Reviews (page 7 of 15)
I can appreciate this album being noteworthy for its influence on folk revival, and likely being major players in the 'stomp clap' that is to come, but this album did very little for me.
Hard to go wrong with really any of fleet foxes discography. Gorgeous album with ethereal harmonies
This album and its companion, the Sun Giant EP, were on constant rotation for me back in the late 2000’s. It was an album that was sure to bring either a tear or a smile to my face depending on where my mind was at the time. It’s just such a powerful record full of incredible vocal performances. Pecknold’s vocals in particular are so emotional and dynamic, his tone is insane with the rest of the band providing beautifully haunting harmonies all of which were well thought out while winding through these not so typical song structures. White Winter Hymnal, Tiger Mountain Peasant Song, Quiet House, and Blue Ridge Mountains have always been favorites for me but this entire album is brilliant. If you like this one and this band is new to you, keep listening cause their following albums are amazing too. Easy 5 for me.
Boy, I love this one. As with many of the albums I love, I can thank Andy for hipping me to it. I had never been a folk music guy, but this slapped me in the face and got me listening. I like the atmospheric vocals. Great album. Favorites are Tiger Mountain Peasant Song and Blue Ridge Mountains. This album is a 5 to me.
I'd never heard this band before, and what it sounds like came out of left field for me--in a good way. They really committed to the chamber-folk-choral harmonies thing, and I don't know if this is a very saturated genre or not, but it feels pretty unique to me. The music felt pastoral, peaceful and earthy...and yet evocative of a cathedral or temple, uplifting and inspiring me with its many layered, ethereal harmonies.
A real nice album of Folk Rock. Although not without its imperfections, hut they really don't ruin the experience. 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
It's ethereal, college indie folk crap. Music for day traders who think they are interesting people. Did not like this, will not explain further. 2/5
Good balance of intrumentation so far. It’s giving Boy n Bear. Good Songs: Sun It Rises, White Winter Hymnal, Ragged Wood, He Doesn’t Know Why, Your Protector, Blue Ridge Mountain Mid Songs: Tiger Mountain Peasant Song, Quiet Houses, Heard Them Stirring, Meadow Larks, Oliver James Bad Songs:
Good indie-folk. Relistened to it about 5 times.
Classic folk
I'm such a sucker for building a song off of a droning note. I find it memorizing, haunting even. They often will hit a chord and sustain it to harmonize in and out of it. Playing with melodies with every instrument available. Because it's such gentle music my mind keeps wanting to say it's simplistic in it's greatest form, but this is not simple music. They are masters of building and releasing tension, and toying with dynamic sounds to direct a song. My only complaint is that I'm not sure what to do with my body as I listen, id love to know every word and song along to the ethereal harmonies but let's fact it, that's not my level. It's not really a head bob kinda album, dancing seems tough, unless it's like an Irish jig. I must see them live, not only to witness what they are actually able to accomplish on stage, but to see what fans do. Maybe general hand waving? Smile gently and rock your hips back and forth? Sit criss cross apple sauce and wait for it to end? Does everyone line up and dance like they did when white wigs were all the rage? Meditation? I've rated it 4 but we both know it's 4.5
Meh. It's not bad by any means. Just don't really care one way or the other about it.
Atmospheric but with good melodies and harmonies. Hippy Folk? Very short. Lacking a real singable song. 4.0
A little slow for me, but still a great album.
Okay. Sounded wayy older than 2008. The second song tho??? Is that a cover or what? One time our building sub had us sing that in advisory and dang.... I wish it was last year. I liked the vibes of some of the songs, but not what they actually sounded like. Not awful. Wish it were noisier, but they're good with the guitars and I like how peaceful the vocals are. 4.5/10
Pleasant enough indie folk, which is right up my alley. Impressive as a debut, for sure. Cohesive and tight. Is this really one of the greatest albums of all time? Hmm. I’m not sure any of the songs are, erm, “great.” I really like “Your Protector” and “He Doesn’t Know Why,” though. Probably closer to a 3.5-star album.
Very easy listening album. Good melodies and nice vocals.
Ok they can definitely sing, and definitely can harmonise. But their tunes are a little dirgey and one-paced to really fly for me. So a generous three stars, certainly not more.
Indie folk overdose. Definitely a sound i can appreciate but this wasn’t my favorite. Still good but not an album I’ll go out of my way to listen to again. Ragged Wood and Your Protector were my favorites but not going on my main playlist soon. 5/10, 3 stars.
Fantastic, a great nostalgic listen. 2008 was a good year.
Lowkey, melodic, and well arranged. - 3/5
Idk. I liked it
so good!!
🪕
very 2000-2010s, its alright
Amazing that is was a debut
I like aggressive European party music. This is not that. It is not so good that it converts me. It is not so bad that I wonder why anyone would want to listen. It is in the huge gulf between that where I cannot judge. It isn't for me but I have no idea how many people it is for
American folk. Pretty, floaty vocals. Joyful harmonies.
Folky/choral harmonies, Top track: White Winter Hymnal / Your Protector
didn't finish.
It’s just ok at best. I definitely don’t see what all the fuss is about. Some of it is alright for a rainy day, other parts are really not my jam. It’s not really “stomp, clap, hey” but it’s in that same vein.
I couldn't really get into the music. It's not bad, but I don't feel compelled to listen to it again. The initial boredom developed into mild annoyance as the album progressed. 3/5
Poor man's Mumford & Sons.
Pleasant indie rock
Not feeling it Mr Krabs.
Really cool album, I’m surprised I never heard of these guys back when Mumford & Sons and that type of music was big. I really like the genre, I’m excited to listen to the music outside of this album too.
This album actually aged really well.
Love it!!!
Was looking forward to this as I’d heard good things about the band. Disappointed though and was a struggle to get through. Just sounded like Mumford and Sons. Won’t listen again.
A couple of songs I liked, but a lot of sameness otherwise.
Now this is a good vibe for today. Calm, sweet, but interesting. Sometimes at risk of sounding a bit repetitive, but still engaging and a little dreamy. Not a great album, but a good one.
Probably inspired a lot of really bad 2010s indie folk music. Still enjoyed it though
BANGGGERRRRRRRRRR
holy shit was this boring.
This had moments of being a nice, relaxing time but it was mostly just boring and ambling around in nothingness.
It's well done, but it's not for me.
Eh, I’m good.
fun folk album, fleet foxes always manages to make me feel like i'm going on an adventure I prefer Helplessness Blues over this album, but still an enjoyable listen!
Very interesting album I like the style and how different it is however I feel most songs sound the same and don’t stick out. Still cool album. Highlights: white winter hymnal, ragged wood
Ok
Indie hipster rock music
meh, not for me
It's hard to judge this one. On one hand, this album takes the folk-pop genre into the new millennium; on the other hand, despite all the differences between the songs, they somehow sound the same. Oh, and I've never heard of them before.
The same as much of the music that came out during that era, very forgettable. Many praise the vocals and how great they are, it seems they used a lot of echo to cover up how bad they might actually be. EVERY song had over use of echo. Honestly had never heard of the group but this album doesn't prompt me to listen to anymore of them.
The vocals in the album are quite a treat. This album feels very warm and pure. Maybe it is because winter is starting to end where I am from, but it really is fitting for the warming of the spring. I really like the variations between very soft instrumentals to more forward instrumentals. They also vary the layering on the vocals a lot which keeps them sounding fresh.
Not for me
First song was reminiscent of CS&N. Second one is giving a Beach Boys vibe. I’m hoping to hear something beyond the obvious influences. The whole folk “stomp clap yeah” genre is admittedly not my favorite. There’s not a lot to sink your teeth into, it’s blandly mellow. I suppose it’s a good thing to put on if you wanna take a nap. Background music.
This album has a sweetness to it that is irresistible.
First few songs sound a bit like Animal Collective, then it becomes a more typical indie-something, which I liked less
quite okay. cute even. daint
I'm not sure I knew anything about Fleet Foxes, though I recognized the name, and when I listened to this, I recognized some of the songs. tldr: BORRRR-INNNNNNG Longer version: I really hated this era of music, all that Americana-revival stuff (your Avett Bros., your Mumford and Sons, UGGGHHHH THE LUMINEERS). It might just be that I'm a lunk-headed rock bro, but I just find most straight-folk stuff with no other elements really enervating. I have no doubt there's real talent, the harmonies are impressive, but it's just not for me.
I actually really love this - on the first listen I was like sure whatever, but now I've been looping it for days now. Big fan. Your Protector and Blue Ridge Mountains are probably my favourites, but I'm grabbing the whole lot. They're kind Mumford & Sons but more Christian. I vibe. Will check them out. 5/5 stars.
Never heard of these guys before so i didnt expect much, nonetheless they are now on my playlist thats for sure
Forgettable 2/5
An album that I should love. Have listened so many times over the years and still only really think it’s average. Don’t know why but I just don’t get it for some reason.
Écouté dans la voiture avec Alix lorsqu’on allait acheter notre voiture !🚗 Très chouette 🦉
I have heard these guys on compilations but never listened to a full album. Post-listen: I like this album! I wouldn't want to listen to these guys all the time, but I enjoyed it. I'm struggling with the rating to give it because it seems better than a 3-star but not quite a 4-star for me. We need half-stars! Favorite song: "Blue Ridge Mountains" (mention my home in a non-derogatory way and you get points!)
Sound of my late 2010s. Reminds me of Three Rock, Mountain Biking, Sally Gap, writing papers for undergraduate, the college library, the Dublin coastline. Brilliant folk rock, a near 5* musical experience. High 4*
Some highs and lows but ultimately an easy listen album that would do better in the right setting. Trying to not hold the style against it as it's been heavily overplayed by now.
I liked this one when it came out - fell off my playlist - which is unfortunate 4/5 #Musicsky #albumsky
I mean it’s good but it’s also very Provo PTSD
Folk music isn't really for me. This has an interesting twist of indie rock that gives it some colour, but it still lacks something. I tried to find some delight buried deep beneath the surface, but the surface is thin and watery. Samey and slightly unimaginative.
Makes me want to sit in the woods for a few days. I love them
Really love this album and they are a great live show
That was nice and sweet
I loved it. A rare 5 for me for the first time hearing an album.
Pleasant. Harmless.
I've never been much of a fan of folk music, but this was definitely a great album for what it was. The production value on it is great, and every sound is crisp and has a very clean feel to it. The vocals were great, and I loved the storytelling in the lyrics. I have to give it props for being, by far, the best folk album I have got on this generator thus far. There was a unique quality to it that made it a very interesting listen, although I can't exactly place my finger on what it is. It has all the aspects of a folk album, but something about it sets it apart from other albums of the same genre. That being said, as I mentioned before, it isn't a genre I am particularly fond of.
I've never really given Fleet Foxes much of a chance; I liked this quite a bit. It was reminiscent of CSNY at times, but with a songwriting style that's entirely unique. Would definitely listen to again. 3.5/5
Great album. Listened to it many many times before. I like Helplessness Blues just a bit more but this one is still a banger in its own right. 4.5/5
Good discovery
You like this more than you think.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5. Just an unbelievably stellar debut album. So evocative, imaginative, and beautiful. One of my top favorites of all time.
In one ear, out the other type stufg
Glad i gave this 2 listens, definitely clicked with me on the second one. They clearly have their distinct sound with the rich, shiny folk sound and constant use of harmonies (which got a little old). The guitar sounded really nice and was layered nicely with other guitars, pianos and backing vocals and what i assume to be percussion played on guitar a bit as-well. The album cover is a highlight as well and really matches the feel of the album. Production clearly a strong point too, felt quite immersive, although some of the songs got a bit repetitive and felt like repeats of some of the others a little, wasn’t a fan of the more acoustic based songs like meadowlarks and Oliver james as it felt too stripped down for their sound, the harmonies don’t work as well without being layered with instruments. Favourites: Sun it Rises, White Winter hymnal, Ragged wood, Tiger mountain peasant song, He doesn’t know why and heard them stirring. Overall, 7/10.
1. Sun It Rises - 4 Banjo and guitars sound good but lyrically it's a forgettable track. The kind of track that just mellows out into a background sound, like the type you'd hear in a department store fitting room. 2. White Winter Hymnal - 5 It's exactly like the first track in terms of the critique I have. Instruments are a little heavier this time, including an electric guitar, but the structure is exactly the same as that first track. 3. Ragged Wood - 7 Much better sound both vocally and instrumentally. All around a decent track, even with a more mellow tone from the start of the song that leads into the bridge, which builds well. Solid stuff. 4. Tiger Mountain Peasant Song - 6 It's an okay song. Vocally it's great, instrumentally it's very simple. Lyrically it's good. Not anything that will rock your socks off. 5. Quiet House - 1 It's way too repetitive. By the end of the three and a half minutes you are almost begging for the track to turn over. 6. He Doesn't Know Why - 8 The piano at the end feels unnecessary but it still sounds nice and overall this is a good sounding track. Vocals on it are really enjoyable and the highlight of the song. 7. Heard Them Stirring - 7 It's a hymn and there are no actual lyrics. Having said that, the sound is quite pleasant and the beat of the drum is the highlight of the track. Enjoyable even if overly simplistic. 8. Your Protector - 9 The vocals are solid on this track and the drum has an amazingly quiet role in helping push the song along in a very good fashion. The strums of the guitars sound excellent. 9. Meadowlarks - 10 Lovely song. Lyrically strong, instrumentally a brilliant tone that sets the mood for what is a grim metaphor. Best track on the album. 10. Blue Ridge Mountains - 8 Fun sounding song but the tempo pace between the quick parts (which are brilliant) and the slow parts tend to suck the life out of the song a little bit. It's not that the song shouldn't have them, but they're too frequent and sudden that it becomes hard to enjoy just how good the full crescendo of instruments are. 11. Oliver James - 2 Vocals dominate the track but lyrically it doesn't hold up. The track is confusing in its meaning and does not have much instrumentals to offer as a rebut. Those instrumentals also cut out before the vocals at the only thing left to lead the track. Weak song to end the album on. Average Rating: 6.09 Adjusted to a 5-Point Scale: 3.05 Rounded Down: 3 Stars
Surprisingly didn’t enjoy the experience of a whole album listen even though i love individual songs.
liked it
Enjoyable listen. I knew and loved White Winter Hymnal. That was the only song I knew on this album, but I know other songs by this band. This is very much my style of music.
It’s well produced, I’ll give it that. But, this isn’t anything new and certainly isn’t essential listening. Feels like the ‘bohemian’ aspect of this music hit just the right nerve upon release, but like the name of the band, this feeling is fleeting, and easily replicated by other recordings.
Ein atmosphärisches Meisterwerk, das Indie-Folk neu definierte. Mit himmlischen Harmonien, pastoralen Texten und einem Hauch von Nostalgie entführt das Album in eine klangliche Landschaft zwischen Waldlichtung und Berggipfel. Highlights: „White Winter Hymnal“ – hypnotisch und geheimnisvoll, ein Ohrwurm mit Choralcharakter. „Tiger Mountain Peasant Song“ – melancholisch und intim, fast wie ein modernes Volkslied. „Blue Ridge Mountains“ – episch und emotional, mit dramatischem Aufbau. Gerne mal wieder 😊
Listened on the way to work, early morning (best time for this album in my opinion). Very familiar with this one, been listening since release in 2008. Love the folk indie style, beautiful record. Highlights for me are Your Protector and He Doesn't Know Why.
When I started this challenge I decided to limit the scope to these categories: punk/post punk/new wave/britpop/shoegaze/indie. I like other genres of music but I thought this would help me to avoid things that I have no interest in. I've had a lot of 80's pop (presumably passed off as new wave) but I'm genuinely not sure where this fits with my selection. I'm doing another challenge at the same time which I restricted to country/folk and this album came up there too which makes more sense. I gave it three stars and I stand by that.
Exactly what I thought fleet foxes would sound like. Fun album.
The songs mainly all sound the same. Choir-boy vocals. Nothing distinctive from other bands of that time. If you like it, you like it. I don't.
its alright
Really captures the raw talent of Baker while Fela demonstrates all the positives of fusion music while completely missing any pitfalls of the genre. Others come off as boring and pretentious trying to pull this off but Kuti paves his own way. Masterful! Pure energy. It is somehow both an album you could have a dance party to or have on in the background while having a chill dinner party
30/1001 :: Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes Heard before? ✅ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 6.5 Fav Tracks: Your Protector, Ragged Wood I ummmm think I’ve heard this before. I’m pretty sure that I have but not many times. Maybe once. As you guys know I like a lot of folk music so I should love this but for some reason I’ve been having a tough time getting into them. It’s a dynamic folk album. Feels old world (hence the cover art) and biblical at times but done in a modern way. I think there’s something about the voice that’s never landed with me. That said, I enjoyed this listen and should/will probably revisit.
Pure ear candy. I've been a big fan of this album since first hearing it around the time it was released. It continues to be excellent, with the sublime harmonies being the highlight of the experience. If we figure out time travel and transport these guys back to Woodstock '69 they won't be out of place at all.
Forgot how good this was. Insanely influential. Was shocked this is my first 5!!
Good 4/5
A mellow listen sort of reminiscent of folk groups from the 60's sort of like Pentangle or Lindisfarne.
While it’s not their best in my view, this album was in my view the pinnacle of the folk resurgence that came in the 2000s. No other band emulated that sound better than early Fleet Foxes. This record is filled with utterly beautiful harmonies, immersive medieval passages and choruses that are immensely fun to sing. White Winter Hymnal, Ragged Wood, TMPS, Your Protector, Oliver James are some of the best folk songs of the modern era. And they only got better with their second album.
Zuhause, Heidenheim, Deutschland. Gefällt ganz gut.
I recall listening to this when it first came out, wanting to like it more than I actually did. I feel that way with most of the folk/roots rock movement of the 2000’s and 2010’s. Some bands and albums are better than others, but I’m apparently not their audience. This is well made and well performed, but I only really liked a few songs.
Super folky album. Kind of campfire, winter wonterland vibes in a way.
Degelijk folk album dat door folk fans waarschijnlijk gehaat wordt, wat het misschien nog beter maakt. Warme stem, warme sound. 4.2
Fleet Foxes is only good vibes. not always in the mood for these guys but today it was perfect.
Some of the best folk songs I've heard in a while but with lyrics that are predominantly depressing and morbid. No happy tunes here.
For something so recent, this is something I would have worn the grooves off of in my youth in the 60s - 70s. Nice harmonies and the tunes are melodic. Well done.
nice......nice......not thrilling............but nice
Pretty good. Great vibes overall. A time capsule. White Winter Hymnal is a great song.
Haven’t heard this one in ages. Very pretty! And yeah. That’s pretty much it. But I mean very. Very pretty.
Not bad. A little too echoey for me.
One of my favourite albums of all time. It came out around the time I turned 18, so I was the perfect age to hop on the indie folk hype train. Nothing in that scene came close to this though - it's a world away from the likes of Mumford & Sons, The Lumineers, etc. There's songs on this album that genuinely sound like music from centuries ago, updated and adapted to modern times. Now that I'm older and wiser, I see that Fleet Foxes owe quite a debt to Simon & Garfunkel (among others), but the songwriting and musicianship is so good that it does still stand as a masterpiece in its own right. They did somehow manage to top this with their second album imo, but I'm not sure if that's on this list.
The music was too slow for me. Nice acoustic guitar through the album, but not a fan.
LOVED IT! Album theme is so warm with it slightly-celtic tunes 🥹 I loved “He Doesn’t Know Why”, “Tiger Mountain Peasant Song”, and “White Winter Hymnal”.
Songs better heard in a playlist, a little too much harmonizing song after song
Sounded too country for my liking, but supposed to be indie.
very very very very pretty album. i likey
Not really for me
Fleet Foxes popped onto the scene during the time roots music had its big moment with Arcade Fire and Mumford & Sons gaining huge popularity. So around the late-2000s-mid-2010s. Fleet Foxes had a nice little run as the little brothers of those two. My Morning Jacket kind of jump-started this trend about 10 years before it got huge, and frankly, MMJ does it better. This album is full of great harmonies and folk mixed with a dash of rock. As I’m listening back to it now, I’m finding it more enjoyable than yesterday’s listen. I enjoy this type of music, but I need to be in the right mood for it. The whole time I listened to this album yesterday, I thought, “I need to listen to more MMJ." Standout tracks for me on Fleet Foxes' self-titled debut are Sun It Rises, Ragged Woods, Tiger Mountain Peasant Song, He Doesn’t Know Why, with my favorite track being Your Protector.
very melodic, songs seem to blend into each other, great album to take a nap too
It's hippy music for the modern era. It's pretty chill
I had high hopes for this record having heard some Fleet Foxes. This record was a lot more downbeat than I expected and I can respect not relying on hooks, but it is hard to distinguish the songs. I like the instrumentation and they certainly achieved the unique sound they were going for.
Приятный альбом, у вокалиста очень красивый и спокойный голос, больше половины песен весьма хороши и точно многим понравяться
The perfect blend of folk and rock. 4.5/5
White Winter Hymnal, Heard Them Stirring
Half way through I turned off. Too samey, nonsensical dribble. So annoying as they obviously have talent but not for me.
En ting e at det va nokka æ likte å høre på i 2008, men det æ tenkte på da æ hørte det nu va at det bare ga mæ mer lyst til å høre på Ha Ha Tonka, som gjør en lignanes greie, men på en mye mer fenganes måte.
I love this album so much. It’s very important to me for artistic and personal reasons. Its release is embedded in my memory, and I think I could even say that Fleet Foxes went on to be my favorite band of the 2010s with Helplessness Blues and Crack-Up both being masterpieces (I will rate them 5s too if they show up on this list). Technically I would give this a 4.5 because it’s not quite at the level of the aforementioned two, but it is still nearly perfect and packed with classic songs. Must-listen (#178), and side note, it’s so refreshing to get three 5-star albums in a row.
When it started, I thought "Oh great, another indie folk album I'm gonna hate." But I didn't hate it. I think it's an interesting album. As a recording, it's interesting to study. It's pretty in spells. It's obviously influenced by religious choral music, with the rounds and harmonies and organ accompaniment, but placing those influences in the context of acoustic American folk music makes each more interesting, I think.
I don't really know much about Fleet Foxes, so I went into this album not knowing to expect. It feels like this era was big on that folk pop sound. It reminds me a little of early Mumford & Sons, but still unique and different. There is some interesting mixing happening here, like with the panning in Sun It Rises. I'm glad to discover this album, it was such a cool vibe and it might become a new favourite. I find myself thinking of Mumford & Sons, but there is also some influences from much older folk artists. There are just some interesting mixing and instrument choices and that is the real highlight of the album Standouts: Sun It Rises, White Winter Hymnal, Ragged Wood, He Doesn't Know Why
The only thing Investoren listened to before from Fleet Foxes is "Mykonos", I think. Which I very much liked, but I never went further. So listening to the debut in full, I knew what kind of style was waiting for me. Beautiful chamber rock, soft, melodious, relaxing. I have to say though, on full album length, it starts to feel a bit samesy, beauty notwithstanding. There are still highlights like "Ragged Wood", "Your Protector" and "Blue Ridge Mountains", but as a whole it does not quite reach the top for me.
Not exactly my cup of tea, but it is an undeniably good album. Amazing vocals, but I can't say I like the vocal harmonies and the (perhaps excessive) use of reverb. The instrumentation is amazing, though; no notes on that. The lyricism is rather great, specially in songs like Ragged Woods or He Doesn't Know Why; the use of visuals is top notch, but sometimes it feels too abstract and misses the balance of storytelling and visuals. Overall, a good album, with some small caveats from personal taste.
had to take a long break before listening to this but I actually enjoyed it more than I initially thought I would. I enjoyed the first half more and my favourite was definitely white winter hymnal.
Liked it
Gentle and peak, wow
Modern folk vibes. Mid
Love the harmonies and white winter hymnal is a personal favorite. Some of the middle tracks started to fall a little flat for me though so not a perfect score on this one but still enjoyed it. Would be a good album to listen to on a hike.
nice ambiance but not many real showstoppers, stronger front than back half of the album highlights: Sun It Rises, White Winter Hymnal, He Doesn’t Know Why, Your Protector
a little repetitive at parts, but for the most part very good and i like the vibe
Hits in the feels and it’s hard to separate myself and hear the album not biased by the time and place when I remember first experiencing it. The EP was lightning in a bottle and the LP took that feeling further. “Blue Ridge Mountains” takes me back to long contemplative drives in my ‘03 Honda Civic. The rest of the album, particularly the first half flows like a continuous breathing exercise that leaves you wrapped in a blanket of calm. Still so good and, man, 2007-2009 had some incredible albums that still resonate today. This is certainly one of those.
I appreciate the sound but it’s boresville to these ears
a modern indie folk classic reminds me of when i first moved to NYC and had to drive around a production van and WNYC played this album (and Helplessness Blues) a fair amount... big thanks to them for introducing me to fleet foxes, a mainstay of road trip playlists ever since
Lucid dreaming—don't wake me
I have loved this album and revisited it so many times since it came out. It feels old-timey and modern, like it's always been there. I have so much nostalgia for this album and can't help but give it a 5.
I have loved and still love this album.
pretty one note but it’s a pretty one note
n.l.
I do feel sorta bad giving this the same rating as Napalm Death...
#111 - This was one of my coming of age albums, it's held up great!
Excellent!
Excellent, big vibe for me in the 2010s.
i love this album so much it makes me feel like i’m flying
Flower frolicking music
I like how relaxing it is. The vocal sound fits well with the instrumental sound Edit Apr 15 2026: 4 --> 3
I irrationally hate white winter hymnal but the rest was v good
This surprised me as I wasn't expecting to like it as much as I did. For a debut album it's pretty flawless from track to track.
Fantastic stuff - adore the harmonies. Important record in late 2000s folk revival but can't hold that against it!
One of my favorites.
Hipster, beanie, ipod type beat. I'd probably like it best on a mountain on shrooms. Is that the Holy Hand Grenade in the cover??
I am certainly biased; living in Seattle the past 4 years, this record snapshots the cultural forces present in the area in a way no other collection of music ever has. Beyond it's bold, unique chamber and choral elements, devastating lyrics, and gorgeous guitar tones, this record speaks to something greater; it's sparse instrumentation and reverberant vocals conjures a feeling of isolation that resonates in the region and time it was recorded and echoes into modern life. This record is truly a modern classic, perhaps the greatest indie record of the 2000s
I've been going back time and time again to this album for many years now - it fits very nicely into my musical taste. But is it a five star album, along with the likes of The Stone Roses etc? I'm struggling to justify that, hence the 4*.
Not my typical bag. Captivating, which means a lot coming from me. Sags a bit in the middle, but overall has a lot of depth and allure through the harmonies, and the warmth of the singer's voice. Reminds me of an acoustic Boy & Bear. Ultimately this demonstrates what the list of 1001 should do. I would play this for 4 out of 5 people.
Good folk? How?
3.5
I've always been told to give this album a listen, but for some reason I never have. I absolutely really love this album. And even though it does somewhat suffer from the millennial vocal wispiness that i'm not the biggest fan of, I really found the folk instrumentation just absolutely gorgeous and the harmonies on here are absolutely heaven. I'm going to give it a 4½ for now with room to grow. (9.5) ★★★★½
A fantastic album, serene and timeless. 5 stars.
I've always been kind of lukewarm on Fleet Foxes. A lot of my complaints about Sufjan Stevens also apply to them -- there's this layer of preciousness that kind of takes me out of their music a bit. They kind of remind me of a less rocking, more precious My Morning Jacket. Still, I think there's a couple of great songs here in "White Winter Hymnal" and "He Doesn't Know Why". 3.5 stars.
4.5
Mega twee, typically pitchfork-approved indie pabulum with some occasionally golden harmonies but also lots of ultra sparse, dull, sub-My Morning Jacket songs. One breed of fox I wouldn’t mind seeing as especially squished road kill.
Amazing album.
Poor man's Neil Young
Det svinger nu meget godt.
Folk-revivalen i slutningen af 00erne, må være en af de mest spøjse trends i musikverdenens historie. Hvor kom den fra? Og hvor blev den af igen? Var det en modvægt til Garage-revivalen der havde skyllet ind i starten af årtiet? Eller var det en reaktion på vækst, pling og plang og begyndende finanskrise? Musikalsk fungere det fint for mig som radiomusik. En sang med Mumfords & Sons her, en melodi fra The Rumour Said Fire der og lidt Fleetfoxes i ny og næ, er helt okay når det mixes med andre genre. Men et helt album bliver sgu lige lang nok i længden. Det tror jeg kun er Bon Iver jeg kan klare.
Cool calm evening album
Using strings, horns, piano, and vocal harmonies, and other components drawn from the orchestral and lounge pop of the 1960s, with an emphasis on melody and texture this Chambers Pop feels dull, folksy, lukewarm and inoffensive.
I've never really been able to get into this album, I gave it another try today and it played softly in the background while I got on with other things, not horrible but not exactly arresting either. A pleasant listen but I don't feel like it's a particularly memorable one.
Takes me back. Was very into this for a while.
Beautiful album, v nostalgic for anyone growing up in the 00s
Not a fan then, not a fan now
Sounded good, very well produced and every note seems to placed in there with intention. Some of the songs were kinda catchy. But overall, it all seemed to be very... safe. Not precisely what I would enjoy, but not something that I would hate either.
chill d cojones, m encanto
Some classics on here that still sound great, not my usual listen now or on release, but worth a 4-star rating from me.
Heard of the band but haven't heard their music. This album was just boring. Not awful but boring. Literally nothing interesting going on 2/5
chill indie rock
Wasn't 100% sure about it at the beginning, but got into it toward the end. White winter hymnal is a song I have heard before and love!
1/2
one of the best!
Lush harmonies, great musicianship and good songwriting are there. Unfortunately, it all started sounding the same after a couple of songs and I lost interest.
Some very nice harmonies and a few catchy tunes. But for the most part this is background music. It may encapsulate a time and place, but this album is probably a sleeper for most. It's fine. Not bad but not amazing. Probably did not need to hear this before I died.
Like the folky vibe a lot
White Winter Hymnal
I don't get it.
disappointing. appreciate the craft but too boring
Fleet Foxes always deliver some masterpieces and their first album just show how brilliant their lush instrumentals alongside with the cosy atmosphere can delighttge listener. Although it is summer now, I felt transported to a winter cabin with a hot cocoa listening to this. Great lyrics and one of the best folk ever written.
Mediocre. All the songs blended into eachother
bad
This album is absolute pony, never understood the hype at the time and still don't. Reverb drenched warbling over lazy folk instrumentals, I don't any song in this album stood out as a great listen. Very background listening, so much I zoned out. 1/5
Jesus cult chants from deep within a cave.
Ah the hipster days. Love Robin’s voice and I’m a fan anyway.
There aren't very many indie-folk bands that have stood the test of time for me. I know Fleet Foxes was a little before the big indie-folk craze and they might be more indie than folk but this band really has stood the test of time for me. When I was 20 I was a member of the mormon church and I was doing a mission for them. On those missions, you're not allowed to listen to any music that's not church music which was incredibly difficult for me since I have always loved music so much. I caved and burnt Helplessness Blues to a CD and that album helped me get through that mission. So Fleet Foxes is a special band to me emotionally. I also just want to say that it's crazy that this is a debut album.
As a millenial, this is a really important album. One of the key albums of the folk indie world of the mid to late 2000s. This might be the sneaky best indie folk album of the time too. There's very little ego with this album, which is probably why its the sneaky best. There's no Mumford and his sons, or the 2 dudes from the Lumineers in suspenders or Conor Oberst yodel crying. (I love all of those artists, BTW). But this is very music and art first. Its always been that way, and its why its aged so well. They were just creating really cool unique music and not really investing in "who are the Fleet Foxes." There's always been mysticism and mystery with the storytelling in this record. From the album cover art work all the way to Oliver James. You don't really know who or what is going on, but the music pulls you in. Its wraps around you and you kind of just live in it. I love how Sun Rises starts the record as this kind of an appalachian folk song and then turns into this epic journey, which sets the presendent for the rest of the album. It goes right into White Winter Hymnal -another one of those "what the hell is this song about?" but then you kind of just want to listen to it on repeat because its so damn cool. And the vocals melodies are so perfect. This is easily one of the best songs of the 200s. Ragged Wood through Your Protector feels like one long epic song ending with Meadowlarks. Its all just different movements and layers and themes, but still just pushing this mystic story forward. Its takes off again with Blue Ridge Mountains before ending perfectly with Oliver James. This is almost a perfect record. I love this take on folk and acoustic music. I love the world building, I love that you can jump into any song at any point of the album and just be in it until the end. We're lucky to have been alive at the time that this record came out.
Un clásico del indie de los 2000 y un álbum por el que siempre he sentido debilidad. Indie folk, pastoral y gospel a ratos, lleno de instrumentos y texturas, aunque muy calmado, y con unas armonías preciosas. Música muy compleja a la vez que sosegada y plácida, muy atmosférica y de fácil escucha. Uno de mis álbumes favoritos dentro de ese “chamber indie folk”, por llamarlo de alguna manera, junto con algunos de Beirut. Una obra maestra, un álbum majestuoso aunque quizá algo monótono como para darle cinco estrellas, al menos hoy mientras lo escucho. Hay que estar con el ánimo adecuado para apreciarlo, y hoy ando un poco estresado.
Very good, but this band never quite met their true potential in my opinion
This record is so pretty. As someone raised in church, the layers of harmonies are warm quilts to wrap up in. What a nice world to step into for 39 minutes. After internet research on who the problematic brother character might be, I took a nap. I hope the brother is doing okay somewhere.
This was one of the best vinyl purchases I made around the time this album came out. Sub Pop packaged the record along with the Sun Giant EP, the perfect companion piece to the record as a whole. This is a great example of a record that sounded fresh but "old" at the same time, like you stumbled upon an old forgotten relic, yet it somehow sounds familiar. I've listened to the records Fleet Foxes have made since this one, but this is still my favorite.
mun betra en mig minnti. ennþá tilgerðarlegt og full krúttlegt en fínar lagasmíðar, spil og söngur.
4.8 - Man this really is a great album. Listened to it so much when I first came out and still is great to this day.
I’ve always found FF to be quite bland, and nothing has really changed for me on this listen. It’s borderline co-worker music. White Winter Hymnal is nice. 2.9/5
Shit was actually great fr
This is a fine album of music, but for me, there was nothing particularly memorable here. No moments or songs really stuck out to me.
Ok, this one got me by surprise. It is surprisingly good. I am not an major fan of folk, but this one may change my mind. Vocal harmonies are on point, excelent instrumentation, so many unique sounds. Excelent album, short songs but they seem to go by even faster with their quality. The songs are similar, but they defenitely don't sound the same, you know what I mean? They have the same feel, but each has it own unique flavour. Favourite songs: White Winter Hymnal (excellent, wow! gave me goosebumps!) Your Protector Blue Ridge Mountains
Had an old Genesis feel to it. Monotonous.
Hard to describe but very pleasant to listen to and plan to listen to this album a few more times. And great vocals!
indie folk...ugh...
Lidt ligegyldig men ok.
Im lost with these guys. I can’t really pin down their sound. They are sort of a slow Coheed and Cambria, mixed with the Mars Volta and Spiritualized. I really like the music but the vocals and words lack for me. Choice cut: Tiger Mountain Peasant Song
Not as bad as I was bracing for, but not memorable.
Talented musicians playing music that will never interest me.
folky, was okay not my thing
its ok.... plodding. sad that this is on the list but not My Morning Jacket... this just sounds like Jim James unelectrified with annoying Beach Boy harmonies. Ragged Wood is lifted straight from Golden which came out 4 years before
All of It
Nonie vo dere Band ghört aber ganz e sanfti und netti Überraschig gsi. 1,2 lieder gspeicheret, aber au fast bizli z herzig für min gschmack. Wills ahgnehms gesinge isch gits trotzdem 3 Fleet Foxes für Fleet Foxes by Fleet Foxes
big love für fleet foxes – noni vill lieder kännt aber die woni känne findi super, white winter hymnal isch es 10i – hüt hani paar neui dezenti 7i's & 8i's dezue gfunde mis indieherz hetti vor paar jahr richtig freud gha – hüt hani aber au es bizli freud muess aber au säge: das album hetti amne früsche herbsttag no chli meh ghittet trotzdem gids 4 flotti füchs aus dem hause hertzog
Good Album, I don’t know if I will hear it again though.
I can’t lie I absolutely loved this one. White Winter Hymnal a throwback cause I sang that in 7th grade choir and it was absolutely gas but everything else on this album was gas too
Not the best album but the Foxes have a really cool sound. Inspired me to check out more of their stuff
First time that I've listened to this artist. I have thoroughly enjoyed this record. The vocal harmonies are the greatest highlight and the melodies and compositions feel dreamy and otherworldly. One of my favorite discoveries in quite a while.
It was a surprisingly enjoyable album
Really like this! New to me.
Borders on douchey at times but was ok
Lush and layered. I love this album but too nostalgic for me. Reminds me of living in Sydney and living in Norway.
Music to fall asleep to at a pub open mic night.
Wedding song!
This is better than it has any right to be. Nothing new or challenging happens, and there's tons of other bands with the same sound, but this album just works on every level.
They sing well, but the echoey hall and everybody singing at once got extremely overdone in this era and I’m so over it.
Dang, I've heard of the band, definitely recognize White Winter Hymnal, but I'd never really listened. This was great. Every time Tiger Mountain Peasant Song came on, I'd stop and listen. Always a good sign.
It’s hard it overstate how good this album is. It’s such a confident debut from a band who have every right to confidence in their instrumental skill, their shimmering harmonies and above all their songwriting. They are folky but they so far transcend that label I’m almost reluctant to apply it, but I will, both because it’s true and because I don’t think that they as a band would want to repudiate the label. They take folky and they make it something deep, otherworldly, almost I want to say transcendent and all somehow without becoming pompous or tendentious about it. It’s just very, very good.
-White Winter Hymnal -Ragged Wood -Quite houses -He doesnt why
Fleet Foxes is one of those bands that I've heard of but never listened to. Wasn't sure if I would like it as it can be hit or miss with these folky types of bands but pleasantly surprised. Some of the slower songs can lean a little on the twee side but overall really enjoyed it. Love the harmonies. Favorites: Ragged Wood, Quiet Houses, Your Protector, Blue Ridge Mountains Would I listen to it again: Yes
Wow!
Honestly not bad. I was expecting it to be a lot worse. It's honestly a step up from most folk-ish music that gets popular, so good for FF for crafting something with substance. That said, I don't know how often I'd come back to this.
Meh
Great voices. Too folk for me.
Solid album
Nice
that was nice
This was pretty bad, and I couldn't wait for it to end.
So good. Listened to it three times in a row and then checked out the rest of their catalog
Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes I liked this one, the folky indie feel is very pleasant and the vocals are very good. The album does blend together a little but the songs by and large are very good and have a calming feel. I’m around a 3.5 but that’ll get rounded up to a light 4/5
Very solid. Very enjoyable.
chill, good, knew more than I thought
Leuke Beach Boys-invloeden. Heb het al vaker geprobeerd met deze plaat, maar het raakt me nooit helemaal.
Nice album without a real leading song 6/10
Some moments that I enjoyed and overall an album I liked. But it does feel like try hard folk music at times. 3/5
It was an album of the moment and not really to my taste, but this is pretty good.
Fleet Foxes arrived like a breath of fresh air in 2008, making folk-alt music cool and trendy again. Listening again...it's still a gorgeous album of music for a sunny weekend evening spent chilling in the garden. Recommended.
Ethereal American Folk, played very well with lush close harmonies and wistful lyrics. Done very well but doesn’t excite.
10/10 I knew I already loved this album, but maybe underestimated how much.
I mean I traveled to Spain to see this band because of this album
Great album Other listens today Tunde Adebimpe, ‘Thee Black Boltz’ 4* Franz Ferdinand, ‘The Human Fear’ 5*
Insert heart emoji here, for there is nothing that can swell this folk simpleton's heart more than the opening bars of Ragged Wood. I will fend off with my dying breath any nonsense about this record being twee or inauthentic, it's just absolutely brilliant. The harmonies are sumptuous, the songwriting is right on point, and most importantly, it holds a really special place in my mind and in my full heart. It's not perfect, but it's close.
Oooh one I know going in. Probably gonna be a 5⭐️
Tranquilo para poner de fondo
Is it possible for an album to sound paradoxically timeless and completely and totally "of its time"? If so, I'd say that description is perfectly apt here. Fleet Foxes were at the forefront of that hugely popular turn in music that would soon bring us Mumford & Sons and The Lumineers, with a sound strongly influenced by traditional folk with a mix of features that seem to go all the way back to the Renaissance. "White Winter Hymnal" is an amazing song, with a video that's probably the most heart-breaking animation you've seen since the first ten minutes of Pixar's "Up."
Responsible for so many hat-wearing "Hey!" bands, but this album is why the folk revival had at least something behind it at the beginning
Meh
Very beautiful album. The incredibly clear production makes this a really pleasent and relaxing listening. It is also filled with wonderful instrumentation and powerful and catchy vocal lines, specially in songs like 'Your Protector'.
Beginning: Beautiful harmonies. Feels like a better predecessor to Mumford and Sons. Not really my kind of daily listening, but nice for driving or upbeat background vibes. Got bored of it about half way through. Not my thing, but nice production and vocal layering.
Had a clear 70’s vibe. But with a My Morning Jacket twist.
Fey Millennials
A lomos de White Winter Hymnal, Blue Ridge Mountains o Sun It Rises los Fleet Foxes conquistaron el mundo. Sonidos clasicos (referencias obvias a CS&N, Beach Boys más barrocos o Sion and Garfunkel) pero también un poso de Animal Collective. Una joya atemporal que se expandió aún más con el siguiente e imprescindible Helplessness Blues y la incorporación de Father John Misty. Su último álbum Shore, es otro clásico.
Beautiful driving music.
I mean cool… I guess, just some indie with pretty nice harmonies. 3 stars
Ikke hørt siden en gang på Platekompaniet rundt 2010. Veldig behagelig lytt, men ikke så mye mer. Kanskje noe farget av all musikken som kom i årene etter (stomp, clap, hey).
Chill vibe, nice songs, but they kinda all blurred into one.
Yesssss
Kinda disappointed on this one. Its just too simple and boring. Like if this is your jam I bet its really your jam. Ain't mine
Oh. More "indie" (TM) music that is backing music for crappy dramas and rom-coms. I bet these guys unironically ironically have mustaches, odd tattoos, and wear silly vests and ugly shoes. They probably also talk about bespoke man-bags and belts. Ugh, I hate music like this. I would give it a zero if I could. Also, why does it not surprise me these dingleberries are from Seattle?
Wooooao love the vibe, the cord's intruments are like country but in rock and roll. Loved the lirycs and the cover it's beautiful
I really loved this album. I liked the indie mixed with an almost country-filk genra. It was really weird but in a good way. Rating - 9
2008. Chill indie folk album that was popular back in the late 2000's.
dali rade
This was surprisingly nice, fairly chill stuff.
Folky, pastoral loveliness.
To me this kind of music just blends in. I don't necessarily mean this style of music as it is characterized by this list but rather music with these vocals, this tempo and subject matter. It is not poorly done as far as I can tell it is just vanilla, boring and instantly forgettable. 2/5
while it's not bad, it's also very generic apart from a few pearls. most of it i've forgotten it as soon as i've heard it.
I ended up liking this more than I thought. It was a little soft, but I still enjoyed it. Some probably dislike it a little since it can get a little samey. 4/5
good for background listening
Meh
a bit bland but pleasant - 3.5 rounded up
Enjoyable record but at a certain point reverb is just autotune for folk bands. Love some of the guitar picking though
Loved the second album more, but still amazing
Not bad, but a little soft and round for my tastes - considering the genre and the stir this album caused in the press at it s release that's a bit surprising. There is one song from it on my "liked" list.
- tolles und entspanntes Album, werde ich definitiv nochmal hören - durch 101 jetzt nicht mein "erster" Berührungspunkt (vor 101 kannte ich gefühlt nur Mykonos), aber genau wie "Helplessnes Blues" einfach catchy
85/100. Fleet Foxes’ self-titled debut is an amazing folk record, full of soothing harmonies and calming melodies. It’s the perfect album to wind down with, offering a sense of peace and warmth throughout.
Pretty nice, but pretty boring.
It's a nice album with great harmonies and a lovely sound but I can't imagine wanting to listen to it.