Why Are You OK?
by Band of Horses
Metascore
68

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    Jun 10, 2016
    83
    The sonic pivots make Ok a compelling listen. Bridwell’s exploration never feels chaotic. Instead, it’s what keeps the record’s momentum going.
  2. Record Collector
    Jun 20, 2016
    80
    Relief all round then that their fifth album is a shimmering thing of beauty; a fresh summer breeze blowing in full of character and heart and sweeping away the dirge and disappointment of their last outing.
  3. The Guardian
    Jun 9, 2016
    80
    Band of Horses’s fifth album makes something of a triumphant return to the wide-eyed, dreamy vulnerability that marked the Seattle band’s first two records.
  5. Q Magazine
    Jun 9, 2016
    80
    Reassuringly, life is good once more. [#361, p.107]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. Under The Radar
    Jun 24, 2016
    70
    While Why Are You OK may struggle to match the specific peaks of some of their previous work, its consistency, cohesion, and variety of songcraft breathes new spark into the band's flame and hints at a brighter, more expansive musical future.
  7. Uncut
    Jun 21, 2016
    70
    More than once, it is difficult not to drift into wistful contemplation of the splendid, unreconstructed rock'n'roll racket of which they might be capable if they tried underthinking things for a change. [Aug 2016, p.74]
    All this publication's reviews
  8. Drowned In Sound
    Jun 14, 2016
    70
    It’s not they’ve gone back on themselves or regressed; it’s just that Band of Horses have naturally, and happily, managed to wind their way back home.
  9. Rolling Stone
    Jun 10, 2016
    70
    The mood throughout is amiably diverse. Every Band of Horses record feels like mixing your dad's records with your records.
  10. Consequence
    Jun 15, 2016
    67
    Though it sometimes gets lost in its own sleepy sweetness, Why Are You OK finds just enough of those grand moments of simplicity.
  11. PopMatters
    Jul 20, 2016
    60
    They may not be groundbreaking, sophisticated, or poetic in any sense of the word, but what they lack in complexity and nuance they make up for in solid, simple tracks that are as harmless as they are amiable. Sometimes, that’s all it takes.
  12. No Ripcord
    Jul 6, 2016
    60
    The lyrical themes in the album about living a quiet domestic life are aptly mature, but also a tad empty and lack much insight, literal to the point that you’d assume main songwriter Ben Bridwell was peering through a window during sessions to write about anything he could find.
  13. Pitchfork
    Jun 14, 2016
    60
    Every darker, weirder impulse got glossed over while the music gives an agreeable shrug.
  14. Mojo
    Jun 9, 2016
    60
    Much of Why Are You OK may be lush and beautiful, but there are too many rambling tracks to put it up with Bridwell's best. [Jul 2016, p.95]
    All this publication's reviews
  15. AllMusic
    Jun 9, 2016
    60
    Aas a whole, Why Are You OK isn't quite as memorable a set as they've proven capable of delivering.
  16. The Independent (UK)
    Jun 9, 2016
    60
    Why Are You OK finds dad-of-four Bridwell reflecting honestly on the ennui of everyday, surburban life. Unfortunately, the result is largely forgettable.
  17. Austin Chronicle
    Sep 30, 2016
    50
    The now-South Carolinians intermittently evoke that inaugural 2006 disc by employing a fresh producer, Grandaddy mage Jason Lytle, who stamps his former band's downtrodden space rock into BoH's festival formula.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 14 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 14
  3. Negative: 1 out of 14
  1. Slowave
    Jun 12, 2016
    9
    When I heard Jason Lytle was on board to produce this album, it seemed clear to me that BOH had woken up to the fact that they needed toWhen I heard Jason Lytle was on board to produce this album, it seemed clear to me that BOH had woken up to the fact that they needed to pursue a new path that would bring back many of the fans they lost after Mirage Rock (a forgettable, country-soaked meander into "Dad rock" that portrayed Bidwell navel-gazing into his 70's vinyl collection a little too indulgently - for fans craving the heights of "The Funeral"). Lytle has his lofi fingerprints all over this thing, and the result is a much needed reawakening for a band that finally sounds like they're having fun again. While the album may not feature an instant classic like Great Salk Lakes, it definitely overcomes the "sameness" that many point to as the only major criticisms of albums one and three. Lytle's sonic sensibilities and sun bleached palette of California keyboards bring many songs to life on nuanced levels, and "Hag" sounds like it could fit into the Grandaddy catologue comfortably. BOH are flexing their melodic muscles like they haven't done since the reprise in Ode to LRC, and while some songs and some lyrics do feature the odd clumsy moment where a first impression might question a certain choice, the overall effect of the album invites the listener to crack open a beer on the back deck and all is forgiven. BOH is back and this is easily their third best album, if not the most cohesive and listenable from start to finish. Lots of great moments that find a balance among all the band's influences, from twang to indie pop to straight out rock. This album is more than OK, and will feature heavily during summer road trips.… Full Review »
  2. theTodd
    Jun 13, 2016
    8
    Surprised this album is as good as it is. I've listened to this more in less than a week than I listened to Mirage Rock in 4 years. AlsoSurprised this album is as good as it is. I've listened to this more in less than a week than I listened to Mirage Rock in 4 years. Also better than Infinite Arms, which while good was a bit of a downer where I'd skip songs. Way to go guys! I'll even get this one on vinyl.… Full Review »
  3. H473NMIT
    Jun 16, 2016
    10
    This album was beautifully written with delicacy and heart. It's unbelievable how Ben Bridwell was able to pull this off when spending allThis album was beautifully written with delicacy and heart. It's unbelievable how Ben Bridwell was able to pull this off when spending all hours of the night working aimlessly on this album, and spending the day working diligently as a family man. I couldn't imagine giving this anything lower than a 10.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »