Reviews (page 4 of 14)
something pleasebale to the mind
I don’t know how I overlooked this album (besides WWH)
Great album. Classic.
knew nothing about them going in. very pleasantly surprised
Excellent album, had already loved this record for years.
Now this is some millenial music, but i love it
Pretty good!
I really like their sound!! For some reason their music makes make want to go to the mountains
Loved the folk/prog/alt/soft rock sound! Not really familiar with Fleet Foxes but it’s a great album to relax and chill out with. Excellent recording, even on earbuds it sounded great.
I am completely down with this. I want to go for a walk somewhere cold, folourn, and beautiful. Tiger Mountain Peasant Song was especially... something.
Terrific, highly influential indie-folk.
As a complete sucker for folky/acoustic stuff, vocal harmonies and melancholy, introspective lyrics, naturally I’m a big fan of this. Can certainly hear influences from the likes of the Beach Boys, the Zombies and CSNY. It’s also quite a nostalgic album for me as I heard it quite a bit as a teenager, but it still holds up well. The melodies in particular are fantastic. The opening four tracks (especially ‘Ragged Wood’) plus ‘Your Protector’ and ‘Blue Ridge Mountains’ are my highlights, but I don’t think there are any weak tracks here. Great album cover too. Strong 4 stars.
The Folksong aspect of the album really helped cement this as a great album.
Nice record. Relaxing on a freezing morning
Beautiful
White Winter Hymnal is a all-timer for me. I slightly prefer their follow-up to this but plenty of haunting harmonies and great songs on this one made it a pleasure to revisit. They were one of the best of this era of folk/pop revival.
4/5 - Fleet Foxes at the Chicago Theatre was a transcendent sonic experience. I thought I was floating in air on the harmonies. I love this album.
por momentos es una puta obra de arte instrumentalmente y por otros es muy optimismo de los 2010s, me acuerdo de ser adolescente y cantar He Doesn’t Know Why en la guitarra a los gritos, le tengo cariño a este album 8/10
I’ve a positive history with this album. We played it as the background music as we got married and it was the soundtrack to journeys in the early days of our relationship. I’ve also been lucky enough to see them live. So I know and love these songs. Folk beach boys arrangements meet massed harmonies, and each of the lyrics are like little short stories. I suppose what’s preventing it being 5 stars is the fact that outside of the best songs- white winter hymnal, blue ridge mountains it does sometimes overuse the formula. But I’m really splitting hairs
Some beautiful instrumentation and vocals. I do have a hard time listening all the way through without getting a little bored but it is still a great album.
Traveling - will get back to this one. Temporary rating of 4 based on hearing it before
Enjoyment: 10 Replayability: 8 Cohesion: 6 Flow/Pacing: 7 Artistic Merit: 7 Weighted Average: 8.15 Review: This felt like a lighthearted reimagining of the American folk genre filled with heavenly harmonics and airy melodies. The only ding is the songs are so similar that there's no obvious best choice, yet it doesn't become too repetitive. Liked Song(s): Sun It Rises, Ragged Wood, Quiet Houses, He Doesn't Know Why, Meadowlarks, Blue Ridge Mountains Disliked Song(s): (None) Recommend? Yes
Did not know that Indie Folk existed. The use of actual instruments like flutes is really nice. I had to think of the Middle Ages and how a bard would perform these songs. Still they have a modern touch. Experimental but I like that.
De loin le meilleur album de folk que j'ai écouté, je met pas 5 étoiles car je trouves que certains morceaux au milieu de l'album sont un peu plus faible que les autres.
Harmonies are great. The “White Winter Hymnal” is a perfect winter song go to. “Ragged Wood” is one of my album faves. Not a head banger by any means, but can’t help but be impressed
I love this kind of folk rock too much man. Call me a stomp clap millennial the way I'm rocking with Fleet Foxes. Will have to go back for a second listen for sure. Gotta be a 4 star record for me.
Мне зашло
Como um cobertor
Is this going to be overly indie and endearing? Well, yes, but its not as bad as I thought it might be. Still not quite what I'm drawn to normally, but enjoyable enough to think this is worth its spot on the list. 3.5.
I LIKE ITT, typa things i can chill 2
Great album. 3.5
This album still keeps me a bit at arm's length with it's commitment to the schtick, but the melodies, vocals, harmonies and whole vibe is pretty special. Peckhold's voice is glorious.
Beautiful, very beautiful
Takes me back.
Really really excited for this one. Wanted to listen to more of the fleet foxes for a while now. High hopes. Sounds good for now. I mean wwh like what more could you really ask for in a song. Donkey man. This is pretty good. The bar for 2000s indie. This is a very good time to listen to this album. Favourite: Blue Ridge Mountians Least favourite: Meadowlarks
A strange mix of beach boys, imagined fiefdoms, and hipster outdoor iconography. It’s an iconic album if you were in your 20s in the 2010s. And it holds up.
Beautiful! Another one I missed back in the day even though it's definitely my vibe.
piacevole, coerente, setta un buon mood
Triumphant return of this millennial who has never spent any time with this classic millennial record! It doesn’t sound novel in 2026 and I wouldn’t say it’s timeless, either - it feels pretty of its time, especially thinking about everything that followed (Fleet Foxes clearly walked so Lord Huron could run, etc) - but still found this to be a lovely and delicate listen. Very Brian Wilson coded!
Fun album
Fun folk!
OMGGGG
hadn’t listened to much of their stuff outside the classics, good sound, nice vibe
It’s a great album. Smooth and feels like you’re hanging out in a wooded grove or a field somewhere. I had a great time with it.
Beautiful
85
Nice to listen to, but once again it's not something I'd be desperate to come back to. It might just be my bias for older albums showing
Liking this a lot better than the last time I tried listening to it. Definitely feels like Bon Iver's For Emma, Forever Ago (An album that is missing from the list) filtered a little through 60's psychedelia. But whereas 60's psychedelia generally lets me down, Fleet Foxes does a great job with it. Production is great and warm, the weird instruments and bad experimental sounds are kept to a minimum (Or done tastefully). Just a damn good album.
OH MY GOD! obsessed. what it made me feel… like a slow dance that would heal you
Folk music does prog
You already know
Den evinnelige flerstemtheten kan gå en litt på nervene i lengden. Men fine låter.
Loved this album when it came out and I still do. Haven’t listened to it in years but I think it holds up well.
Ah the indie folk boom of the late 00's. Fleet Foxes was never one of my favorites, but they are definitely talented and inoffensive, and they deserved their popularity.
Best Track - "White Winter Hymnal"
Gorgeous, bright, weird but always familiar.
white winter hymnal, indie folk staple
The good kind of millennial indie-folk
Mellow, thoughtful, relaxing.
4/5 https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/fleet-foxes/fleet-foxes/ I really like large parts of this album, but I also always forget that some parts (middle section mainly) are just a bit dull. 10/10 album cover, however.
Gently beautiful
Really loved this! This is singing! Very nice, chill vibe. Might become 5 stars after second listen
Its not my fault that I was born in 1996. Therefore, it is not my fault that I love this album. I feel like its very hard for me to give a review to this album, and I am only thankful to not have to review Helplessness Blues instead. Yeah, its fucking astonishing, innit? Cover to cover gorgeous vocals that are so pristine and so human. Lyrics that feel remarkably timeless and some melodies and harmonies that will live in my head until I die. In terms of originality, I honestly cannot name any other bands capable od producing this EXACT sound. It makes me feel like I am wandering, high as a kite, through a forest leading me into the divine. This shit slaps. Standout Tracks: White Winter Hymnal, Ragged Wood, Tiger Mountain Peasant Song, Blue Ridge Mountains Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ihana albumi ja kivaa musaa :) Sopii puuhailuun ja aurinkoiseen päivään.
this one fell through the cracks while i was in school. familiar with a bunch of the songs. there is a world where i wouldve obsessed over fleet foxes over alt j. 4.5
Good album very peaceful music! 7.3/10
Number: 136 Date: 05/18/2026 Artist: Fleet Foxes Album: Fleet Foxes Year: 2008 Style: Chamber Folk Pop Familiarity: Extremely (5) Rating: 4 Before: ======= Lovely album. It will be a nice change from The Grateful Dead's Live / Dead that I had yesterday. During: ======= 4 Sun It Rises 5 White Winter Hymnal 5 Ragged Wood 3 Tiger Mountain Peasant Song 4 Quiet Houses 4 He Doesn't Know Why 3 Heard Them Stirring 4 Your Protector 2 Meadowlarks 3 Blue Ridge Mountains 4 Oliver James ----------------------------------------------------- 3.75 WEIGHTED AVERAGE (accounts for song lengths) After : ======= 4 my personal rating 4 suitability for this list 4 impact ----------------------------------------------- 4 composite rating
Me sentí tan bien escuchando este álbum, fue como una canción de cuna, una reconexión con la naturaleza. Me encantaría estar en medio de un bosque y escuchar esto.
Дебютний альбом фолк групи fleet foxes став для мене першим альбомом в жанрі чембер-фолку, і чесно, я не розчарований. Альбом можна описати англійським словом "uplifting". Можу провести паралелі з іншим альбомом (не фолк, а кантрі, але не суть) - "magnolia electric co": обидва альбоми мінімальні у своєму інструменталі, майже не використовують барабани, і тягнуть їх саме вокали. Потрібно, звичайно, переслухати якось "маґнолію", але, здається, причина по якій вона мені сподобалась набагато більше (аж на 10-очку) саме у вокалах, там, наскільки я пам'ятаю, немає на них стільки ехо, тай самі вокали сильніші. На "флотських лисицях" вокали не настільки сильні, тому оціночка 8. (Якесь сумбурне рев'ю, але похуй в принципі.) Оцінка: висока 7/низька 8
didn't knew them, but im definitely listen to them more. great instrumentals overall and I like the vibes
3.5 Bonus point for Peter Bruegel the Elder on the cover
Who Mumford and Sons wishes they were
Funky lil indie songs for me, thanks.
muy buenos temas
Great album!
Super good.
Calm and folksy with good harmonies.
Sun it rises - 4/5 White winter hymnal - 4/5 Ragged wood - 4/5 Tiger mountain peasant song - 3/5 Quiet houses - 3/5 He doesnt know why - 5/5 Heard them stirring - 4/5 Your protector - 4/5 Meadowlarks - 2/5 Blue ridge mountains - 4/5 Oliver James - 3/5
Indie rock is not always something I'm into. Despite being a great age and demographic for its meteoric rise and popularity, there's a lot of it that just feels pretentious and kind of "better than" your Average Joe. Fleet Foxes is a name I've heard for a while but I expected them to just be more of the same indie rock. Instead, I was greeted with really lovely-sounding, folk-inspired indie pop with a rich vocal chorus on like every track. This is something I'm into, there's definitely a vibe of standoffishness but there's a larger theme of playing simple music around a campfire or in a living room that translates well to the production of this album. I kind of zoned out in the middle of the album, but in my defense I got sucked into a really good crossword. Recommended (both this album and crosswords).
I loved this album when it came out - this and the EP that preceded it, Sun Giant, soundtracked that period for me and it’s a shame that nothing else they did came close to these records. It’s a very beautiful, harmonious, if slightly whimsical record that sounds pretty wonderful on this sunny spring morning.
What a lovely album. The Beach Boys-esque harmonies and the indie jangle are really engaging, with a remarkably calming feel to the whole album. I haven't listened in a while, a timely reminder of why I should enjoy it more often.
An album I remember from listening to not long after it came out, but I haven't heard it a while. Enjoyed this modern folk with its beautiful, timeless melodies. White Winter Hymnal is a gorgeous track. And with the Bruegel painting this is a beautiful album cover Bringing it up to 4 stars from 3.5 for those 2 things.
Way more songs than I expected to know
With its release date, this album is the inspiration and precursor to so many of my favorite new albums. Creative, imaginative, and sparse instrumentals paired with unique yet familiar vocals. Only issue is you have to be in the right mood to really get into it. Overall, great album.
It’s not wall-to-wall for me, but when they lean into that rich, almost choral sound, it’s right up my street. A slow starter that turns into a rewarding, immersive listen.
Very peaceful and quite catchy. Did not knoe what to expect but this indie folk rock or whatever is pretty good. White Winter Hymnal, Ragged Wood, and He Doesn't Know Why were some of of my favorites. Definitely enjoyed this album, 7.4/10.
Precioso álbum, sonido muy fresco y linda voz. 4
Some tracks I like better than others, but I have a soft spot for their first record.
7.5/10
4/5. One of the best indie debuts of the 2000’s for sure, though if I were to do a fleet foxes ranking it would still end up second to last (which is a testament to how good these guys are in my estimation. I consider Helplessness blues and crack-up to both be 5/5’s.) I think what really sells this album is the chamber-folk elements, it feels like it is being played to you in a very acoustic, echoey room which you can feel especially on more intimate tracks like “tiger mountain peasant song.” Another important factor is vocalist Robin Pecknold whose harmonies really bring the whole album together. As I said at the start of the review, great debut by one of the best to do it in modern indie-folk.
I hadn’t heard of Fleet Foxes before and was pleasantly surprised. It’s quite gentle and soothing. Although it’s Americana, some of the passages reminded me of later Beatles compositions
Sounds like 2008, I get why people would listen, wasn't quite for my current mood
Almost a 5. Much better than their 2nd album
Toute me gosse mais le résultat final est très bon. Peut-être que c'est de la nostalgie de quand j'étais jeune et beau.
Great listen, although I prefer "Hopelessness Blues".
Absolutely beautiful. The music evokes scenes of serenity that just relax you. Favorite track: White Winter Hymnal
Good folksy album with a few great bangers. I can listen to it a few times but don't think it's in the 5 range. Streets are saying the only good things millennials gave us is their music.
Me gustó pero medio zzz
Muy linda portada, algún tema rescato de acá seguro.
alapvetően nem annyira a stílusom az indiefolk mostanában, de a mykonost pölö nagyon szerettem régebben kifeküdtem a kertbe meghallgatni, sütött a fejemre a nap, a méhecskék zizegtek körülöttem, és a virágok is illatosak voltak így azthiszem szinte minden zene meghallgatható lenne, de ez helyenként még tökre kellemes is volt és beleillett a képbe szép harmonizálások, tetszett:)
It’s weird, because this came out while I was in high school, and if I had heard it then, this could easily have been one of my favorite albums ever. Yet, time goes on and instead I hear it now and it’s pretty good, but not special to me.
I think I listened to too much of this type of music and now I'm tired of it
sure
This truly surprised me. For such a simple indie rock album it was wonderful and well put together.
I made the mistake of reading some of the reviews, and a lot of disdain for this record seems to come from the era in which it existed. In a way, ya know? Fair play to them. I hate this new indie-rock revival happening right now, as I hated the pop enthusiasm of the early 2020s. But I digress, Fleet Foxes was able to build some of the most beautiful songs in their first two projects, with the indie folkish instrumentation combining with their amazing harmonies. This record in particular takes you to a different place, greatly transporting its moods to the listener, making you feel and engage with the sounds. This is peak by the band. P.S. Robin, if you ever read this, Fleet Foxes was great when it was the whole band, no matter how much you try to change the past and talk as if the band was always just you, please destroy your ego.
Lovely stuff
Beautiful arrangements and melodies.
Really easy listening album. Ragged Wood should have been the A track, such a nice flowing song but I understand why it’s not. It’s better than White Winter Hymnal. Album could be a game changer/ movie soundtrack.
Likar dette! Har hatt eit par låtar på ei spelelister, men likte albumet i si heilheit òg.
Альбом не похож на время своего выхода очень похоже на 70е я бы даже сказал что не отличить
Pretty nice tunes. Low 4/5.
When Fleet Foxes came out, it felt genuinely refreshing. Not wholly original: the Simon and Garfunkel comparisons are fair, and you can hear CSN and My Morning Jacket in there too. But here's the thing: I'd rather listen to Fleet Foxes than CSN. The harmonies are lovely, the melodies hold up, and it's just a pleasant record to spend time with. Some of the critical resistance seems to come down to "too pretty" and "not original enough." Neither charge holds much weight for me. Very little is truly original, and this struck me as more distinctive than most of what was coming out at the time. (On the light side of a 4, but deserves more than a 3)
Folk music with pleasant melodies and harmonies. Favourite song: White Winter Hymnal
very up my alley and fun folk-ish songs with good instrumentals that i enjoyed
an album born from the often made fun of hipster indie 2000s. this era holds a special place in my heart, even though i totally get why it's divisive. this album is what i dreamed my life would be when i was in high school, full of optimism & finding my personal style. it's a reality that existed, but I only saw the tail end of.
I expected to really hate this and kinda want to still but it has enough beautiful melodies that I just can't.
On the whole I liked the album. I liked the variety of instruments used. I liked the harmonies. There were a couple of songs that the same phrase was repeated a little too often, but mostly I liked it.
Gonna probably check out more of their music.
Mandatory 4 because I went to Emerson College and they gave us Father John Misty.
An album I've listened to many times, so had to be intentional about being objective. I definitely enjoyed it for the arrangement and production, but the lyrics were overly sentimental at times and the overall vibe is a little full of itself. 3.5 rounded up because in spite of what I just said, I've listened to the album no less than 100x (albeit sleep music much of the time).
интересный опыт. чувствуется как ребята шарят в фолк музыке + люблю чеймбер поп из-за изысканности, струнных, духовых и т.д.
Love the baroquish poptunes, and the variety of songs within the album. Some of them pop, some are rather classic pastoral.
I bought this record when it came out. Still like it.
Really enjoyed this album. Yes, it is a little bit more boring and on the crunchy side. but his voice is so soothing and I did some really good deep work while listening to this album.
Album #115 Fleet Foxes: Fleet Foxes I was following the I was following the I was following the I was following the I was following the … Fleet Foxes self-titled album is potentially the greatest indie-folk release of the 2000s. Indie-folk as a genre can so easily veer off into cringe territory, the idea of a group of privileged trustfund kids picking up acoustic guitars and larping as if they lived pastoral lives is quite a nauseating thought; however, against all of the odds Fleet Foxes manage to come off as remarkably authentic and are talented enough to really immerse you in their fantasy. This album doesn’t have the same level of complexity to their lyrics or social commentary as they would later achieve on ‘Helplessness Blues’, however, I much prefer the production of this album, something about it makes it seem like each song is out of a fairytale. The only bad thing that I can really say about this album is that it did to indie music in the 2010s what Nietzsche did to Germany in the 1940s: created something complex that morons thought they understood and turned into something horrible. Is it a bit extreme to compare the ‘stomp-clap’ indie movement to the rise of fascism in Nazi Germany? Perhaps. However, for a time, there really was a swarm of Fleet Foxes clones trying to emulate their magic, even becoming more commercially successful than them, but never coming close to making anything near as good. Best Songs: He Doesn’t Know Why, White Winter Hymnal, Your Protecter Worst Song: Heard Them Stirring Score out of 10: 9
Having read Simon from Bella Union records account of Fleet Foxes. Their emergence fully formed is remarkable. I personally think this set the whole alt country genre into a new league and copied by many.
Unusual and very interesting. Great acoustic folk with influences ranging from Nashville to England to the Beach Boys. There's a very '60s feel to the whole thing, with a strong dash of Britpop thrown in. Great harmonies, simple but effective instrumentation, lyrics that somehow sound both traditional and unique. I dig it.
In the gentle light as the morning nears You don't say a single word of the last two years Where you were or when you reached the frontier Das ist alles so zeitlos schön, dass mich die Erwähnung des „connecting flight“ beinahe komplett rausgeworfen hat. Aber nur beinahe. Sanft, zart, fragil, die Harmonien perfekt auf die Stimme und die Instrumentierung abgestimmt. Ich denke man kann das auch zu süß, zu soft, zu wholesome finden. An einem anderen Tag hätte ich das vielleicht auch. Heute macht es mich glücklich.
*Solid modern mix of American/British folk
Fleet Foxes was a recently discovered pleasant surprise for me. My favorite song "Mykonos" is not on this album, but there are enough other good songs to make it strong: White Winter Hymnal, Tiger Mountain Peasant Song, Your Protector.
I think if this album had been served up in the Fall, I would have easy 5-starred it. There's something autumnal about the whole affair. As it os, in the Spring, it is still very good. Oh, and go Seattle!
nothing really caught me of guard but I understood every song and it’s emotional purpose
Some day my kid will ask me for some music from when Dad was a kid and from my perspective I couldn't do much worse than this. It's an immaculately produced album that perfectly captures that late 00s to early 10s folk sound that the kids stomped their feet and clapped their hands to. I imagine she'll look at me the same way I did at my Dad when I asked him the same question and wanted him to hand me Led Zeppelin or Aerosmith and instead received Dan Fogelberg and the Little River Band.
genero novedoso, que nunca habia escuchado, me sorprendio, es de un mood muy tranquilo el cual no tenia para escuchar y ahora me encanta.
Enjoyable late night music
Pretty cool indie/country/chill vibe but for a first listener (also not that invested in this genre) the songs sound very similar.
Beautiful and dreamlike through out. Loved it.
A- Sun It Rises 3 White Winter Hymnal 5 Ragged Wood 4 Tiger Mountain Peasant Song 3 Quiet Houses 5 He Doesn't Know Why 3 Heard Them Stirring 5 Your Protector 4 Meadowlarks 4 Blue Ridge Mountains 5 Oliver James 3 I love Fleet Foxes but haven’t totally taken the deep dive into their discography, so I was happy to see this one come up. I’ve tried to listen before because White Winter Hymnal is THAT good, but never really cared for it. But giving it the thorough 1001AlbumsGenerator run through, I found some great tracks and a newfound appreciation for the group. They are definitely more than a few great songs.
Beautiful harmonies and lyrics, so nostalgic. They were some of the best of the folk rock revival. Found songs I had never heard/forgot about including Meadowlarks and White Winter Hymnal. Album sounds like it was composed by medieval bards and performed in a clearing in the woods by a barbershop quartet. Easy and enjoyable listen, also good length.
This is so Seattle and stomp clap hey and coded but with a lot of reverb. 4/5
Test
Another alt album. Generally not a fan of alt. Low expectations. Sun it rises is interesting. Really well written. Alt rock as opposed to alt pop, I like tha much better. Guitar solo is really good. White winter hymnal is more poppy but I like this one too. Hozier/bastille vibes. Really catchy. Ragged woods is really cool too. I like how the songs are upbeat, usually alt is sad and grungy. Irony of this statement is that tiger mountain is definitely sadder. Back to fun music with quiet houses. Love the instrumental solo in the back half. He doesn’t know is really fun too. Great piano and drums. Love the opening harmonies on heard them stirring. Very soothing. I guess that was just the whole song. Interesting. Your protector is a banger. The vocals work really well with the background track. Well made song. Meadow larks was super emotional. Very well written. Emotional but not angsty and sad. Blue ridge mountains is back to fun. I like this one a lot. Don’t really know who/what Oliver James is about but I like it. It’s a good closer. This is one of the best alt albums I’ve heard so far. Just good calming music. 3.6 stars.
Like an old familiar friend
I quite enjoyed the harmonies and the voices. Lyrics perhaps not so outstanding
theres something about this i cant really put my finger on that gives so much more to it than just the music alone
A backwoods neo-Appalachian album with gorgeous, layered harmonies and a dusky nostalgia. "White Winter Hymnal" is an all time great but there are plenty of other gems like "Quiet Houses," "Your Protector" and "Blue Ridge Mountains." I love Robin Pecknold's voice and the way these songs are little snapshots of people and places from a different era. Kind of reminds me of another band, Midlake, and their earlier albums. Gorgeous, plaintive, and vivid folk rock at its finest.
Weird listening to this one on the Spring Equinox when it's such a quintessential autumn/winter record, but nice to hear again. Not crazy about every song, and I prefer their album Helplessness Blues overall, but this reaches some glorious heights on songs like White Winter Hymnal and Blue Ridge Mountains. Pecknold has a fantastic voice, and it's perfect for this variety of sorta woodsy nostalgic folk. At it's best, a very evocative record
Banger. De Istig is Album isch so magisch gsi.
Good album that I've listened to before. It's a good Starbucks music.
Ahh this reminds me of university, no additional notes
I think I liked this
Really nice. Kinda shocked I haven’t listened to them before now. Think I was put off by their name…
Always liked this one.
Almost like modern medieval folk music. Beautiful harmonies and arrangement. I wish there was a little more variety to it but overall fantastic.
A really good folk album some great songs that I could listen to again and again a few songs that arnt as good which stops me from giving 5 stars but still a good album
Yllättävän mieluisa rehellisesti. Lowk paras albumi tähän mennessä (led zeppelin III saa haistaa vitut). Tuntuu et oon jollain hullulla roadtripil frendien kaa, semmone nostalginen fiilis. Paras biisi: White Winter Hymnal Arvosana: 3,8
Het op 1 na beste Fleet Foxes album. Pracht van een album.
Het op 2 na beste Fleet Foxes album. Pracht van een album.
Great background music, mellow & chill with rock undertones.
not as good as Joni Mitchell’s Blue
I've been meaning to listen to this for years. I remember I was on a vinyl message board and someone mentioned being recommended this album but to avoid context, to just give it a listen. I may have peeked at the Wiki for the track list, play time, and genre, but otherwise I went in blind. It was immediately a beautiful listen. I'm not too eager with American folk, but this hits different. I was on my third listen when I realized the compositions were really dynamic, almost prog. It doesn't dwell on a pretty sound, it builds on them. The quality of the vocals and the lyrics just mesh so well with that musical aspect that it's hard for me to feel anything but appreciation for the effort. I was telling my coworkers that the album fits their renaissance-fair vibe without being too cheesy, without harps and fiddles, but with adequate emotion and style. I probably wouldn't listen to this too frequently, but I'd definitely give it an occasional spin when the mood calls for well composed modern-day-folk. I would've bought the record purely for its art, but now I'm aware the music is worth the purchase as well. I'm happy this turned up. 4.2/5
Charming combination of folk influences that occasionally crosses over to almost religious.
Beautiful album with a lot of feeling. The singers voice clicked for me really well.
ethereal vocal harmonies to calm you down on a stressful day. I really think this band is worth the hype, but just not 5 stars' worth
I was expecting some weird hipster crap but this was actually really beautiful
Like some songs I already knew.
It has a certain clear-eyed, majestic Sunday morning feel, what with the chiming harmonies and the echoey production on the lead vocals, as if he’s singing in a big room (maybe he was). Not to mention the earnestness of the lyrical themes, which convey a sense of awe at the splendor of the natural world. It occasionally skirts the edges of preciousness, but there is quality here.
A little twee for me but some lovely harmonies here.
Gut
Folk music is generally not my thing. That being said I’ve heard of ton of it because my friend loves it and we used to work together. Yes I would say is a better folk album that I have heard a while. I would recommend this.
Just such a great album. So concise in it's presentation and each song is so clearly from this project. My only gripe is it gets somewhat hard to differentiate some of the songs from one another.
I've listened to this album a hundred times before. It's chill and relaxing.
top top, est ce que les paysans medievaux auraient aimés??? oui
Wow, has it really been close to 20 years since this album came out? I remember, after having heard "White Winter Hymnal" (on the radio I guess, probably WXRT), and loving it, getting the CD from the library, and being somewhat disappointed in the album. I'm not sure why, exactly; possibly -- unfairly -- only because (after only listening once or twice) the other songs weren't as immediately great as WWH? And maybe a vague sense that the songs tended to sound kind of the same. I'm mean, no question, it's a great sound. But, I will say, listening to it again now (a couple of times), I liked the other 10 songs bit better than I remembered liking them/expected to like them. And, I think, I got more of a sense of variety, from song to song. So, maybe a little unfairly judged, the first time around. Anyway, now that I've listened to the whole album again (twice!), it's easier now to choose between a 3 and a 4, and give this album 4 stars, without hesitation. Curious to hear what you two have to say about it. One of the first albums we've listened to so far that's younger than you two.
Really ethereal and magical folk sound on this. I absolutely love the harmonies and vocal lines throughout are just so calming and mellow. While still having a lot of meaningful lyrics and beauty behind them, the songs overall just exude a sense of a forest-like atmosphere. Not every song was amazing but as a whole this album was great.
Fleet Foxes is a band I really like but I don't think they're very well known. This is not their best album in my opinion but it is very good. I think they're what I go for when I want some sad boy music but not in the style of like Radiohead or something. Sad chimes kind of music I guess.
It’s tempting to lump Fleet Foxes in the same box as The Lumineers of Mumford and Sons. Part of that “stomp clap” acoustic movement that took place in the 2010’s. But I think where Mumford tried to tap into an Obama era sense of millennial optimism, Fleet Foxes tapped into a sense of melancholy. It felt more real. Coupled with more interesting instrumentation and interesting vocals, I think more people should know about this band
It’s pretty good. A little slow for my taste but it’s good
just beautiful. i feel low today it’s raining outside and I’m just about to start therapy so I honestly feel like this was the perfect pick. soft and gentle but gorgeous vocally.
A little too stripped down at times, but still love FF
JUMPSCARED BY A BAND I ALREADY KNEW! yes of Course I like Fleet foxes. I've been listening to White Winter Hymnal and Blue Ridge Mountains on my own for like years. I also really liked Tiger Mountain Peasant Song and Meadowlarks--very solid album but I already knew that lol
Quite good album. Calming and folksy.
Commercial folk, who knew that could be a thing. I should hate this but never have, and was a nice blast from the past.
Easy listening again Like a lot the instrumental Gf said it was a little depressing at the end lol
I love that album; I hadn't listened to it in ages.
Glad to listen to this again, an old favourite
The harmonies throughout the album are so satisfying to listen to. Overall a great album, not sure if this is folk or indie or whatever genre, but it sure is lovely and easy to listen to. White Winter Hymnal is phenomenal.
Oh, the harmonies. And the White Winter Hymnal, of course, is astounding. I like the album cover as well.
8/10 Best songs: Sun It Rises, White Winter Hymnal, Your Protector Someone in another review states it quite nicely: "mainstream Appalachian affectation." The album is choral folk music - lots of vocal harmonies, country influence, sounds like it could be played by a group of camp counselors around the campfire. That's not to say that I don't like this album - because I do, it's great. I never listened to Fleet Foxes at the time, despite being very into indie music, but they've stood the test of time.
me lembro um pouco The Lumineers
they know what they’re doing but too folky for me
Chill, choral folk music that sounds like it was made in a government lab.
generally speaking i am put off by music that sounds like it takes place by a campfire, within earshot of a log cabin, or in or around a mountain. for some reason this is good shit though. maybe i dont get enough folk exposure so this mainstream appalachian affectation feels authentic to me? i think the album is missing some kind of wow factor or big standout moments for me to really adore it but as is it's a consistent and special vibe for mostly the whole runtime. I've heard Blue Ridge Mountains a hundred times and it's still great but He Doesn't Know Why was surprisingly lovely
Awesome album. I thought it would be a situation where the hits are amazing but the rest of the album mushes into the same samey thing, but nah this whole thing was actually great and distinct. Blue Ridge Mountains great song 8.6/10
I really enjoyed this one. Hauntingly beautiful, poignant, and reflective for me.
muy cuquito, disco para escuchar con una chimenea delante y una mantita para protegerte del frío. además, investigar sobre este disco me ha traído cotilleo de father john misty así que estupendo
Pretty chill
I'll search for comprehensive information about Fleet Foxes' self-titled debut album to provide you with an in-depth review covering all the aspects you mentioned. Now let me search for more specific information about the album's critical reception, production details, and musical analysis to give you a comprehensive review. Now I have gathered comprehensive information about Fleet Foxes' self-titled debut album. Let me provide you with an in-depth review covering all the aspects you requested. --- # **Fleet Foxes** (2008) — In-Depth Album Review ## Overview Released on June 3, 2008, **Fleet Foxes** is the self-titled debut studio album by the Seattle-based indie folk band. The album emerged from the Pacific Northwest music scene and quickly became a defining statement of the late-2000s indie folk revival. Recorded primarily in band members' homes and basement spaces with producer **Phil Ek** (known for his work with Built to Spill and The Shins), the album represents a remarkable achievement in DIY production values meeting ambitious artistic vision. --- ## **Music & Arrangement** ### Harmonic Architecture The most immediately striking element of *Fleet Foxes* is its **vocal harmony arrangements**, which draw heavily from **Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys'** layered approach, as well as **Crosby, Stills & Nash** . Frontman **Robin Pecknold** developed his harmonic proficiency by obsessively studying Beach Boys box sets and outtakes, practicing stacking harmonies for hours on his four-track recorder as a teenager . This technical dedication manifests in the album's cathedral-like vocal textures. The arrangements are **complex and unconventional**—songs often shift through multiple movements and time signature changes rather than following standard verse-chorus structures . Tracks like "Sun It Rises" and "Tiger Mountain Peasant Song" demonstrate sophisticated fingerpicking patterns and modal tunings that create an **ancient, almost medieval quality** while remaining accessible . ### Instrumentation The album features a rich acoustic palette: **12-string and 6-string acoustic guitars, mandolin, pump organ, keyboards, and sparse but effective percussion**. The band placed guitar amplifiers in Native American tipis for aesthetic purposes during recording , signaling their commitment to creating a specific atmospheric world. The instrumentation serves the songs' pastoral themes without ever feeling merely decorative. --- ## **Production** ### The Phil Ek Factor Producer **Phil Ek** played a crucial role in shaping the album's sound. Having first met Pecknold when the singer was just 16, Ek helped the band record early demos and used his industry connections to shop them to labels . The album was recorded over the course of a year in various domestic spaces—Pecknold's parents' basement, keyboardist Casey Wescott's living room—before Ek mixed the results . Ek's production philosophy emphasized **natural sounds captured through judicious microphone positioning rather than heavy EQ or compression** . The album is drenched in **EMT plate reverb**, creating the cavernous, cathedral-like ambience that became the band's signature . However, Ek later admitted that some tracks on the debut had "a little bit too much reverb," which sometimes clouded Pecknold's voice rather than enhancing it . ### Recording Context The album was entirely **self-funded** before label involvement, with band members recording between shifts at their day jobs . Pecknold suffered from illness during the sessions, which affected some vocal takes, and he continued rewriting and rearranging songs up until the final mixing session—completing the album at one point, then entirely revising and re-recording it . This perfectionism resulted in a remarkably cohesive final product. --- ## **Lyrics & Themes** ### Pastoral Romanticism Robin Pecknold's lyrics on *Fleet Foxes* are characterized by **a yearning for a long-vanished, perhaps entirely fictional pastoral way of life** . Nature functions as a unifying character throughout—mountains, rivers, seasons, and rural landscapes serve as both setting and emotional metaphor. The lyrics have **"the look and feel of mid-century American poems—direct, conversational, and flecked with an emotional urgency verging on the surreal"** . There's an inwardness to the songs, but also an awareness of others and a fear of navel-gazing. The speakers are wary of being perceived as putting on airs . ### Key Themes - **Transience and mortality**: Lines like "Young today, old as a railroad tomorrow / Days are just drops in the river to be lost always" (from the *Sun Giant* EP, which shares this album's sensibility) capture the Pecknoldian obsession with time's passage - **Isolation and memory**: Many songs hinge on the realization that the speaker is alone and the past is a place to which he can never return - **Nature as sanctuary**: The album offers "a hot bath for the brain" with limited mention of modern technological life, serving as an escape from contemporary anxieties ### Lyrical Highlights - **"White Winter Hymnal"**: A circular, winter-themed song with vivid imagery of blood on snow and turning seasons - **"Tiger Mountain Peasant Song"**: Narrative-driven lyrics with a mysterious, almost mythic quality - **"Oliver James"**: A haunting closer that references earlier songs in the album, ending with just vocals that "leave the listener in awe" --- ## **Influence & Legacy** ### Impact on Indie Folk *Fleet Foxes* is widely credited as **"a true introduction to the indie-folk genre"** and a "definitive statement in the burgeoning indie folk scene" . Released from Seattle, it helped establish the Pacific Northwest as a center for this sound alongside artists like **The Decemberists, Iron & Wine, and Sufjan Stevens** . The album's success—receiving **"universal acclaim" with an 87/100 Metacritic score** —paved the way for the mainstream breakthrough of similar artists like **Mumford & Sons, The Lumineers, and Bon Iver** in the following years . ### Critical Recognition - **The Guardian** described it as "a landmark in American music, an instant classic" - **Mojo** awarded it the seldom-given "Instant Classic" label - Ranked on multiple "best of the 2000s" and "greatest debut albums" lists - **Uncut** magazine awarded it their inaugural Uncut Award for "the most rewarding album of the past 12 months" ### Artistic Influence The album's visual aesthetic—using a section of **Pieter Bruegel the Elder's 1559 painting *The Netherlandish Proverbs*** as cover art—established a template for merging fine art with indie music packaging . The painting's depiction of peasant life with hidden proverbial meanings mirrors the album's layered lyrical approach . --- ## **Pros** ✅ **Harmonic Innovation**: The vocal arrangements are genuinely breathtaking, representing some of the most sophisticated harmonies in modern folk music ✅ **Production Atmosphere**: The cavernous, natural reverb creates an immersive world that feels both ancient and immediate ✅ **Cohesion**: Despite complex arrangements and multiple recording locations, the album maintains remarkable thematic and sonic unity ✅ **Songcraft**: Tracks like "White Winter Hymnal," "Ragged Wood," and "Tiger Mountain Peasant Song" have become modern folk standards ✅ **Emotional Resonance**: The lyrics balance abstract imagery with genuine emotional urgency, creating songs that reveal new layers over repeated listens ✅ **DIY Achievement**: The self-funded, home-recorded nature of the album makes its polish and ambition even more impressive ✅ **Gateway Quality**: The album serves as an accessible entry point to deeper folk traditions while remaining contemporary --- ## **Cons** ❌ **Vocal Reverb Overuse**: As Phil Ek himself noted, some tracks suffer from excessive reverb that occasionally obscures Pecknold's voice and lyrical clarity ❌ **Lyrical Opacity**: While poetic, the abstract nature of many lyrics can make emotional connection challenging—"you never quite find the same thing" when returning to songs, which can be disorienting ❌ **Repetitive Textures**: Some listeners find the album's consistent mid-tempo, acoustic-heavy arrangements cause songs to "blend together" after extended listening ❌ **Lack of Variety**: The album largely operates within a single emotional register—pastoral, contemplative, harmonious—which may feel monochromatic to some ❌ **Preciousness**: Critics have noted the album can feel "inauthentic and plastic" to some listeners—"folk music for people from the suburbs that want to cosplay as working class" ❌ **Limited Dynamic Range**: The constant beauty and harmonic richness can paradoxically become exhausting; there's little rawness or ugliness to provide contrast ❌ **Accessibility vs. Depth**: While immediately beautiful, some argue the album prioritizes surface-level aesthetic pleasure over deeper conceptual or experimental ambitions (something later albums would address) --- ## **Conclusion** *Fleet Foxes* (2008) stands as **one of the most accomplished debut albums of the 21st century**, a work that revitalized harmonic folk music for a generation. Its synthesis of Beach Boys-inspired vocal arrangements, pastoral lyricism, and Pacific Northwest indie rock sensibility created a template that influenced countless artists throughout the 2010s. The album's strengths—its **breathtaking harmonies, immersive production, and cohesive vision**—far outweigh its weaknesses, though its **uniform prettiness and occasional over-reliance on reverb** can limit its emotional range. It functions best as a complete experience, a "comfort album" that offers refuge from modern chaos through its constructed world of natural beauty and harmonic richness. While later Fleet Foxes albums (*Helplessness Blues*, *Crack-Up*, *Shore*) would expand the band's sonic and thematic ambitions, the debut remains their **purest statement**—a perfectly realized vision of indie folk that sounds as fresh today as it did upon release. It earns its place in the canon of essential 2000s albums not through innovation alone, but through the **sheer quality of its execution** and the **emotional world it creates**. **Overall Rating**: 8.5/10 — A modern classic with minor flaws that don't diminish its achievement.
Офигеть.. этот альбом мне прям подошел по настроению. Одновременно акустика и гармонии. Спокойствие без криков и всё такое. Без барабанов агрессивных , зато там был тамбурин офигеть
A little slow but lead to some vibing jams. 4 stars
I had to listen to this one a few times to decide how i feel about it. Turns out I really like it for studying/working in the early mornings. It's nice, light, almost airy sometimes. It's varied and not sleepy, but easy and chill. Big like.
I really liked this it’s just something about the vocals
Favorite track(s): White Winter Hymnal, Ragged Wood, He Doesn't Know Why, Blue Ridge Mountains
I had heard several of these songs before and was pretty excited to listen to this album. Unfortunately, I had really already heard all the songs worth listening to. Fleet Foxes just have this wonderful sound that kind of washes over you. Not as excellent as I hoped, but still a great album Favorite Songs: White Winter Hymnal, Ragged Wood, Blue Ridge Mountains
I loved the guitar work throughout the album, it really scratched my brain. This album is somber and melancholic, but beautiful. The music pulled my attention in close for the first half od the album, but I got lost somewhere towards the end. It was still enjoyable, but it didn't stand out as much. I would not recommend listening to it if you are already feeling sad because otherwise you may end up curled up in your bed with little desire to do anything except be sad.
Red As Strawberries In The Summertime 1001 Albums Generator 222 (2/6/2026) Of course, I know White Winter Hymnal. I have also heard their album, Helplessness blues, which was a beautiful exploration of that moment in your early 20's when you realize you're not a kid anymore. The world is not what you imagined it to be, but you must needs adapt to it. Now, I could talk about that album all day, but today, I have Fleet Foxes' debut, self-titled album. I was surprised at the rock elements and almost stomp-and-holler style indie in the first half of the album. The opening song, Sun It Rises, is one of my favorites, featuring the reverb-laden vocal harmonies that I love, with a progressive song structure and interesting chord progressions. White Winter Hymnal is Fleet Foxes' biggest song, and I can understand why. It's super catchy and simple, but the vocal harmonies, again, are amazing. Honestly, I have no notes about any of the first 6 songs, which showcase the best of Fleet Foxes, from their folk rock leanings to their more pure indie folk sound. While I still think the second half is weaker, it grew on me with repeated listens, especially your Protector and Blue Ridge Mountains. Overall, I still like Helplessness Blues a bit more, but Fleet Foxes started their career quite strong. 4/5. Favs: Sun It Rises White Winter Hymnal Ragged Wood Least Fav: Heard Them Stirring
pleasant
A lovely debut album with a great medieval art cover. WWH has always been a favorite and I've only heard a few other songs from this album in the past. It definitely deserved the hype when it came out but sadly this band peaked here.
Bangers
This was fun
Intriguing. Initially I thought it would just be another indie album, but the medieval vibe of the harmonies and the interesting arrangement choices give it something special. Honestly, it was 'nice' rather than amazing, but I appreciate them doing something different and doing it well, so it gets a 4.
Sort of a modern indie rock fairport convention. Love the tone
overall very pleasant, warm, and cohesive // strong old folk / americana feel, especially in vocal harmonies // simpler emotionally and structurally than some earlier folk traditions, though a bit more complex than something like the kossoy sisters, for example // clear roots-revival intention rather than reinvention // songwriting leans heavily on pastoral imagery and familiar progressions // beauty comes from texture and harmony more than risk or surprise // occasionally feels too reverent // careful preservation instead of exploration // i enjoy it, but wish it pushed further or introduced a clearer new idea // contemporary folk done well, just not particularly adventurous
The book I'm reading referred to Mumford & Sons as "Butt Rock Bon Iver."* Fleet Foxes would have been more fitting, though not as fun to say. It's hard to be mad about all the stomp-and-clap this helped launch when you listen to the record. The layered harmonies, the arrangements; I think you'd have to be pretty broken inside to not feel some joy listening to it. (I myself am not broken at all.) Still, while it's clear Pecknold (at like 21 years old, by the way) had talent coming out of his ears, and the taste to make this type of music not feel TOO much like a costume, he later built on his talent and taste with a singular songwriting perspective. That's where the music became not just joyful, but deeply cathartic. I don't begrudge this album being here, especially for its influence. But it's hard to forget how much better Helplessness Blues is, and it isn't here. *Such Great Heights: The Complete Cultural History of the Indie Rock Explosion by Chris Deville. Great little pop culture read.
Lovely voice. Lovely instrumentation. Lovely production. Just an overall lovely record.
i like it
I have this on CD and think it's a great easy listening indie album
solid album, i dont know why i liked it but i did
I enjoyed this record more than expected. I wonder if if feels, at times, a little insincere in terms of lyrics. The music was pretty good for this kind of thing.
Album Review 060 Fleet Foxes by Fleet Foxes (2008) Rating 4/5 Fleet Foxes is a quite lovely album but one I need to give full attention to appreciate. Perfect listening for a slow Sunday morning in winter. It’s hard to believe that this is their debut as it sounds so accomplished and complete.
Such a beautiful album to listen to. When you think of albums to listen to on a Sunday morning, this album comes to the top of the list. The harmonies wake you up just as the sun is coming up. This is one I can listen to regularly. Biggest Hit - White Winter Hymnal Biggest Miss (if I had to choose) - Meadowlarks Hidden Gem - Quiet Houses
Winter Hymnal is incredible
This is a good album. not sure it should be in the 1001 but I enjoyed it.
I lerrrrrrv this album. Simple and gorgeous every minute through
I’m quite excited for this album! Something that was released when I was alive, so I count it as modern. I’m quite excited to listen as I don’t think I’ve listened to folk since I had a friend who was obsessed with it in middle school. Starting off, I love the guitar! That folky melody played on electric at the end of Sun it Rises was so so cool! White Winter Hymnal had some cool effects, and while it wasn’t quite my thing, I enjoyed what it was going for. Ragged Wood was so good! The marching drums the whole time were awesome. It’s very early 2000s indie, and for once I appreciate that. Lyrically, Tiger Mountain… was really gorgeous. Music wise too, I just really noticed the lyrics. It’s been going in and out on whether I enjoy the vocals or not, but I think this track has made me decide I like them. I liked the sound of Heard them Stirring. This album reminds me of Springtime where the snow is melting and life finally feels free again. Maybe it’s just that it’s finally above 0 degrees today and decent out, but I think it’s the album. The more somber start of your protector going back into that faster rhythmic guitar was a good listen! Meadowlarks was alright, but not my favourite. Blue ridge mountains was alright. I didn’t have too many feelings about it. Oliver James was a decent closer, but I didn’t feel it was exactly right for the rest of the album. To wrap up, 4/5 ⭐️, 7/10. I thought this was a very good album and a fun listen, especially in a genre I hadn’t really listened to since my preteens. I enjoyed some of the early 2000s indie sounds, and thought that it was a very cohesive idea! 29/1089
I really enjoyed this. I'd read about them and in my mind they were not as good as this album turned out. It's not really my cup of tea but it was good.
Folky, Proggy goodness.
The embodiment of hipster music, pretty good tho
First time listening to this group. Love the harmony!
My coworker didn't show up for work today; I found out partway through this album that her father is close to passing and she took the week off to be with him. The second time I was listening to this album, one of my best friends was existentially contemplating the mortality of his mother. My first proper Bear Trap of the list; just a day or two before, I had predicted this album's presence on this list, and here it is! I had heard Helplessness Blues before, but I don't remember it much, and most of my knowledge of Fleet Foxes can unfortunately be boiled down to "the band that Father John Misty played drums for once." Listening to this album, I think Fleet Foxes are one of many bands which end up becoming victims of that which came after them; the twangy indie folk sound Fleet Foxes are doing so well on this album has been ground down by countless bands in the near-two decades since. This is not to discount the band, however; their nature-focused poetry combined with these near-choral folk instrumentals make me feel like I'm standing in the middle of a meadow. The album is beautiful from top-to-bottom, with a lot of memorable songs that stick with me; it just takes a second for me to get back into the vibe this album is dealing in. But if I'm ever walking through a forest with sunlight filtering in through the leaves, this is the album I'm playing. Highlights: White Winter Hymnal, Ragged Wood, Tiger Mountain Peasant Song, He Doesn't Know Why, Your Protector, Meadowlarks, Oliver James
I've heard this a lot before. I didn't like this at first as it's the chamber pop element and the fact that it is too samey in production and vocals. The production is still a problem. It's too produced. But this time was my most enjoyable listen. Can't fault it for atmosphere, even if massively produced. And lots of the melody is beautiful. Your Protector remains the standout. But He Doesn't Know Why, White Winter Hymal etc are lovely too. Agree with another review l that this is "safe" folk for the suburbs. It's folk in the Mumford and Sons mould. But this is at least far more enjoyable to listen to. And (presumably) less full of dick heads.
didn’t know them before, another great new find from this list
I do like this a lot. Very folk Americana style. The soundscapes are lovely and it all fits together nicely. Nicely might be my main complaint though. I think I prefer my folk to be a bit riskier, a bit of an edge to it. Tell me a story about failed love, or murder, or both. There is longing in this, but the nice arrangements don't really give the emotion I wanted I guess. I disagree with some reviews comparing it to Mumford et al. It was a similar time when folk became a bit mainstream again, but this feels more like a folky animal collective to me than the stomp stomp clap of other bands at the time. I feel like if you want a British band equivalent there are elements here that the coral do well, but the coral are more whimsical and therefore I'd argue more interesting too. Pretty solid, will put on again and get lost in the soundscape if not the emotion.
Fleer Foxes makes me nostalgic for a time I'm not sure I was even a part of. I guess listening to them just evokes a sort of bliss, and happier less stressful times. Their music also makes me think of some of my favorite people who I know love them. An all-time indie folk record that is endlessly listenable.
This was a surprise. Good album.
• White Winter Hymnal is a really beautiful sounding song. I don't think I've ever heard the original version before, but the acoustic guitar and booming drums really elevate the vocals. • Ragged Wood is another nice sounding track • The vocal harmonies have been amazing throughout the album. Quiet Houses feels like the culmination of that • He Doesn't Know Why's chord progression feels familiar, but I'm not sure where from • Heard Them Stirring is a nice (mostly) instrumental While I got a bit tired of the album towards the end, it was a really nice listen. The vocals are the obvious highlight through the whole thing, but the gentle instrumentals are all very pleasant. This is only the second album I've gotten from the 2000's, but I think it'll stick out as one of the more unique ones of the era. Favourite song: White Winter Hymnal
Beautiful, simple sound. Kind of like Beach House, but more acoustic, makes me feel all warm and comforted inside :)
Fav tracks: sun it rises, white winter hymnal, ragged wood, tiger mountain peasant song, your protector, meadowlarks This album was a pleasant listen as this winter storm barrels down on my town. there’s curious whimsy and melancholy intertwined, yet it also feels soooo tumblr-hipster 2011 like crazy. Nostalgic and warm, I didn’t realize how folk-inspired this album was. The rhythm/percussion section is evident in their folk roots. Glad I had the time to really listen to this album !!
Solid 4
The harmonies riddled throughout this album are a blessing to any person's ear. While sometimes it can be overtly poppy (Ragged Wood, Quiet Houses) and overtly vocal (many points throughout the entire album), Fleet Foxes self titled debut delivers a feeling of nostalgia to anyone interested in humanity's folksy past of living off the land somewhere deep in the woods with nothing but some oxen, a pig and whoever else belongs to your religious cult of choice. Post Script: I once had the pleasure of getting stoned in an art studio while someone loudly unwantingly sang "He Doesn't Know Why". I haven't seen this person in over a decade, but I'm still annoyed.
7/10
This is very great, but the inclusion of this album is funny to me. Fleet Foxes went on to make Helplessness Blues, which is an even better album. That album has way more memorable songs and better arrangements, by a long shot. Yet this is the band's (only) entry on this list, which is just weird.
Muito interessante. Gostei. Sonoridade leve e suave, não me sou agressivo aos ouvidos. Surpreendente
Wonderful vibey album. Winter. Mornings. Coziness.
Love ‘White Winter Hymnal’ Easy listening! Nicee
I loved the album when it came out and played it incessantly. I still listen to a few tracks somewhat regularly. A classic.
Great album, not my favorite from fleet foxes but there were a lot of new listens for me in this one. Very whimsical and upbeat.
Je m'attendais à rien et même j'allais insulter l'album car je déteste les albums qui portent le nom du groupe Et au final c'était un super album !
Très bonne surprise !
White Winter Hymnal // Ragged Wood // Quiet Houses // Blue Ridge Mountains //
BOM e honesto album
Pika
4.5
Indie rock honesto
Still like the album, but I feel like this one was overproduced. A few mistakes and/or feeling would move this up from a four to a five star album for me. It just sounds too clean!
This is a delightful album - a springtime paradise of breezy indie folk, alternating between more melancholy songs and absolute bangers. Very much appeals to many of my musical sensibilities.
Thought this was an instant 5 from previous listens but unfortunately I believe it is actually a 4. There is a spot in the middle of the album that I think is fairly weak and I actually found it feeling a little samey in places. Still great.
What sets Fleet Foxes apart from their contemporary folk groups is that the compositions they write and production is actually interesting. I do wish some songs were better shaped though; Tiger Mountain Peasant Song for example has an amazing progression and melody throughout the verse, but approaching the chorus it ruins it by too harsh vocals and a bland vibe. Will be listening to more of them though. Album art is fire
a classic that I used to listen to in college! Love this album except for the last song lol
Pretty solid Winter Hymenal was the best song
it's wonderful. very cozy and perfect to have listened to while walking to the library this morning in the 30-degree weather. White Winter Hymnal is a classic, none of the other songs stood out as amazing but the entire album as a piece of art is great and so cohesive
it was hard to not give this a 5 based on pure reactionary tendencies. i saw we rolled Fleet Foxes, i got so excited, i fucking *love* this band, so i wanted to click 5!!! it is a great album!!! but then i remembered that for me, Helplessness Blues is a 5, and I like this one less, so it can't be a 5. sad. but it's ok. a 4 is still great. not to be annoying about it, but this was one of my Formative AlbumsTM. i had a close friend in high school whose older brother introduced me to Ragged Wood (and by extension the rest of FF's catalogue). he also introduced me to St. Vincent, so that's cool. i must have listened to this album backwards and forwards a hundred times in the coming months. he drove me home one night and was like "u gotta hear blue ridge mountains dude it'll change your life" and like yeah that's dramatic but it also isn't incorrect Ragged Wood became one of the first songs i learned how to play (with my friend's brother no less) that really filled me with some zest while playing. other songs i was like yeah cool okay here's how to play this, but Ragged Wood was just so much fucking fun to jam out to, especially with another guitarist in the room! the energy is this album is, to me, fairly unique. each song taken individually isn't doing a whole lot to raise the roof, but taken together, i think this album is full of momentum, dynamism, and compelling instrumentation that ranges from church hymnals to folk to alt rock. this band is so talented.
I really liked this one. Taylore always plays White Winter Hymnal and I think that song is gorgeous, which led me to listen to this album for the first time about a week or two ago. I'm also a fan of Oliver James. I normally do some reading about the artist or the history surrounding the album when listening to them, but this time around I did not. That being said, idk much about this album or artist but I really enjoyed it.
Because of Bob Weir's passing, I've been thinking about bands I enjoy that are influenced by the Dead. Fleet Foxes came to mind pretty quickly (I feel like they were unfairly left off of the 'Day of the Dead' covers album from 2016). There are some pretty obvious allusions to the Dead throughout this one. RIP Bobby. Side note, my brain gets overtly confused by the seasons this album makes me think of -- it's part winter, lots of spring, and a little bit of summer all in one.
One of my personal favourites of all time, it’s not perfect but I don’t care. Only 4 instead of 5 as it does get a bit samey towards the end.
Everything old is new again. Some stellar songs in here.
I enjoyed this sound, mix of old and modern styles.
Very good sounding album with great songs. No real bangers though, but I definitely had a good time.
Wasn’t sold after the first track, Ragged Wood piqued my interest pretty quickly though, as did He Doesn’t Know Why. Quite liked the majority of this, even if it isn’t something I’d listen to normally.
i wasn’t expecting to like this as much as i did, lots of fun and i forgot the main singers name but he has a great voice, i might listen to one of their other albums
god it feels like everyone is wearing flannel and a beanie again
Did not expect i would like this, but i was wrong. This album really surprised me
Gostei.
Started of really slow and i thought i wasn’t gonna like it but it gradually started flowing. The lyrics we’re really good too
Trodde jag skulle vara rätt uttråkad, men icke. Tycker det här är väldigt vackert. Jordigt och 70-taligt, de hatar inte Crosby, stills & Nash. Blir fan 4a igen här.
var besatt av det här albumet 2010…. såg dem live på way out west och blev fullkomligt trollbunden…… femma då, fyra nu
who knew I knew more than one song!
I've saved songs from this album in the past. Overall, I like it but it's not something i'd look for daily
This is a bit of Harness. Low 4 from me. (Mostly) enjoyed it.
Listened to it twice. Enjoyed it
Great way to close out 2025 and year two of the list. Love the fleet foxes, but I think helplessness blues is a better album.
Yes.
I loved my sister's take: this is nature in music form. LOVED this album, need to own it!
Really good album - enjoyed it - mellow, tuneful, folky
7/10 zbog ovakvih albuma sam poceo da radim ovo mix medieval + folk + pop + mystical deluje kao da je soundtrack za neki film nmp isk sta pricam al je bas crazy da su ljudi pravili ovakav album 2008, nije mi nesto predobar al respect
Reminds me of being in my car in the winter smoking cigarettes - album starts strong and trickles off at the end
While indie music can be relatively hit or miss for me, Fleet Foxes do a good job constructing a vibe. As I've listened to this over the years, the highlights have only gotten better and the lowlights have stayed "meh". 3.7/5 -> 4/5
First time listener to fleet foxes. I think they could only have come from the USA with this sound. Layered guitars and layers vocals. When the keyboards came in, I was reminded of the keyboards in Peanuts/Charlie Brown. I mean this all in a positive way! I think the lyrics may be less uplifting than I’m feeling from the music on first listen.
I used to be into this hipster folk stuff... It's not bad though, but there was some garbage albums from that era.
Great harmonies, kind of folksy.
This is a great album that would hold up in any decade. I'm not sure I want these guys with me in a gang fight, but I'll sit calmly and listen to them any time.
Vibes: 5 Instruments: 3 Production: 4 Emotional Value: 3 Storytelling: 5 AC: 1 Stand Outs: White Winter Hymn, Oliver James Overall: 4.2 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I feel like I'm dancing in the forest through this album. Though the individual songs feel somewhat unremarkable, I kinda vibe with it.
Fantastic album! I love fleet foxes! So good!
Just good old fashioned background music with one banger
Et album jeg hørte på da jeg først begynte å utforske musikk, og ikke har hørt siden. For det første; for et albumcover! Det fortjener fem stjerner i seg selv. For det andre; for en vakker samling av sanger! Jeg er normalt sett ikke særlig begeistret for folk, så Fleet Foxes fortjener ros for dette. Top 3: He Doesn't Know Why, Blue Ridge Mountains, Ragged Wood/Your Protector
Sweet and soothing without being saccharine, makes you think of times and places
Sunday morning vibes. Hannah gives it a 4
I like it. very chill
Så fint album elsket det
If I could do decimals, this is a 4.2. I like it, good music, put me in a good mood. How often will I go back to it? Not sure