Star Wars
by Wilco
Metascore
83

Universal acclaim - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 29
  3. Negative: 0 out of 29
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  1. The Observer (UK)
    Jul 27, 2015
    60
    Looser, grungier, fuzzier and yet more abrupt, perhaps, than latter-day Wilco offerings, Star Wars is proof that you can get considerably more than you pay for.
  2. Exclaim
    Jul 23, 2015
    60
    As the ninth addition to the Wilco canon, Star Wars is a vessel for a few impressive tunes, another respectable--if just a little uninspired--step for a band that continues to unapologetically evolve
  3. Austin Chronicle
    Aug 6, 2015
    50
    Formulaic song-structure stagnation lingers since the group's 2005 lineup overhaul and subsequent lackluster LP, Wilco (the Album). In Fact, the sextet borders on complacency in its rock-ribbed space-rock safety net, despite that music's surface eccentricity and innovation.

Awards & Rankings

71
#71 Best Album of 2015

User Reviews

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User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 86 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 76 out of 86
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 86
  3. Negative: 1 out of 86
  1. linclink
    Jul 20, 2015
    10
    Wilco has released an album that just solidifies their place as the greatest/most interesting working band in modern music. "Star Wars" is anWilco has released an album that just solidifies their place as the greatest/most interesting working band in modern music. "Star Wars" is an action packed, whirlwind of an album whose 11 songs (opening shorter instrumental & 10 others) clock in at just under 35 min.. There isn't a dull moment in the ride. The songwriting is top notch, the band firing on all cylinders. There's no telling how long certain bands can stay at a peak level like this. That Wilco has gone 20 years at this continuous high level, with nary a glitch, is a rare & precious thing indeed. Enjoy them for as long as they might burn this brightly.
    The album truly sounds like a cohesive whole & I hope that they continue to play the full work, as they did at the Pitchfork Festival recently. While they still sound like Wilco, this album, like most of their works, sounds unique unto itself. If I had to reference any past works it recalls I guess there'd be some of "A Ghost Is Born", some of Jeff's side project Loose Fur (they made 2 albums) & some "Summerteeth" too. But that referencing doesn't come close to doing it justice. It's nothing short of a modern masterpiece & they play the daylights out of it live.    … Full Review »
  2. exodus9237
    Jul 20, 2015
    9
    As everyone, I was shocked by this surprise release. I've been waiting for a new Wilco album since Tweedy released Sukierae and this is justAs everyone, I was shocked by this surprise release. I've been waiting for a new Wilco album since Tweedy released Sukierae and this is just great. I'm even a little sad that it is short for a Wilco album, but may be that's what it is, something different in a band that has proof of bieng able to bring something new to the table with each release. When I heard Sleater-Kinney's No cities to love in January I thought that that album was going to be the best rock album of the year, may be this one's not better but it certainly gives the other a strong battle.… Full Review »
  3. frankrog29
    Jul 19, 2015
    9
    It's a cliche to say this, but this album is a "return to form" for Wilco. Every song on Star Wars is quirky and ingenious. Some of the songsIt's a cliche to say this, but this album is a "return to form" for Wilco. Every song on Star Wars is quirky and ingenious. Some of the songs sound deceptively simple, but, upon further examination, turn out to be very original and non-traditional structurally. The album has a somewhat 1970's, fuzzy-rock-guitar aesthetic reminiscent of some of the songs from A Ghost Is Born (I'm A Wheel, Kicking Television). Jeff Tweedy has the ability to write piercingly sad songs; he also has the ability to write groovy rock songs that are incredibly fun to listen to. Composed mostly of the latter, I think Star Wars is an outstanding album that ranks at the top of Wilco's oeuvre, along with YHF, A Ghost Is Born, and Sky Blue Sky.… Full Review »
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