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The Waterfall Image
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 30 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 54 Ratings

  • Summary: The seventh full-length release for the indie rock band led by Jim James was recorded near Stinson Beach, California with Tucker Martine.
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  • Record Label: Capitol
  • Genre(s): Pop/Rock, Alternative/Indie Rock, Alternative Pop/Rock, Indie Pop, Dream Pop, Neo-Psychedelia, Alternative Country-Rock
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Top Track

Big Decisions
1] Settle down wondering just what the hell to do with your life Only get one chance but you seem to always think twice And I'm getting so tired of... See the rest of the song lyrics
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 30
  2. Negative: 0 out of 30
  1. 91
    Production has never been cleaner. Progressions have never been tighter. The adhesive has never been stronger. And Jim James has never been finer.
  2. 80
    All those lyrics about openness, about flow, about mind-body dualism--they suit this band perfectly, along with cavernous reverb and heavy-foot midrange tempos.
  3. Mojo
    May 20, 2015
    80
    Even amid its fluffy ornamentation, producer Tucker Martine spikes the players' innately epic capabilities with a puritan elixir. The rewards are considerable. [Jun 2015, p.84]
  4. May 14, 2015
    75
    This record should be coupled with its predecessor but it without doubt exceeds its ambitions.
  5. May 6, 2015
    70
    New listeners may be disconcerted by the record’s wide stylistic scope, but there are many worthy moments which can be latched on to if you stick with it, grabbing one of those hooks that seemingly appears out of nowhere.
  6. Apr 30, 2015
    70
    The boisterous, almost-live feel of the production, and a leaning towards big, striding choruses and unashamedly anthemic moments means that things never get too ponderous.
  7. Apr 29, 2015
    60
    Their forays into synth-heavy late-'70s/early-'80s prog and arena rock are alternately inventive and bafflingly blockheaded.

See all 30 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 10
  2. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. May 5, 2015
    10
    Super fun and well rounded album. You've done it again MMJ. Thanks for the new memories!Super fun and well rounded album. You've done it again MMJ. Thanks for the new memories! . Expand
  2. Jun 28, 2015
    10
    11 out of 10. An excellent album all the way through. Captures the diversity and range of the band's sound. What's more, the songs on this11 out of 10. An excellent album all the way through. Captures the diversity and range of the band's sound. What's more, the songs on this release exhibit a sense of thematic unity which one doesn't often find on My Morning Jacket's records. Album highlights include "Compound Fracture" and "In Its Infancy (The Waterfall)". Expand
  3. Aug 5, 2015
    10
    This is probably the best rock-oriented album I've heard in a decade or more. MMJ have found a really great progressive sound this time on aThis is probably the best rock-oriented album I've heard in a decade or more. MMJ have found a really great progressive sound this time on a handful of standout tracks while still also presenting strong songs with their more traditional feel. The lyrics are strong throughout and, while seemingly dark at times, the album has a cohesive theme and is ultimately bright in it's overall outlook. Standouts are Compound Fracture, Like a River, In Its Infancy, and Spring, but every track plays it's part to make this album one to remember for a long time. Expand
  4. Oct 6, 2015
    9
    Superb seventh album from the great My Morning Jacket. The Waterfall is their most refined and sharp album. It contains a little bit ofSuperb seventh album from the great My Morning Jacket. The Waterfall is their most refined and sharp album. It contains a little bit of everything. My favorites are Compound Fracture, Like a River, Get the Point, and Tropics. Expand
  5. Jul 24, 2020
    9
    Quite a good album if you ask me. I enjoy the mix of the various styles from their previous releases but enhanced with additional instrumentation.
  6. May 5, 2015
    8
    Great. Excellent. Their best album since Z. It is expansive, enjoyable and beautiful. The only thing this album does is assure that My MorningGreat. Excellent. Their best album since Z. It is expansive, enjoyable and beautiful. The only thing this album does is assure that My Morning Jacket is here to stay, and it leaves you wanting more, and it's great because next year we will have more. Expand
  7. May 13, 2015
    6
    My Morning Jacket comes through with a fairly strong release, tinged with alt country and folk elements, that makes for an enjoyable andMy Morning Jacket comes through with a fairly strong release, tinged with alt country and folk elements, that makes for an enjoyable and pleasant listening experience. The intensity is generally the same throughout, causing the album to dull the farther it goes. The songwriting, as well, is not as strong as it has been on previous My Morning Jacket records. However, the band still provides enough entertaining material to make this a worthwhile record. If you are already a My Morning Jacket fan, I'm sure this album will not disappoint. Expand

See all 10 User Reviews