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. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. KumerKumer
    May 2, 2007
    10
    There
  7. GarthG
    Jun 20, 2007
    10
    Absolutely Awesome in its Beauty, Simplicity and Complexity! A classic that just grows and grows on you!
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. AlT
    May 14, 2007
    10
    Every album is orignal and better, best band around today, easily.
  11. 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.
  12. bradb
    May 15, 2007
    10
    very nice. very nice indeed.
  13. Jfurman
    May 16, 2007
    10
    Annoying that critics are kinda panning this one. Back to roots, so that must mean they're getting old and stale, right? This one has more texture, intimacy, and satisfying meat to it than the recent more experimental ones. Best wilco yet.
  14. Dave
    May 16, 2007
    10
    Wos what a great CD! I've really been hoping Tweedy would return to the sound of the "Being There" and "Summerteeth" era, and my wish was granted. Don't get me wrong, I love YHF, and to a lesser extent AGIB, but I still feel Being There is their best work, though this new CD comes very close! Can't wait to hear the new songs performed live!
  15. PaulL
    May 17, 2007
    10
    Taken on its own terms this CD is a masterpiece. After reading some reviews from "experts" it seems that Wilco must continue on its path of musical deconstruction in order to be relevant. I disagree. Sky Blue Sky is not to be judged on anyone's expectations of what a Wilco album is supposed to sound like. Take it on its own terms and enjoy Tweedy's vocals which are the best of Taken on its own terms this CD is a masterpiece. After reading some reviews from "experts" it seems that Wilco must continue on its path of musical deconstruction in order to be relevant. I disagree. Sky Blue Sky is not to be judged on anyone's expectations of what a Wilco album is supposed to sound like. Take it on its own terms and enjoy Tweedy's vocals which are the best of any frontman in rock today. Enjoy listening to a band. That's right, a band. Not a producer or engineer. Not only does that make me think this is a sort of throwback album; but when was the last time you played a CD and enjoyed the whole thing. Save for Love and Theft by Bob Dylan I can't think of the last time I enjoyed a CD so thoroughly.… Expand
  16. jDearman
    May 18, 2007
    10
    I admit, I didn't quite expect this. After listening to the whole album 6-7 times, I can't get it out of my head. This is not the album that I was waiting for, but maby it should have been. I love it.
  17. William
    May 18, 2007
    10
    2nd best Wilco album, afterYHF.
  18. JohnH
    May 21, 2007
    10
    Just a simply beautiful album
  19. STEVEK
    May 24, 2007
    10
    Better than the REO Speedwagon of my youth!!
  20. RyanS
    May 26, 2007
    10
    I can't stop listening to it, its simply a great album. Its such a summer time album. Makes me want to sit out on a deck somewhere and just chat with old friends.
  21. BruceG
    May 29, 2007
    10
    A set of beautiful songs. What more could one ask for? Each Wilco album stand-alone suite and this one stands just as well as the others.
  22. JohnN
    Jun 19, 2007
    10
    Brilliant songwriting, Brilliant musicianship. There best to date and I have them all. Dont' believe the bad reviews, it's from people who think Revolution #9 is genius.
  23. JTR
    Jun 28, 2007
    10
    Further evidence of pitchfork media's doubtful value (they gave this a 52) as a critical resource. This album, if put on a graph would show Wilco continues to climb to heights of artistic importance and quality rarely fantasized about by better known, better rated bands. Easily a top 5 2007 release, easily a top 3 Wilco disc.
  24. JimK.
    Jul 14, 2007
    10
    After two very experimental albums this was a perfect fit for the band who will never compromise their sound for the masses needs. Beautiful album.
  25. NoamB.
    Jul 5, 2007
    10
    a masterpiece. not absorbed in 1-2 listens. *****
  26. RickW.
    Aug 5, 2007
    10
    I really liked this album when I first got it but after seeing WILCO perform just about the entire album live outdoors under a full Vermont summer solstice moon in June I became a true believer. I have all previous WILCO efforts but this one is the best! Nels Cline is a great addition to the band and takes their sound away from country towards rock. All songs performed live were even I really liked this album when I first got it but after seeing WILCO perform just about the entire album live outdoors under a full Vermont summer solstice moon in June I became a true believer. I have all previous WILCO efforts but this one is the best! Nels Cline is a great addition to the band and takes their sound away from country towards rock. All songs performed live were even better than the recordings, and the energy in "Shake it Off" and "Hate it Here" played live made me appreciate these tunes even more on the album. Best album of the year.....to date!… Expand
  27. adolfop.
    Sep 14, 2007
    10
    Amazing guitar creativity, easy listening, thumbs up.
  28. ClayY.
    Sep 25, 2007
    10
    I have owned this album since it's release date. Ws very disappointed at first listen. Appreciated it much more, and fell in love with a couple of the songs about a week after having it. Months have passed since, and I picked it up again because I was about to see them live. Not only has this become my favorite Wilco album, there is something about it, and where I have been in my I have owned this album since it's release date. Ws very disappointed at first listen. Appreciated it much more, and fell in love with a couple of the songs about a week after having it. Months have passed since, and I picked it up again because I was about to see them live. Not only has this become my favorite Wilco album, there is something about it, and where I have been in my life lately, that it has now officially become my favorite album of all time. If there is anyone who is at a rough place in life, I really suggest this record to make you feel better. So much understanding, and enlightenment, with just the right touch of rage to fill ones soul. I can't get over how incredibly beautiful, and stong the simplistic lyrics to "On and On and On. A song that really makes me happy to have experienced life, no matter what hells I have reached in my journey. It gives me hope for a life that will make it's mark be known. And "What Light" has such a Lennon quality that really allows you to celebrate the good inside us all that we fail to recognize because we find ourselves distracted with society, and lose sight of what is important: our own hearts and souls and feelings!… Expand
  29. StevenG
    Apr 23, 2007
    10
    Awesome album from Chicago's finest rock band. Impossible Germany and Walken are two of their best recordings....ever!
  30. CliffA
    Apr 25, 2007
    10
    Second to YHF but should become a classic
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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 »