User Score
Universal acclaim- based on 188 Ratings
User score distribution:
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Positive: 162 out of 188
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Mixed: 16 out of 188
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Negative: 10 out of 188
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MichaelC.Jan 31, 2008The second half of the album trails off in to okay, but kind of generic and bland pop music. But the first half is so mindblowingly good, I could care less. Sleeping Lessons, Australia, and Phantom Limb are among my favorite songs of the year. The Shins can make some incredible music.
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Mar 19, 2020There isn't a loose song on the album. It's a shame 15 year old idiots give albums a zero score...
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paulFeb 4, 2007
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DavidEJan 30, 2007Another great release from a band that continues to have trouble writing a bad song.
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AndyFeb 1, 2007Chutes Too Narrow was one of the best, I knew it'd be hard to match up to that record. It seems like they try to but it all doesn't competely add up. It seem slike there are more songs that are filler than their past two albums combined. The "real" songs are fantastic but there should be more of them.
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GuyHFeb 5, 2007I came to this release a Shins virgin so I'm obviously not comparing this album to past releases. I'm impressed and will track down the previous 2 albums on the strength of this. The sound is quite understated and a little bit melancholy so the disc requires a few spins before it sinks in. Phantom Limb, Australia, Red Rabbits and Girl Sailor are the stand-out tracks.
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dcMar 8, 2007
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ObsceneMinstrelJan 23, 2007
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DougRJan 23, 2007Definitely another great Shins record but despite the surprising slighting by the critics above, "Chutes Too Narrow" is one of the most perfect alt-pop classics of all time. There is no way in Hell (see "Red Rabbits") that this album even comes close to the generation defining masterwork that its predecessor is.
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TylerJan 23, 2007For the most part the critics got it wrong. This is not the best Shins album. That title belongs to the brilliant Chites Too Narrow. This is a good album (what else could we expect) but not a great one. Standout tracks are Australia, Sea Legs, Split Needles, Girl Sailor and Turn On Me.
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AdamWJan 23, 2007This album is good. Then again, they didn't take enough chances for it to be great or horrible. They seem content on their sound and it's probably their least interesting album.
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MartinoGJan 23, 2007Kurt Cobain doesn't know what he talking about. He probably only listen Nirvana since 15 years. This album was great and this is a good start for 2007 after a disapointing 2006.
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KevinOJan 24, 2007Lacks some of the punch and energy of Chutes, but I must say that I'm still intrigued by some of the sounds and melodies. Definitely need to listen more. I reserve my right to upgrade this score.
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natalieportmanJan 24, 2007man if i see one more natalie portman Garden State reference to begin a review i am going to SCREAM. I mean, fair enough that the bands popularity was very much aided by it, but does every single opinion of their music have to be reduced to the sooo predictable hype backlash? This is a great record Garden State or not
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DavidAJan 24, 2007The lyrics/songwriting are great, I think it takes the best of Oh! Inverted world and Chutes too narrow.
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ExperimentalWhat?Jan 26, 2007The Shins did no more experimenting on this album than on Oh! Inverted World. Wincing the Night Away merges the sounds of both previous albums and adds a degree of maturity. Whether or not maturity equals better sound is debatable. This is a great album either way and proof that Mercer is a lyrical genius.
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TjJan 29, 2007it just keeps me spinning in my chair. unbelievable melodies and rapturing harmonies.
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SueLJan 29, 2007
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DavidTJan 30, 2007A great album that may not be as immediately impressive as their previous two but one that grows and grows with each listen. I cannot get tired of this album.
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JimJFeb 1, 2007A great album!! The shins have evolved, this release is less euphoric than the previous LPs, but all the songs have a very distinctive identity. As usual, mercier's song writing is absolutely perfect.
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DeryWMar 7, 2007I've never really paid attention to The Shins until this made me sit up and listen. I don't think there is a dull moment in the album except "Pam Berry".
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nickhApr 1, 2007Quite a different sound than your probably expecting but this album really grows on you. I have to say i prefer the last couple albums but to be a great band i think they need to evolve and experiment while still delivering the nuances and such that you like them for, which can be found in here in spades. give it time to settle in.
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CaseyRDubyaApr 24, 2007Not bad. Don't really see what the difference between this record and their others is. Doesn't sound any worse or better to me. Decend band. Good record
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GeorgeBMay 18, 2007Smart, addictive, & polished...my favourite record this year (so far)
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johnJul 28, 2007Sounds like the past 2 records with a higher budget and the edges smoothed out.
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EthanSJan 22, 2007This album is near perfect because of one simple fact: It sounds exactly like the Shins. It expands on their sound in much the same way Chutes Too Narrow expanded on Oh, Inverted World. The production is tighter and more experimental, but they manage to stick perfectly to the signature sound that has made them everyone's favorite indie band.
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Marsh88Jan 22, 2007Amazing. Stunning, Different. "Australia", "Sleeping Lessons" and "Turn On You" are perfect.
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LennyTJan 22, 2007Mercer makes his melodies sound effortless.
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gregJan 22, 2007pretty good album.
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mikes.Jan 22, 2007The shins continue to improve with each release. This album has better production than their previous releases and the songs are catchier. The shins lead singer still has an odd sounding indie voice, but good song writing makes up for the weak vocals. Still he sounds much better than he has on previous records. A good indie album but not an essential listen.
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Awards & Rankings
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Wincing is neither the clever genre recombinant exercise of their second album nor is it the perfect little self-contained universe of their debut. This is not the Shins' best album; it's their growing pains third record.
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I usually find Shins albums grow on me slowly but surely yet after a good dozen plays I feel my faith isn't being repaid this time, and as a fan that's frustrating.
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Wincing the Night Away feels labored. Gracefully realized though it is, you can hear the three-plus years Mercer spent pondering how to satisfy the expectations his surprise classic had created -- and also how to remain fresh and true to himself.