Strange Trails
by Lord Huron
  • Record Label: Iamsound
  • Release Date: Apr 7, 2015
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
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  1. Absolute Punk (Staff reviews)
    Apr 8, 2015
    100
    Strange Trails is brilliantly paced, and each song itself is brilliantly paced.
  2. Spin
    May 7, 2015
    80
    Pulling a Bon Iver-gone-to-Walden Pond move might be grossly overdone by now, but Lord Huron has skillfully overturned the tired mulch in favor of tuneful new growth.
  3. Austin Chronicle
    Oct 2, 2015
    78
    "Fool for Love" wouldn't have survived the twisting soundscapes of the frontman's initial EP, but it offers the same sweeping vistas.
  5. Under The Radar
    Apr 16, 2015
    75
    Not every trail ends at some breathtaking view, but that's understandable given the album's expansive 14 tracks. [Apr - May 2015, p.84]
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  6. AllMusic
    Apr 13, 2015
    70
    There are no big surprises here; fans of Lonesome Dreams will surely be pleased, and Strange Trails' serene ambience and unconventional narrative may capture the imagination of inclined first-timers.
  7. PopMatters
    Apr 9, 2015
    70
    At nearly an hour, Strange Trails tends to drag in its back half, the songs there largely slower retreads of those that have come before. For background music it is quite enjoyable, but under closer inspection much of the material simply doesn’t hold up.
  8. musicOMH.com
    Apr 8, 2015
    70
    Occasionally the wish remains Lord Huron would vary their delivery a bit more.

Awards & Rankings

68
#68 Most Shared Album of 2015

User Reviews

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User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 47 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 43 out of 47
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 47
  3. Negative: 3 out of 47
  1. i_exist
    Jul 10, 2020
    10
    Even 5 years after it first released, this album is still fantastic. It improves upon the very small problems with Lonesome Dreams, and all 14Even 5 years after it first released, this album is still fantastic. It improves upon the very small problems with Lonesome Dreams, and all 14 songs are fantastic.

    Top 3.
    3. Fool for Love
    2. Frozen Pines
    1. The World Ender    … Full Review »
  2. imthenoob
    Mar 19, 2019
    10
    As much as I love all of their albums, Strange Trails has to be my favourite. Each track is very much a different trail both musically andAs much as I love all of their albums, Strange Trails has to be my favourite. Each track is very much a different trail both musically and lyrically. And trying to tell numerous stories through these lyrics is a challenge that they more than accomplish.… Full Review »
  3. Jeff-S
    Apr 21, 2015
    10
    Strange Trails hits right where it should with what was loved on Lonesome Dreams, songs, melodies and imagery. On first listen of StrangeStrange Trails hits right where it should with what was loved on Lonesome Dreams, songs, melodies and imagery. On first listen of Strange Trails I liked the melodies and in some ways reminded me of the BoDeans (Hurricane) but on subsequent listens it proves to be a worthy, solid Lord Huron style album. This is an excellent followup which has really grown on me- I like the album cover art as well.

    Critics of the album want them to change things up, pry the door open, surprise people but if they did the same criticism would come down about over-reaching. I feel they played their second album smartly.

    The mix of songs runs from haunting melodic Yawning Grave, Frozen Pines, Love Like Ghosts, Louisa to upbeat Fool For Love, Dead Man's Hand, Until the Night Turns. For a fan or first time listener of the band this is an excellent album worth listening to often.    … Full Review »
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