, as some (I'm looking at you, Under The Radar) will, is far from fair. I'd say it's more a "breezy" record, similar in structure to Bob Dylan's "Desire" or the Beach Boys' "Friends," and sounding quite a bit like the Grateful Dead's "American Beauty." Now, there are those who will complain that each of those records represented a band that immediately went downhill (or was on the way down already), but I disagree. "Desire" is one of Dylan's most affecting records; "Friends" is a fabulous piece of weirdo-obscuro post-acid pop; and "American Beauty" was one of two great studio records the Dead made. As for "Sky Blue Sky," it starts off on a surprise note: the understated, sumblime "Either Way," a song that, upon first glance, does indeed seem inconsequential, with its folky, '70s-sounding electric guitar and flattened-out drums. It's not, though; how often do you hear a band come out of the woodwork not with a roar but with a chuckle? The band is loose, having fun. This album wasn't a chore to make like their most celebrated record, "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot," and neither was it an attempt to take that experimentation a step further, as was "A Ghost is Born." No, "Sky Blue Sky" is an open-set jam, a group of guys who play well together hanging out and coming up with some sweet, sweet melodies. Sure, the messages aren't as depressing as previous records; and yes, alt.country fans aren't going to be happy that the band has come up with its first-ever unabashed country song ("What Light," which recalls, most surprisingly, "Grand Ole Opry" type country) or their jammier stuff ("Impossible Germany," "Side with the Seeds"). But there is other stuff on here that you're not going to get out of your head. "Walken" is a perfect jam-pop tune; "You Are My Face" sounds like the Autumn Defense interpreting the Chamber Strings. Here's the deal, though: don't download/listen to individual tracks. It doesn't work like that. This is an album's album, a record that doesn't work unless each song is heard in its particular place. Listen to it several times while you're driving around whilst the sun shines down on you. You won't be disappointed, and you might even feel kind of good.… Expand
  25. KevinM
    Apr 27, 2007
    9
    This album may not be a step forward, but it is by no means a step backward. This is a very intimate album made by a band that, at this point, can do no wrong. I love this album.
  26. PeterC
    May 14, 2007
    9
    Brilliant! Tweedy sounds confident and relaxed. the songs have a gentle charm and fell as comopfrtable as a favorite shirt. A plaid flannel shirt, of course.
  27. AlT
    May 14, 2007
    10
    Every album is orignal and better, best band around today, easily.
  28. BDub
    May 14, 2007
    9
    Will be one of my top ten from the year. I'm in the minority of people that like this more than their previous work. This is less experimental, which means it will be easier to get into. And it is for that reason that it will be reviewed poorly. All of the Indie fans that liked them before will be all up in arms over the fact that more people can listen to their music. Stupid. The Will be one of my top ten from the year. I'm in the minority of people that like this more than their previous work. This is less experimental, which means it will be easier to get into. And it is for that reason that it will be reviewed poorly. All of the Indie fans that liked them before will be all up in arms over the fact that more people can listen to their music. Stupid. The guitar work on this album is just awesome, YHF just put me to sleep. If you found yourself not really liking previous Wilco, i encourage you to give them one more try with this one. What the indie snobs don't like about this album will be what you will like.… Expand
  29. TimothyK
    May 14, 2007
    9
    Sky Blue Sky, Wilco's latest album, displays the evolution Wilco has endured throughout their existence. Sky Blue Sky presents a cleaner, toned down sound but with Jeff Tweedy's eccentric voice still clear. This will be one of the top albums of the year.
  30. jd
    May 14, 2007
    10
    LOVE, LOVE, LOVE. i can, however, see why some Wilco fans would not like this album. Its almost as if each track is a different music style. There are definitely some other influences running deep through a few tracks. I personally enjoy the new found structure, lyrical maturity, and over-all feel, of this blissful album.
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Awards & Rankings

17
#17 Most Discussed Album of 2007
50
#50 Most Shared Album of 2007

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 38 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 38
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 38
  3. Negative: 1 out of 38
  1. Amazon.com
    70
    It's certainly the group's most cohesive album in ages.
    Read full review
  2. Under The Radar
    50
    A very professional but almost inconsequential set... flat and ultimately uninspired. [#17, p.88]
  3. Observer Music Monthly
    80
    The closer you listen to the jazzy guitars, Beatles touches and easy, shuffling rhythms ... the more it transpires that Tweedy is simply allowing the songs sufficient room to speak up for themselves.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »