What a Terrible World, What a Beautiful World
by The Decemberists
  • Record Label: Capitol
  • Release Date: Jan 20, 2015
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 31
  3. Negative: 0 out of 31
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  1. Alternative Press
    Jan 6, 2015
    60
    The result is a record that is frequently too busy. [Feb 2015, p.90]
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  2. Under The Radar
    Jan 6, 2015
    60
    [They're unquestionably still the same band, but--just like many of their longtime listeners--they're all grown up now. [Nov/Dec 2014, p.63]
  3. Pitchfork
    Jan 20, 2015
    56
    The failure of this album, in addition to being overlong and under-ambitious, is the idea that maturity should beget lazy, hammock songs.
  5. No Ripcord
    Feb 17, 2015
    40
    Always professional, but rarely memorable, What a Terrible World, What a Beautiful World, much like its fudge of a title, ultimately balances out as a fairly middling work.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 43 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 34 out of 43
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 43
  3. Negative: 1 out of 43
  1. Mab_987
    Jan 30, 2015
    8
    The Decemberists kicked off 2015 with a folk rock record that's equal parts infectious, poetic, moody, clever & at times just plain fun. OneThe Decemberists kicked off 2015 with a folk rock record that's equal parts infectious, poetic, moody, clever & at times just plain fun. One of their best for sure, even if you could argue it's a little front-loaded in terms of highlights.

    (If you wanna see a more in-depth review, look up "Spin It Reviews" on YouTube.)    … Full Review »
  2. Vladith
    Jan 20, 2015
    8
    The Decemberists once again proved themselves to be an incredbly competent group of musicians, rebounding from their four-year hiatus with allThe Decemberists once again proved themselves to be an incredbly competent group of musicians, rebounding from their four-year hiatus with all the energy of a newly-formed group.

    While there are not as many headliner tracks as on The Crane Wife or Picaresque, "The Singer Addresses His Audience", "Cavalry Captain", "Philomena", "Make You Better", "Carolina Low", "Don't Wake the Baby", and "A Beginning Song" are amazing works of songwriting and performance. The resonating finale of the opening track will top the list of the Decemberists' greatest musical moments, and the playful Philomena (along with the Lake Song) are a charmingly wistful recollection of the innocence and depravity of youth.

    The second half of the album drags a bit, but each song is still a delight. Even the occasionally awkward "The Wrong Year", "Easy Come, Easy Go" and "Mistral", which don't quite fit the Decemberists' style, are still fun to bop around to. As mentioned, "Carolina Low" and "Better Not Wake the Baby" are a great pair of dark Americana. Despite their great sound, the lyrics on both are not Colin's best. And that transition...

    Of final note is the final track, entitled "A Beginning Song" in a little bit of Decemberists irony (Remember, this is the band who named their six-track debut EP "Five Songs). With a "warm jet" of guitar that Brian Eno would love, a heavy Nashville drum, and a handful of electroacoustic sounds, this song looks both forward and back.

    Colin Meloy sings, "I am hopeful, should I be hopeful?", which is a question many are asking when they hear these 40-year-old indie rockers make their return. While few songs from this album will make anybody's top ten lists, it's absolutely a solid album and a triumphant return by the Decemberists.    … Full Review »
  3. JLuis_001
    Sep 6, 2018
    8
    Worthy successor of The King is Dead. The first part of the album contains several of the best songs of the band and although it gest lost aWorthy successor of The King is Dead. The first part of the album contains several of the best songs of the band and although it gest lost a little towards the end the album maintains solidity and good music.… Full Review »
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