Reviews (page 5 of 13)
I really enjoyed this album. The instrumentals really carry it, I would honestly listen to these songs happily without lyrics. I like the unified theory songs better than the 2022 remaster.
Interesante. Hay tracks muy buenos. Tiene cambios creativos.
At one time this was one of my favourite albums. The sound of a band reaching their peak as they partially implode. Jim O'rourke is the flippin man. Always liked a Ghost is Born just that little bit more (sucker for a Hallo Gallo jam). New Tweedy might be the best thing he's done since Ghost is Born.
I wasn't able to hear this under the best conditions, I had a bose bluetooth speaker playing while trying to wrangle my young kids. It may have been 5 stars but I wont be able to go back and change it later. Regardless from what I could hear I really enjoyed and think this is worth being on the list. It plays to my predilections for kind of melancholy rock with noisy interludes
'Let's forget about the tongue tied lightning / Let's undress like cross-eyed strangers'; 'You have to learn how to die / If you want to be alive'; 'Strung down you cheeks / Bitter melodies turning your orbit around.' It makes very little sense to call Wilco the American Radiohead since, tho they both make pop songs that aren't always intelligible, the Chicagoans have every intention to vitalize their obscurity whereas the Brits are amnesiac thumb-twiddlers. Tweedy is a far better lyricist than Yorke, possessing the rare knack to turn a phrase that's felt before it's understood, or to reorder cliché just enuf for it to hit more profoundly. If only for 'Jesus etc.,' a country-rock classic that rivals the Dead's 'Ripple' for sheer beauty, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot is glorious.
Sevi
Classic indie rock album that has a distinct early aughts sound. The standouts are more good than great ("Jesus, Etc." and "Heavy Metal Drummer") but as a whole album it works really well and there are no weak tracks.
Fav tracks: I Am Trying To Break Your Heart, Radio Cure, War on War, Ashes of American Flags, Jesus Etc., Least fav tracks: I'm The Man Who Loves You (you ever give a jazz guitarist a fuzz pedal?) Stray Thoughts While Listening - Really like the subtle instrumental textures near the beginning of the record, gamelan?? - Heavy Metal Drummer and I'm the Man Who Loves You both having pastiche openings felt a bit repetitive - Are they using the same vocal chain that Elliot Smith used on Pot Kettle Black?? (not a complaint) - Tag yourself I'm Lazy Locomotives - This album's losing me a bit in the second half ngl, Poor Places bringing me back a bit though - Poor Places: They're saying the thing!!! (Yankee hotel foxtrot) - Okay it came back around for me OVERALL THOUGHTS Would probably give it a 3.5/5, rounding it up because I respect it's influence on the wider indie rock landscape. Some great songwriting from Jeff Tweedy, really liked the vibes of the first half of the album but when it picked up the energy a bit I feel some of the uniqueness it had going on was lacking. Brings me back to that early indie twee but not in a dated way!
Love the instrumentals!!! I Am Trying to Break Your Heart and Pot Kettle Black were my faves.
This was a nice surprise, I thought this might be something I’d like but didn’t expect it to be quite as good as it was. It opened with some promise but as I took it out on my dog walk on a grey and dreary November day, the mood of some of the songs threatened to be a fairly low key drab affair but it picked up in all the right places with good variation in mood and tempo. Jesus, Etc was like a big warm hug, Heavy Metal Drummer brought energy, and Pot Kettle Black felt like it was going to break out into In Between Days by the Cure at any moment. I shall be definitely returning here.
Very good.
I was never a huge Wilco fan in the early 2000s, but after listening to the entire album I get the appeal.
molto bello terzo migliore per ora dopo bad company e bowie
Hört namnet, kanske enstaka låtar, och fattat att jag borde kolla upp. Nu fattar jag hajpen. Märkligt brittisk ton för ett amerikanskt band. En stark fyra
4.3/5 first time listen pretty great songwriting whole album feels directly related to 9/11 in feel n theme only to find out it was written right before and not released until almost two years after completion
Super fun and fresh
I’ve been waiting for this one. My Dad is obsessed with Wilco, says Tweedy is a Dylan level song writer. I’ve always listened to various Wilco songs, I think A Ghost is Born is more my speed. A little proggier. This one came across as a little too cute. Tweedys vocal style comes across as obnoxiously passive. Not sure what the Wilco heads will say but I love the Star Wars album. If I’m honest it’s 3/5 but going 4 out of respect for my Dad.
Nice and mellow. Very familiar despite me not listening to them previously. For some reason was expecting it to be more country. End bit of Ashes of American flags felt out of place. Pavementesque at times though more of a commercial sound. Liked! Will listen again one day.
Was expecting complete boredom based on Wilco's collab with Billy Bragg. Was pleasantly surprised. I like the quirky arrangements and I'm a sucker for mosty acoustic guitar driven songs. Probably not the most original sounding having essence of Beck and Pavement but still lovely sounding
Never really listened to Wilco before beyond a few collab songs with Billy Bragg, so this was a pleasant introduction to their work. Plenty of originality and variation but not enough standout tracks to soar. It’s a a high 3, low 4 but I’m feeling generous.
Classic.
It's a war on war It's a war on war It's a war on war It's a war on war It's a war on war It's a war on war It's a war on war There's a war on
Who could have expected a song called Heavy Metal Drummer to sound so relaxing?
I know many are inclined to hate on Wilco because they are the soundtrack for a certain class of chino-wearing, fleece-vested white middle-aged dude. Fair enough but I'm bigger than that (in the best version of myself). I have to give this 4 because I gave Being There 4 and this is better than Being There. That said, I would say AM and Summerteeth are both better than the two that are on this list. Some of the songs are excellent but several others are adrift and adorned with needless knob-twiddling.
Every once in awhile I hear a Wilco song and think "oh, I think I like them"....and then I listen a little longer and realize why I keep changing my mind about that. Overall I find them hokey, and they make me sleepy. But this is definitely their best, and I guess I need to give it a 4 because of Jesus and Heavy Metal Drummer.
I'm trying to remember why I liked this album so much back then--was it just Jesus Etc.? The noise is noisy, there are some good tunes, but it doesn't really cohere. I read the reviews and I kind of agree with all of them.
Good listen. Will put on more often.
Very solid. Many artists I like cite this album as being a big inspiration and I can seem why. The instrumentation and the way layers are used seem like the start of the indie we think of today. Some of the drones did tend to make me sleepy, no 5 today. Also hated the transition into the last song but the rest of the noise in the album transitions has a cool effect.
This one is hard to rate. Is it boring (as the top reviewer writes?). Nah, it's more like an introvert at a party - you don't immediately get flashed by him but taking the time to talk to him yields a lot of interesting stories. After my first listen: "This is THE discovery of this list! Maybe the first 3 tracks are meh but the rest are all bangers!" But then after the 2nd listen I couldn't understand my previous enthusiasm. Anyway - maybe great, maybe not. Gave me a lot of Odelay vibes. Also: the fact that it was released 2 days before 9/11, has two towers on it and a song called "war on war" is scary!
Nice album, I don’t think it’s earth-shattering or anything but it’s good.
Really fun listen. I knew this record better than I thought. It isn't something I come back to frequently but that might change. There's so much going on and quite a bit of experimental production stuff - but the recordings still feel down to earth. That's a feat in itself. There will be intricate polyrhythms going on and all these beautiful textures -- meanwhile the acoustic guitar is flubbing the barchord. It's lovely. Wabi-sabi. The beginning and ending of this record might be where my heart lies. I Am Trying To Break Your Heart sounds like the song every 2025 alt-country revival bro is trying to write every time they sit down with a guitar. Poor Places - wow. Reservations too. As much as I thought this was a 3 when I listened, I can't shake the feeling it deserves a 4. OK I just listened to Poor Places again - it's a 4 for me.
so nostalgic
Went into this not knowing what to expect, and there were some things I really liked about this album. I feel like the sadder songs hit way better for me and were quite haunting in a good way. Radio Cure, Poor Places and Reservations are all excellent. Not everything hit for me out the gate, but the longer it went on, the more I got it.
Very early 2000s, I like it
Great, there is some filler so not a 5 star though
"jesus, etc" is one of the best songs of the 2000s but the rest of the record never grabbed me much. it was on my ipod for at least ten years but i mostly just listened to that one song.
I never got it. I mean, it’s fine but I don’t understand why it’s so acclaimed. I’ve tried listening to it a bunch of times before and I never really understood it, but this time I think I started to get it a little bit. I’m not ready to proclaim this as one of the best albums of all time or anything but it’s good. Maybe my biggest gripe is that Tweedy’s vocals are just boring. But I actually can see myself checking this out again. Sometimes you just don’t get it on the first listen. Or tenth.
Very good!
Underrated ξαναακουω
Cool album Wilco is Weezer with less selling out
Solid
Really like this one. The sonic journey always catches my by surprise. Gets better on every listen
It’s a mix of Beatles and Tom petty in my head anyways… haha good overall album, I enjoyed it from start to finish.
An indie folk classic. I always enjoy coming back to this one. There are a few outstanding tracks, and the rest are good as well. Solid listen.
Kept coming back to this album, got better each time.
Nice and chill and groovy and indie.
Really enjoy this my type of thing could become a fav
Really liked this album. The vibe of the album was overall sombre yet lively, making for a really nice reading playlist - read both JJK and Earthsea, which also shows its diverse track.
Way more experimental and interesting textural stuff than I thought, I think I really vibe with this
First time listen. What a fantastic album.
I really like this album! I see criticism of it being boring, but I don't agree. And I would usually agree that my biggest gripe in music is being boring. Love Radio Cure, Jesus etc., Heavy Metal Drummer
This was the first album that i decided to look at the reviews before listening. It seemed very divisive so wasn't sure what to expect, however, going it to it, I knew people that love it LOVE it, others weren't so fussed. I enjoyed the album as a whole, with more variation between tracks then i expected, i think the final track goes on a little too long with the ambient outro, which possibly left a sour taste in peoples mouths (?).
This is an iconic alt country album.
My kind of rock
Molto molto carino.
A nice sounding album with obviously a lot of emotion behind it, and some fun instrumentation. Over all, a nice 9/10.
I have heard this album before. It's kind of a indie rock with a noise/experimental edge. There are some catchy songs on here some sprawling, more introspective songs. I do like it and would listen again.
great album from a great band.
Excellent album. A band whose music didn’t fully engage me at the time, but this is a really good album. Pavement - esque.
War on war Heavy metal drummer Pot kettle black
Love this album, always have, always will.
Hey, this band is actually a lot of fun!
Lovely - didn't listen thay deeply but i liked what I did process (:
Really enjoyed the album and the artist - chill vibe
Didn’t get into Wilco until the album after this “A Ghost Is Born” and largely ignored this record for years figuring it was too straight forward. This feeling was also based on working in a record store and seeing all the hype this album got and the people who were buying it. Have since completely changed my mind and totally understand why this album is so beloved. I do think some of the live versions on Kicking Television are better than the studio ones but have come to love this album. Point off for Heavy Metal Drummer
Had heard bits and pieces of this album in isolation but never the full thing. Really enjoyed this, would spin again.
Felt like humid air and a grey, cloudy sky. Shakin sugar and war on war the best
Better than Coldplay
This was a pleasant listen!
Excellent album! I can't wait to find a Wilco CD in the wild!
i like it! theres some abstract parts, but they arent too spicy for me. good consistent musicianship, good lyricist, great album
A great cohesive album
Pretty good. Atmospheric and slower paced
I wasn't really listening fully, and I was ready to give it a meh review, but I really like the last song, so now I'm wondering if I should give it all a relisten?
Have to be ready for a trip, not chill music
Album 887 of 1089 Wilco - Yankee Hotel Foxtrot (2001) Rating : 3.75 / 5 Today’s album was Yankee Hotel Foxtrot by Wilco. A really nicely produced album with a lot of interesting sounds throughout — you can tell they were willing to push some boundaries and play with the edges a bit. I enjoy their overall vibe: always steady, always consistent, and always delivering good songs. Even if they don’t quite cross into “great” territory for me, they remain entertaining from start to finish. Wilco is certainly a band I plan to check out further, because they’ve got a unique approach and a sound that’s worth exploring.
4,4
Nice
7/10 Jesus, ect. is a great track and is on most of my playlists. 9-9-2025
I really liked it. It kinda gives indie mood
There's some great music here, but the sound effects/weird percussion ruins a few of the tracks. It sounds like a modern Beatles album, but that may just be because I listened to Abbey Road yesterday.
better than i remembered it. but not great. The band's a bit too sloppy, and the noisy parts annoy me.
Interesting “indie rock” album, sounds like Elliot Smith if he used an electric guitar. Has that similar raw song to it, still produced well though
4.1 // Very calm songs, some are bangers. Soft indie rock music
I first listened to this album a few years ago when I was trying to broaden my listening habits, and found the whole thing to be quite boring. Returning to it now, I feel like my efforts to expand what I listen to must've done me some good because I thoroughly enjoyed this album, perhaps not as monumentally as others will claim, but I'm happy to say that I finally 'get' this album.
Pretty good, surprisingly good discordance
I’ve listened to this a handful of times over the past decade and it never really leaves its mark the way I want it to. However, I still remember where I was when I first heard it, so that’s something. I Am Trying To Break Your Heart starts things off strong, but it wavers a bit afterwards. Good album all things considered.
i really liked the lyrics in this album.
Album for the depressing part/nadir of a romcom.
3.8/surprisingly decent, i imagine they had an early impact on the indie alt scene
There are banner years in music for me, as I assume there are for everyone who enjoys music. 2002 is one such year, the year Yankee Hotel Foxtrot was officially released. This album has so much lore behind it, like the Rolling Stones’ Exile on Main St. or Fleetwood Mac’s Rumors or Nine Inch Nails’ The Downward Spiral. It’s the record that transformed Wilco from alt country & roots rock stalwarts into indie rock darlings. It’s the record that led to multi-instrumentalist Jay Bennett exiting the band and drummer Glen Kotche entering. It was their first collaboration with former Sonic Youth member Jim O’Rourke as producer. But the most fascinating part of the story of this album is the release. Reprise Records hated it, so Wilco left Reprise. It was originally slated to come out on September 11th, 2001. We all know how that went. Wilco released it for streaming on their website on the 18th of September and went on to sign with Nonesuch Records. Yankee Hotel Foxtrot was officially released in April of 2002. It was one of the first records that I didn’t buy a physical copy of. 23 years later, I find myself older and wiser, and suddenly compelled to find this record on vinyl (to join the 3 digital versions I have). Standout songs for me are “I Am Trying to Break Your Heart”, “Kamera”, “Jesus, Etc.”, “Heavy Metal Drummer”, and “I’m the Man Who Loves You”.
I Am Trying to Break Your Heart 4.1 Kamera 4 Radio Cure 3.8 War on War 4.2 Jesus, Etc. 4.3 Ashes of American Flags 4 Heavy Metal Drummer 4.5 I'm the Man Who Loves You 4.2 Pot Kettle Black 4 Poor Places 3.7 Reservations 3.8 Score: 4.054545455
This album deserves all the hype it gets. Doesn't have a miss. 9/10
Enjoyed listening to the album. Lot's of interesting musical effects. Will keep my eye out for this one.
Good vibes. Maybe not a go-to album, but chill melodies and inoffensive lyrics.
Still just as good as it was when I first heard it. Approachable even when it gets weirder/experimental.
Not heard of these before but really enjoyed - felt like a 7/10, but erred on the positive side and given 4 as enjoyed despite not being familiar with any of the tracks - so suspect will enjoy more if listen again
so calming
Out of the pool of "canon" 2000's indie albums, this is not one of my *absolute* favorites, but I sort of get it. The tone here is like archetypal indie, like I could imagine a lot of this album in one of the sadder Wes Anderson films. This is charming, and quirky, but also sort of baroque and deeply sad: but the sadness is never overwhelming. Out of this, Wilco pulls a few nearly perfect songs and some that are just good. I Am Trying To Break Your Heart, Radio Cure, Jesus etc., and Ashes Of American Flags are basically perfect songs. And everything else is at least good. Basically, the highs are there, but the connective tissue doesn't do as much for me. This has some perfect moments, but it just isn't all there.
Very good album, although a little slow at times
Tedious. Then I talked to a friend about why he liked it and listened two more times. It is better than I gave it credit for the first time I listened. It also helps that I had good headphones on the second and third times.
En realidad un 3,5
Had a couple of Wilco records here and the music always interests me. There is nothing flashy, nothing exceptional, just damn good music. This would be a 3.5 but I’m not sure if I should round up or down. I think I’ll round up. It’s better than some threes I’ve given.
A fine album — something about these songs grabs me.
8/10 Great songs, beautiful instrumentation. Just a couple of bit where it's a little too slow, meandering.
I think this is probably a 4, because I keep listening to it in case it isn’t a 3, if that makes sense?
Like it
loved this album
You had to be there in the early 2000s indie scene, days where Jeff Tweedy, Conor Oberst, Matt Ward, Ben Gibbard, and Jenny Lewis and their assorted band just fucking ruled, they were pumping out classic albums like we breathe and blink everyday. Earnest troubadours here to soundtrack your twee life... Yankee Hotel Foxtrot is probably the pinnacle of those days, bands would eventually sell out from their indie label and join the massive conglomerates and eventually become the mainstream.
A solid indie album and a good listen. The only complaint I could have about it is that it is too long (both album and tracks). I feel that it could get too lengthy at times and start to get boring but other than that, I really liked it. I feel it captures the perfect Midwestern sound that indie music has. Music like this feels like listening to bands or artists like Duster or Alex G. It can get a bit melancholy but I feel it is a beautiful kind of melancholy rather than a miserable kind. Almost kind of makes me feel like I'm listening to a 2000s version of Unknown Pleasures, it has that same feel and style but more modern. Great album and totally understand the hype behind it! Favorite Tracks: Radio Cure, Jesus, Etc., Ashes of American Flags, Heavy Metal Drummer, I'm the Man Who Loves You Rating: 4/5
Maybe this isn't fair. First time I went back and listened to an album twice. Anytime you hear "another generic Indie band", this is the sound they're trying to imitate. 19 year old me would have LOVED this, but current me still really likes it.
I really liked this album. I think it requires a bit of attention to get into it, but the more I listened the more I enjoyed it. There are definitely some moments where the experimentation doesn’t work for me, but overall I liked how atmospheric it was. A nice melancholy album with a few moments of levity. Spotify often tries to make me listen to Wilco and I’ve resisted. I think I needed to give the full album a focused listen to realise how much I liked it. Won’t skip them next time they show up in a playlist. Fav song: Radio Cure – also liked Jesus, Etc. and Heavy Metal Drummer Least fav: Reservations – (although of all the tracks on here it does feel like it should be the closer)
Ik twijfel tussen drie en vier sterren. Er zitten een paar leuke nummers op, maar veel zegt me ook niet echt wat.
after seeing your comments i enter with pure low expecation. but actually its not as boring as you claim it to be. lol 4/5
Quiet but deep. I'm not sure how fascinated by it, but it will take a few listens to decide. 4/5
This is a classic piece of indie music history - and it deserves it for helping to define the sound of indie music for the aughts and early teens. It is a solid 4.5, but not quite a 5. So alas, I must round down, despite its influence.
I adore this album and Wilco in general, amazing indie rock.
Really good mix of experimental stuff with the indie folk rock style. Plenty of amazing songs here.
The songs on this album are great - there is no doubt that the songwriting is incredible. I also love experimental music, oddball sounds, outsider music, etc. and appreciate a good dose of weirdness. As much as I have loved this album since it was first released, I can't help but think it would've been a better album if it was more in line with earlier Wilco and was recorded as a more "conventional" alt-country record. I might be in the minority, but sometimes eccentricity in recording and production are not necessary. Let the songs stand on their own.
One of those bands I've never quite got into, but this is a really good album. Fine sound, fine set of songs.
There’s something in film school called “The When Harry Met Sally Effect”. Some younger students Dont understand what a big deal that movie is because of how heavily introduced every Rom-Com that came after it. That’s what I heard when I listened to this album. It so clearly influenced so much I heard and loved later, it was almost hard to remember how it listened in the moment. Still, when I listened on my headphones, I was deeply impressed by the complexity of the instrumentation. There’s so much going on here that isn’t obvious at first. Delightful, I wish I had listened to it when it first came out!
I think criticisms that it’s samey and boring are valid but I do like the really laid back feel and almost lazy vocal delivery from these guys, but that’s cuz I knew 2 of the songs going into it.
Well worth a listen. Plus, watch the documentary.
Great stuff!!!
There's a lot going on here
Killer vibe with some bangers. Great jam.
Really nice, laid-back indie rock. Early 2000s. US but with some British vibes.
jako dobro, fora! iako mi glas nije neš, glazbeno je super, a i tekstovno koliko sam uspio čuti. p. s. hipsterska kretenčina koja je na pajretbej stavila rip svoje dobrano izgrebane ploče nek odjebe u pičku materinu. stvarno. konjino smrdljiva retardirana
Enjoyed this one. They have a good sound. I actually really enjoyed "Jesus, etc." and "Pot Kettle Black", which had elements of The Cure. I believe people understate this album. It's not "boring", but I can see how some don't like it.
Idk
Very nice album, I think it's rated more sensibly on here than some other places.
This is as close as it gets to 5 stars, without quite being 5 stars
Nice gentle tunes
I hadn't heard this album before. I'm just amazed at the soundscapes Tweedy puts together. Just genius. Love it.
Прикольный альбом норм
Just makes me think of my dad A really cohesive album Nostalgia
Back in the day when I was drinking beer and hailing Satan, this album missed me. I heard their other album a while back and it got a solid 3 stars. This one however I see why the indie kids praise it as much. This album was very different going more into an art rock style and had a solid vibe throughout. Definitely one of the essentials.
I remember checking this CD out from the public library back when I did that to rip albums for my iPod. This one was not one of my most frequented, but very in line with my taste at the time. Feels like the musical lovechild of The Postal Service and the New Pornographers.
ALL TIMER. This is so great. I haven’t listened to Wilco much since college, but they are the musical distillation of Americana. It is so sticky and wonderfully textured. Standout Tracks are: “Jesus, etc.” and “Poor Places”.
Forgot how good of an album this is. "I Am Trying to Break Your Heart" is one of the best opening tracks of all time.
I feel like I should be a huge Wilco fan. I dig the music. I dig the POV. I dig Jeff.. but there's something he does every so often that turns me off.. it's like a contrived.. cuteness? He'll sing certain words a certain way and it's just not for me. I don't doubt the honesty. The artistry is clearly there. I can see why Wilco has fans. Ben Gibbard has a similar repellant force. It's not huge, but yeah, just enough to keep me at arms length. 3.5
Decent album. I really enjoyed the first couple of songs.
Beautiful Album with some genuinely breathtaking moments. Right up my alley. Sad in a beautiful way. So many interesting sounds.
Enjoyed.
I know this is technically "boring music" that I would normally be annoyed by. And later Wilco does indeed annoy me. But this album and OK Computer and For Emma, Forever Ago...you just had to be there ..coming of age at the turn of the millennium and living through the 80s and 90s to understand why these atmospheric albums of the era resonated. They captured the longing, the loneliness, the sadness in the West. We all knew the peak was in the rear view mirror, even if we were afraid to actually look at it.
Enjoyable, easy listening. Kind of indie but not really, not sure how to describe it.
I’m seeing more and more why people talk about Wilco as a special band. The songwriting is excellent. The music is memorable and the lyrics are always smart and interesting. I’ll keep listening (to this album and others).
Niiiice I've been meaning to give this album a good full listen! Wow, I haven't heard an album out of the blue recently that really struck me as something that I almost exactly and specifically wanted to listen to in the moment, and this has done that. The acoustic-driven Elliot Smith-esque "Kamera", the Okkervil River flavored "I Am Trying to Break Your Heart", the Neutral Milk Hotel-ish "Radio Cure", and my favorite Wilco song, the snarky "Jesus, Etc.", there's really a lot to like. This is great; it's warm, it's cold, it's acoustic, it's digital.. it's perfectly imperfect, and putting on headphones and leaving my phone in the other room, I'm just taken for a ride and I really don't know what's around the corner. This is a solid 4.3/5 for me. Will be adding this to my upcoming rotation.
Heavy Metal Drummer Pot Kettle Black Jesus Etc. Radio Cure War on War Kamera Ashes of The American Flag Poor Places I Am Trying To Break Your Heart
Enjoyed that.
Well, this was quite a find. As a Brit, I didn't know Wilco and found the other albums in this list incredibly tedious. But this is interesting in terms of instrumentation. And the tune Jesus etc is quite a thing. I listened to it a few times and found new things to hear each time. Not a 5-star for me in terms of songwriting, but deserving of the list for sure.
Very decent! 4/5
Well produced and good overall sound, but it lacks that final oomph to make it stand out.
early 2000s sad man? don’t mind if i do 😋
So far, Jesus Etc. is the first song to really grab me on this album. Same with Ashes of American Flags. I think I enjoy Wilco more when the songs are slow and have more of that Ryan Adams country vibe. There have been some electronic atmospherics on this album, and I'm not sure how I feel about it. Sometimes it feels a little bit unnecessary, but it also might provide some nice breathing room to the songs. I think this album might deserve a second listen. Enjoying Pot Kettle Black, I think, because it's reminiscent of Broken Social Scene. Also definitely catching some Bon Iver vibes. I can tell that this was an influential album.
already listened a few times before, somewhat recently. enjoyed. i think its an album you can listen to and hear something new each time. seems to easily be the band's best album in terms of quality and balance from their albums i've heard but not my personal favorite- it didn't stick with me as much as i expected. i've liked it a little more each time i come back to it but it may just be something i had to be there for to completely resonant with me.
For dads in flannel shirts, obviously I liked it
I've never really got this album or Wilco before, but found it to be a lovely listen when doing it again for this.
Na 'Oracular Spectacular' nog zo'n zeroes titel waar ik de nodige momenten mee heb doorgebracht. Deze leek wat minder goed te zijn meegegaan met de tijd. De eerste helft van de plaat - met uitzondering van de fantastisch eigenaardige opener - is op z'n zachts gezegd futloos en slap. De melodieën zijn aandoenlijk maar missen elke vorm van punch. Een dikke inkakker na 'I Am Trying to Break Your Heart'. Echter, vanaf - voor velen - hun carrièrehoogtepunt 'Jesus, Etc.' verandert de plaat en mijn mood. Het is bergopwaarts zonder terug te keren in de vallei. De teksten zijn sterk, het voelt enorm persoonlijk maar ondertussen ook enorm Americana. En waar het verschil hem in zit met de eerste helft van de plaat, is dat ze de spirit van folk rockers Neil Young en Graham Parsons te pakken hebben. Het is wat steviger, zonder dat het z'n boodschap verliest. Een welkome opkikker na een gezapige inleiding. Ze trekken die goeie bedoelingen eigenlijk door tot het einde, met sommige momenten sterker dan andere, maar nooit meer door een 'ondergrens'. En eens te meer bevestigd 'Yankee Hotel Foxtrot' dat dissonantie in ordelijke muziek echt waanzinnig is. 8/10 Highlights: I Am Trying To Break Your Heart Jesus, Etc. Ashes of American Flags I'm the Man Who Loves You
Yankee Hotel Foxtrot is een wonderlijk album. Een echte zeroes plaat wat aanzienlijk heeft bijgedragen aan hoe ik het geluid van de beginjaren van deze eeuw ken. Jeff Tweedy schijnt songs uit zijn mouw te schudden en kan een songtekst schrijven als hij maar 5 minuutjes heeft. Ergens zijn de songs van Wilco pakkend en toegankelijk. Er zitten altijd loopjes en melodieën in de songs die lang in je hoofd blijven spelen ("I fell in love with the drummer"). Tegelijkertijd openen ze de plaat met een dissonante track die ik in een gemiddelde luistersessie toch vaak moet doorzetten. Ja, het is goed, maar bijzonder om hier je plaat mee te openen. Het niveau vind ik verder hoog en er staan echt prachtige nummers op. Beste werk van een wonderlijke band. Highlights Radio Cure Jesus Etc I'm the Man Who Loves You
pretty, magic, unique, special, maybe front-heavy album i hear about and see a lot but havent heard until now, gives warm vibes
Absolutely pretty and "I Am Trying To Break Your Heart" is still one of the best album openers, ever.
I'm not turning into a Wilco fan or nothing, but I'm gonna save this in the 'albums to sit down and chillax to' part of my brain.
First song was terrible, the rest of the album was catchy, groovy, and sonically interesting. 4/5
Underrated album. Good experience listening to this. Felt like the middle songs were a bit boring but the rest caught up with it.
I am Trying to Break Your Heart Kamera Radio Cure War in War Jesus, Etc Ashes of American Flags Heavy Metal Drummer I'm the Man Who Loves You- really cool groove Pot Kettle Black Poor Places Reservations There is a slow build to this album- it starts off as traditional-ish alt-country and builds to an electric rock-ish album.
Loved it.
Chill indie ☺️
Agora eu entendi melhor quando eu vou dar 4 estrelas. Eu até salvei música para escutar no dia a dia. É um estilo mais atual e tem uma pegada que curto, de rock alternativo. Escutei até outras músicas dele e que delícia de rock.
So, I never really understood why people liked this band so much. People LOVE Wilco, especially in Chicago. I listened to this album and I liked it. I think maybe I just wasn't ready for them at the time. Hooray for everyone.
Although I do like atmospheric music, this sort of calm, mellow, bittersweet songs are not exactly for me... but this album is such a vibe. It's so well produced and feels incredibly nice. Even despite the fact that I prefer more exciting music, outside of Radio Cure and War on War, I like every song here.
I quite like this one, it feels like something I would discover myself. A bit boring at times but in general really enjoyed it. A solid 4 that I will definitely come back to. Highlights: Jesus, Etc. and Heavy Metal Drummer
This is a good indie album. No notes on particular songs but I need to check this one out again.
solid album, enjoyed a lot of songs
A good album, I liked Radio Cure and Heavy Metal Drummer the most.
Starting on 4 stars for this one, because while I did like it, I think there's a lot more here for me to chew on for a while. Much noisier and weird than I had anticipated, but still lyrical and understated. Gonna run through this a few more times before I have a final statement, but it's compelling enough for me to want to do that.
v nice, belleville ill represent!
Yankee Hotel Foxtrot is Wilco's fourth album, and the best selling album of their career. The album met with near-universal critical praise, and is regarded as the band's best work. The band's label, Reprise, refused to release the album, because they were unhappy with the product. The band acquired the rights, and later released it through Nonesuch Records. Jeff Tweedy writes engaging songs is a folk/country rock vein. They add electronics and a range of supporting instruments to create their version of alt-rock.
What Radiohead might sound like if they didn’t suck
First song was a bit experimental. Rest of album so far (up to Jesus, etc.)is pretty mellow. Folky rock. Fun record. Getting really weird at the end. Overall great record by a solid band.
Calm and quiet, easy listen but requires few listens to fully appreciate it. Mix between folk and soft rock. Good record overall.
No listening notes, huh? Hm. Well let's not read too much into that. Really solid record. I am trying to break your heart is such a great track - but I actually think his acoustic version is FAR better. Genuinely - i've listened to that track like 5 dozen times. Jesus is objectively dope. Pot Kettle Black is an absolute banger of a track. Jeff truly is a master songwriter and I don't think gets the love he deserves in the modern day songwriting sphere. I mean he's been writing for 25+ years and still churns em out. His last full length album has a few really great tracks on there - though I don't think the album got a ton of love. Overall - really solid 4. Good and easy listening
Feel like I've seen Wilco on things like Primavera line up posters, a vague awareness without ever hearing a song. After one listen of the album I haven't made my mind up yet. I guess you'd say it was indie? There were some really good bits but I felt the general vibe that tied the whole thing together was a bit bland. I suspect this is one of those that properly clicks after a few listens but I'd still say I enjoyed it at this point.
Only know Wilco from that album we had with Billy Bragg ages ago. Wasn't convinced by the opening track, but enjoyed it as it went on. At the start it kinda reminded me of beck.... There were a period of tracks around the middle though that I really enjoyed though, reminiscent of the shins. Highlights: War on war Jesus etc Ashes of American flags Heavy metal drummer 4, probably be back
“Jesus Inc.” is one of my favorite songs ever. If all the songs had the same affect on me this would be the easiest 5 of the list, but somewhere a little past halfway through the album, no matter how much I try to remain focused, my mind wonders. Whether that’s a reflection on my patience level or the album itself is a subjective take. This album is really, really good, despite my ADHD ways. 3.8/5
A very good indie rock album focusing on perception of yourself, lying and relationships! It also goes into topics like the war, and patriotism. Great album front to back.
Great album
Great background music.
This is the only Wilco album I really know and I always say I'm gonna deep dive into their discography and always end up just putting this on. However, this time I'm actually gonna do it! ... maybe....
I bought this album in 2001 on the back of a glowing review. And I got it home and listened to it once and returned it to the shop. In those days there were some CD shops that would let you exchange something you didn't like, as long as it was still in perfect condition. And up until today, I didn't even remember anything about it. So when I opened the generator this morning, my heart sank a bit. But I am committed to the challenge and was determined to give it a fair crack. Well, I'm torn between glad that I did, and feeling foolish for not being more patient with it in 2001. Because this is a fine record, and I've missed out on 20+ years of having it in my collection. I can't even remember what I exchanged it for. Yes, it takes a long time to get going, and not just at the outset, but a number of tracks are slow and difficult and it loses its momentum a few times. Acknowledging that I should've been more patient with it is to stress that this album DOES require patience. They were not afraid to build up the layers one by one, painstakingly constructing dramatic tension slowly and deliberately and wringing every last trick out of the studio to paint shadows, glimmers of light and echoes of colour that you have to sit with and focus on in order to fully appreciate. At times it's the sonic equivalent of looking at a pointillist painting; if you sit too close, you'll just see disparate dots, but if you sit too far back, you lose the detail and atmosphere. With this one, I found that having it on in the background caused it to slip by; it needed to be listened to, rather than heard. This is probably where I went wrong in 2001. I was only a teenager, to be fair. There are times I'd like to have heard them hone in on one idea rather than drop it into another idea and bounce them off each other. It's deceptively experimental for something that on the face of it, feels like a very cookie-cutter turn-of-the-millennium indie album at first. I don't feel like there are tracks here I want to add to a playlist and listen to to death, but when I have an hour free, I'll definitely listen to the whole thing again. I'm sure there are details I've still missed, even after three listens in 48 hours. I'm certainly interested enough to have a dabble in the rest of the catalogue too. So thanks, Wilco, for waiting 23 years for me to truly find this album. Sorry I wasn't quite as patient with you. But let's be honest, that 7-minute opener is really pretty heavy going.
Yeah this is definitely my favorite yet. Though it’s probably a 4/5 and the others 3/5 so I’m going to see if I can move those down. Just checked and can’t. But just for the record this is a STRONG 4. I really enjoyed this. Back half of the album has some stellar hits. I was particularly fond of Heavy Metal Drummer
Good. Relaxed.
Definitely watched the documentary about the making of this album with my brothers back in the day, buy I haven't listened to the full thing in years (Heavy Metal Drummer shows up on a lot of my playlists). Anyway, sure in 2025 this is catnip for millenial dads recovering from craft beer dependency, but it's still a very nice album that I was happy to revisit today.
Jag har vid flera tillfällen försökt starta upp förhållanden med Wilco men det har aldrig riktigt klickat. Det finns absolut egenskaper jag gillar men också något som jag inte älskar. Jag har lyssnat på denna skivan förut och det är absolut inte dåligt men jag tappar intresset vid vissa tillfällen. 3 av 5.
more than 3.5 less than 4 so 4.
I never got into this one as much as some may have which is why I don’t have the same affection/nostalgia but still a great one.
I had a short lived love affair both Wilco. I enjoyed the relisten.
Schwacher Start, starkes Ende!
I love this album! Had it on repeat for ages when it came out. Wilco were one of the groups to usher in this mixing of alt country with indie pop. And they were great at it. It’s a genre defining album for this mix of country song writing and indie production and soundscapes giving us the best of both worlds - honest beautiful songwriting with a host of interesting intricacies to keep surprising the listener. Four stars, I love this album, it's not a top 100 of all time though.
I’m finally at an age where I really appreciate this album. It’s great.
Pleasant
Love this album, love Wilco. Can be a bit slow in parts but the country/alternative fusion is fun. Highlights: Jesus etc. Heavy Metal drummer and Man Who Loves You. 4.5/5
Every time I listen to this, and it has been a while, I always think it’s going to be way over hyped. But then as I listen it always grows on me. It builds throughout whilst remaining interesting, should listen to Wilco more
I thought it was a little boring at first and was really hoping it would change, and wow it did. really like some of the songs in the middle of the album, and the closing parts are also nice.
Indie? Teils rockig, teils experimentell, teils melodisch, teils kakophonie. Ganz cool. Nice Story dass das Label das Album kacke fand und die es 4free ins Netz gestellt haben und es das erfolgreichste wurde. 4,5/5 erinnert mich bisschen an Strokes (nicht Ellie erzählen)
Chill relaxed listening
I love this album de la primera a la última canción!
listened to again it's just so lovely
I remember listening to this in the past and I didn’t like it much at the time, but this time around was different. There were a couple songs where I kind of lost interest, but I found most of them very enjoyable. Creative indie with good lyricism and catchy hooks. War on War and Heavy Metal Drummer both stood out. I will definitely revisit soon.
Discordant intro that makes me want a bit more. Like the sound, songs feel slightly drawn out at times. Artsy to be artsy, like it was made as an itunes exclusive for Ipod launch. Chill vibe despite the discordance liked how it all came together, sum is better than the parts, not sure how replayable just one song is, what do I add to my lib?
This one sent my spotify down a wintery bout of self-reflective music. And I do not mind that. I will have to listen to some more Wilco when this is done. Though it is hard to put my finger on why.
Fuck it. This gets to be my first 5 star album. I received this album the day I left for Florida so I got to listen to it on the airplane ride which was perfect because I have always associated this album with travel. In the past I've rated this one lower but I enjoy it more and more every time I listen to it. Theres so many amazing songs on here such as "Heavy Metal Drummer", "War on War", and of course "Jesus, Etc." which is by far my favorite Wilco song. Its just a pleasant listen from start to finish! Favorite track: Jesus, Etc. 4.5/5
I have friends who swear by Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. Even non-indie fans connect with it, and I envy that. Heralded as a landmark in indie rock, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot blends experimental production, emotional songwriting, and Americana to define Wilco’s career. Often seen as a perfect blend of ambition and accessibility, it captures post-9/11 disillusionment (“Ashes of American Flags”) and themes of resilience (“Jesus, Etc.”), reflecting the era’s uncertainty. The album marked Wilco’s departure from alt-country, incorporating avant-garde textures and experimental rock. Yankee Hotel Foxtrot blends these elements seamlessly. “I Am Trying to Break Your Heart” features lush orchestration, while “I’m the Man Who Loves You” injects raw emotional energy into its experimental framework. The balance of dissonance and melody makes it rewarding. Jeff Tweedy’s voice is key to the album's emotional weight. On “Kamera,” his melancholic delivery adds depth, while his weary yet hopeful tone on “Jesus, Etc.” enhances the song's resonance. His understated delivery allows both lyrics and instrumentation to shine, creating a deeply personal yet experimental experience. The album’s release saga only adds to its mystique. Reprise Records dropped it, deeming it uncommercial, and Nonesuch picked it up. Ironically, Warner paid twice for the same album—a testament to Wilco's perseverance. I came to Yankee Hotel Foxtrot later than most, so maybe the magic had already faded. On paper, it should be right up my alley, and each listen reveals its strengths. But I haven’t felt the deep emotional connection others have. Why? Part of it may be timing. When I first heard it, I was deep into more abrasive music. Yankee Hotel Foxtrot felt more subtle, asking me to meet it halfway, and I wasn't ready for that. I also unfairly dismissed the alt-country label, associating it with traditional Americana sounds I wasn’t drawn to. Wilco pushed past that, but I didn’t recognize it at the time. There’s also Wilco’s cult status in the U.S., which doesn’t quite have the same weight in Europe. My American friends speak about them with reverence that doesn’t quite translate over here. It’s a subjective feeling, but I can't ignore it. Did/Do I own this release? No. Does this release belong on the list? Yes, it’s a defining album in early 2000s indie rock, blending experimentation with deeply personal storytelling. Would this release make my personal list? At present, no. Will I be listening to it again? Yes, I want to spend more time with it. Each listen brings new appreciation, but I sadly haven’t fallen in love with it yet.
An indie classic. I’ve never gone hard for this one, but it’s well known for a reason.
I liked this a lot. Would listen to it again, and might give it a higher rating on a re-listen.
I actually really enjoyed this album. I think younger me would have enjoyed it more. I'm like debating between a 3 and a 4. On one hand, the album as a whole felt really well put together. On the other hand, I don't think there's any real singles I can pull from this record that I would listen to again on their own, but I definitely think I'd listen to the album again. I found myself vibing a lot throughout the album. Maybe I'll regret it later, but I'll give it 4/5
To date, Wilco is the best artist I had heard of but never got around to listening to. The album cover is dope, too—Marina City FTW!
‘I’m the Man Who loves You’ ~ melancholy madness. The ‘Helter Skelter’ guitar lick trailed by horns was delightful. Other highlights ~ * Pot Kettle Black * Poor Places Every song is at worst, catchy + melodic / and at best, subtle classics that stand the test of time. The entire album has an effortlessness masking how incredibly complex and difficult the process must’ve been. Fantasic frenzied excellence.
Another album I wouldn't give a time a day. My co worker has been trying to get me to listen to this forever. They're influenced by Pavement he says. I say are we not men? Men don't listen to this estrogen rock. But alas it was me the fool and it took a generator to figure me in. F RFKJR BTW
I tend to find a lot of alt/indie rock kind of samey but I think that’s probably in large part due to the influence of bands like Wilco on everyone else’s sound, so I can’t really judge Wilco for that because it’s not their fault they’ve got Sons trying to be them. The sort of alternative/casual vibe of not hitting the exact pitch of the notes took some getting used to at the beginning, but I noticed it less as we went on. I also think pitch precision would make this kind of music a little bland and personality-less so I get the stylistic choice. A lot of these were so so beautiful (”Radio Cure”, “Poor Places”), and the more energetic ones quite catchy (”I’m the Man Who Loves You”, “Heavy Metal Drummer”). Many of these will be deposited into my new Autumn playlist. That’s a category that’s been kind of growing on me lately due in part to this listening list — cozy, relaxing but not sleepy, acoustic(ish). It’s a good blend and this album does it really well while also having some interesting production flourishes. Fav tracks: Jesus, etc.; Heavy Metal Drummer; I’m the Man Who Loves You; Poor Places
What a great album! Wilco is one of those bands that has some individual songs that I adore but that never quite rose to the level of being an absolute favorite band of mine. This album, however, is consistently amazing and definitely a personal highlight.
A really great album that just has a great sound to it. The cover is iconic and the songs are just as good.
Bien
A good mix of sad and boppy.
I really enjoyed this a lot. I see a lot of reviews saying boring, and maybe a younger me would have agreed. I would have said it's background music at best, but after absorbing it, it's so much better than that. Soft indie rock. I should hate it, but I actually found it quite an interesting listen. I really like the singer. There are guitar solos scattered throughout and they are very cool such as on 'I'm The Man Who Loves You'. 'Kamera' is a lovely little tune. 'Heavy Metal Drummer' is so damn catchy. There's a lot of atmospheric stuff here as well and a lot of the songs build very nicely. They don't quite explode into anything but that's fine because the build itself is very good. Enjoyed listening to this, and actually found time to give it a second listen and I'm glad I did as I was able to pay more attention to it. An easy 4 for me.
I’ve never heard this album before but was aware of it as a classic. I did like the other Wilco album we heard more than this one due to its folkier/more alt-country songs. However, Jeff Tweedy is clearly a serious and dedicated songwriter, and I do have to admire the ambition it takes to broaden a band’s sound like this. Honestly it reminded me of Smashing Pumpkins.
Hell yeah Wilco
This was my first Wilco album I listened to and I loved it. The first half of the album has some amazing songs -- War on War, Ashes of American Flags, Jesus etc. The album looses a little luster toward the end, but I still think it's a top album for me.
i liked this! i've been meaning to listen to wilco for a long time and i'm glad i finally did. a different sound than i was expecting, and not everything was a banger, but enjoyable overall.
i recall this being a classic indie album that all my cool friends liked but that i never really listened to. it's pretty good. makes me wonder what that other wilco album is doing on this list though. favorites: i am trying to break your heart, kamera, jesus etc, heavy metal drummer
Wilco.
This is better than I remembered it being. Maybe I've grown some!
Неплохо, в зимний снежный день дома заниматься спортом под эту музыку было уютно и приятно
Not exactly my style but it broadened my rock horizons and had interesting sounds.
Favourite tracks: I am trying to break your heart; jesus etc; heavy metal drummer; war on war
Pretty pretty pretty good.
i've tried and failed to like this record many times over the years. i still hate track 1 and the record is almost *too* cohesive - many songs are great, but few stand out - but i'm excited this finally clicks with me the same way it does for so many others. for me, this scratches an itch somewhere between the twee twinkle of ipod-commercial indie and the moody introspection of a conor oberst type.
My favourite not-quite-mean thing to say about Wilco is they've made a career out of aping Big Star's Kangaroo. You can do a lot worse than trying to make Kangaroo. I like Radio Cure quite a lot, the thumping acoustic guitar, the shy stuttery electric part that comes in, the transitions between parts, it's a very well crafted thing. I'm mostly neutral to negative on Jeff Tweedy's singing but very much like how he phrases "there is something wrong with me" to sound like a little slice of life. As though somebody's asking calmly for a ride to the hospital for some not-quite-emergency. It's hilarious that they got paid twice by the same company for this album. Imagine being record company guys in 2001 thinking this wouldn't sell, totally clueless about the rising plaid tide. music: appreciated. (⌐■_■)
The most baffling part of my adolescence was my unwarranted hatred of Wilco. Don’t try to get me to explain it, I have no good excuse. This album is incredible.
I feel like all sounds are really nicely placed, maybe not the weird effects. But most of this album smoothly blends together, and while listening I lost the old sense of boredom I used to feel listening to this album. It’s not perfect, but it at times sounds great. This album exceeds my prior expectations.
It sure is good, although I fear I must have missed the window of time in which this album would have blown me away or been as influential as it is on others.
Wow what a discovery! wilco has a new fan
Está bien, hay sonidos que me gustaran pero no sabría donde clasificarlo en mi cabeza, creo que merece otra escucha ya que me medio dormí entremedio.
3.5
Good, but too long. Favorite song: I am trying to break your heart
This is a challenging album for me. Its craft is undeniable: songwriting, musicianship, arrangements, and instrumentation are strong throughout. Yet, I find the album generally uneven. While it is held up by a handful of truly excellent tracks (namely, I Am Trying to Break Your Heart, Heavy Metal Drummer, Reservations, and the deeply satisfying weirdness of Poor Places) the rest of it honestly fails to move me, often operating in the very nearly liminal space where distinctions begin to announce themselves between music that is clearly good and music that is truly emotionally engaging. An album that is associated with greatness for good reason, but one that will never truly be "for me." 4/5 stars
3.5
This album sometimes feels like listening to a garage band demo in the best possible way. It's rough around the edges and a little raw. Very fun, very 2000's
Bien.
this is why i do the list. to find great albums ive never heard of. really good indie rock
Interesting - weird in places, warm, melodic, with bursts of intrusive noise
Favorite Track: Kamera
En tiiä mikä mulla on mut rakastin tätäki…….. varsinki radio cure ja ashes of american flags… mietin niien aikana vaa et pystyisimpä kirjoittaa yhtään mitään näin kaunista. Ja rakastin tän levyn tekstuuria ja kaikkii ambientääniä joita oli taustalla ja väleissä oli vitun nannaherkkua. Kuuntelen varmaan uudestaan, jos en koko levyä niin noi kaks aiemmin mainitsemaani otin ainaki ylös!
81% Best: I Am Trying to Break Your Heart; War on War; I'm the Man Who Loves You; Reservations Must-Hear? Sure
++: I Am Trying to Break Your Heart, Kamera, War on War, Jesus, Etc., Ashes of American Flags, Heavy Metal Drummer, I'm the Man Who Loves You, Pot Kettle Black, Poor Places +: Radio Cure, Reservations 9,6/10
Second listen for sure, beautifully mellow album with some heavy riffs mixed in to create a unique feel.
Surprisingly good. They knew how to make an interesting rock song, so the random noises didn’t detract.
Better on a second and third listen. 3.5 rounded to a 4.
Very chill
This is good chill or day driving music. A little boring at times but some catchy tunes.
Melancholy
One of the most fascinating aspects of this album is its backstory. Reprise Records rejected it, prompting Wilco to move to another label. Ironically, this album has since achieved gold status. Musically, “Yankee Hotel Foxtrot” stands out for its mellow vibe. It’s a seamless blend of indie rock with country influences, enriched by subtle electronic effects and innovative production techniques that create an atmospheric soundscape. While I wouldn’t rank it among the absolute best albums of the 2000s, it’s still a solid and enjoyable listen for what it is.
A joy to listen to and a classic for the new millennium.
Tras el country alternativo incial, Wilco se convirtió en una banda de indie rock, caracterizada por la gran diversidad estilística de las composiciones de su fundador, Jeff Tweedy. Uno de sus puntos de inflexión fue el protagonizado por este disco de 2002. En el debate entre la ansiedad y la esperanza surgen canciones emotivas como "Ashes of American Flags", una reflexión intimista sobre el materialismo y la cultura del consumo imperante en los Estados Unidos; o "Heavy Metal Drummer", una especie de homenaje reparador a los "heavies metaleros", de los que se burlaba en su juventud ajeno a que vivían la vida, y la música, con un espíritu de diversión envidiable. También destacaría "Reservations", en la que Tweedy desnuda su alma para hablarnos de una relación complicada, de amor fingido y cariño inmenso. En general, Wilco consigue en este disco envolver sus canciones con emotivas atmósferas a partir de texturas y pasajes sonoros altamente creativos.
I hadn't listened to this before; my only encounter with Wilco was Mermaid Avenue. I was expecting to find this bland "Dad Rock" but I ended up really enjoying it. Maybe I'm just Dad Rock demographic now.
Wilco music is like a delicate blend of warmth and melancholy. The sound is like a mix of Neil Young’s introspection and Radiohead’s sonic experimentation. It feels familiar but always finds ways to surprise. Each track unfolds like a story told by someone who’s been through it all and is still searching for something more. The simplicity is deceptive; there’s depth beneath the surface, and it lingers long after it ends.
This was an odd one for me. It was huge for my friends when it came out. And I love similar music to this (The Shins, The Killers, elements of Beck etc.). But I never really listened to Wilco or this album when it initially came out. What a mistake. This album is great and I'm going to add this to the rotation.
Favourite Song: Radio Cure
One of the most fascinating aspects of this album is its backstory. Reprise Records rejected it, prompting Wilco to move to another label. Ironically, this album has since achieved gold status. Musically, “Yankee Hotel Foxtrot” stands out for its mellow vibe. It’s a seamless blend of indie rock with country influences, enriched by subtle electronic effects and innovative production techniques that create an atmospheric soundscape. While I wouldn’t rank it among the absolute best albums of the 2000s, it’s still a solid and enjoyable listen for what it is.
3.5/5 While occasionally thought-provoking and instrumentally interesting, this album ultimately falls short of anything exceptional, and contains a string of ok songs. A consistent vibe is easily found, but without any great swells of passion or emotion amongst the melancholy. I Am Trying to Break Your Heart 5/5 (FAV) Kamera 3.5/5 Radio Cure 4.5/5 War On War 4/5 Jesus, Etc. 4.5/5 Ashes of American Flags 4/5 Heavy Metal Drummer 3.5/5 I'm The Man Who Loves You 2.5/5 (LEAST FAV) Pot Kettle Black 3/5 Poor Places 3.5/5 Reservations 4/5
first listen. Will definitely go back to this album. I love moody sad boy music from the 00s
Good
Added to list of bands to listen to more. Definitely fell through the cracks. Confused with band from WA? Really enjoyed listening to this a couple of times. Looking forward to a couple more of their on the list to come.
There was a time in my life (college) when I really loved this album. I don't think "American Radiohead" is too far off or that much of a criticism. I Am Trying to Break Your Hear, Kamera, Jesus, Etc., and Heavy Metal Drummer were already in the rotation and will be keeping their spots. Adding Pot kettle Black for good measure.
Maybe I’m missing something after reading comments about this album, and maybe I’m also missing something by having no other experience with Wilco than “Mermaid Avenue” which is a strange entry point since it was technically a Billy Bragg album. I don’t know. What I took away from YHF was that it was a little different, a little experimental, and wasn’t as awful or as amazing as people say it is. I didn’t mind the choice of sounds used in the background on some songs, and I don’t mind a melancholic tone at all. Also, I thought there were song really great chord progressions, melodies, use of sound to accentuate sections of songs, and the vocals overall were suited to the style of the songs being played.
-this album gives off a dystopian vibe, given the fact it was released a week after the World Trade Center attacks in 2001 -at first, I didn't get the appeal and thought it was overrated, but after listening to it for the second time, I get it now. I am still on that level of "awesome album, just not one of my favorites of the 2000s", but it's still an awesome album -it has some touches of art rock, Americana music, alternative rock, psychedelic rock and drone music as well -I feel like any song off this album is meant to be listened to in the context of the album (basically, listening to the album, not only some songs off of it) -this album also has a nice concept as well -favorite songs: I Am Trying To Break Your Heart, Radio Cure, Jesus Etc., Ashes Of American Flags, Heavy Metal Drummer, Pot Kettle Black, Poor Places -least favorite song: I'm The Man Who Loves You
Someone go get me my baggy pants quick, I’m feeling real 2002 right now. Album is solid, easy listen, perfect vibe for today!
already listened to it. rly enjoy it
she fell in love with the drummer
I've never listened to Wilco. Any of it. Ever. And that's too bad because I love the spell the sounds cast in each song—radio Cure with its throbbing sound of loss. Only to be balanced by more fun ones like Heavy Metal Drummer. It's soothing and whimsical, and it makes me feel like I'm daydreaming in a hammock on a summer day.
I've heard of Wilco before from a hipster music professor I had back in college. They're considered one of the more influential indie rock bands out there, with this album standing out due to its troubled release history, which you're welcome to look into. I will say I enjoyed the album as a whole. It was an easy listen, with some light motifs on songs like "Karema", "War on War", and "Jesus, Etc." that stood out. It does overstay its welcome a bit on the closing track, "Reservations", and some songs do run together. Still, overall, it was a solid album to have going in the background while keeping the vibes interesting. Update 4/6/2026: Over 400 albums later, including checking out Being There, I revisited Yankee Hotel Foxtrot with a greater appreciation for Wilco. Where I used to think some of these songs ran together, I now better acknowledge how distinct these tracks are in the artistic indie styling the band utilized on this record. The rhythm section is strong throughout, the acoustic guitar textures are soft yet crisp in the sound, and Jeff Tweedy's raspy delivery is pleasant to listen to. Credit to Jeff and Jay Bennett for such intriguing compositions that complement the lyrics that seek answers and comfort in such strange and turbulent times. Probably the most poignant to me were "Radio Cures" as music is used to quell the confusion and detached feelings stemming from being away from loved ones, "Jesus, Etc." for trying to make sense of those existential questions that can't be easily answered, "Heavy Metal Drummer" in its yearning for lost innocence, "Pot Kettle Back" in the acknowledgment of cultural biases, and "I'm the Man Who Loves You" in working up the courage to share personal feelings for someone, despite the shortcomings. I admittedly still feel that "Reservations" goes on for longer than it should, as does "I Am Trying to Break Your Heart" if I'm being honest. But overall, my outlook on Yankee Hotel Foxtrot has significantly improved to the point where I'd be down to revisit this album down the line.
Pretty great album! 4.3 stars
Nice 👍
Bien.
Great little melodies or instrument riffs with a really nice mix of different sounds and styles. I think where it disappoints for me are the lyrics which are either just partially nonsense or too poetic and vague for my peanut music brain. 7/10
love wilco! I think this album still holds up, it’s probably not my fav of theirs but it was very nice to revisit.
First time listening to this fine record. Influences of the Beatles, Beck, a little Cobain and the lyrics are raw and and romantic at times. Layers of beautiful arrangements, catchy tunes and nostagic moments.
I revisited this album the last time I watched Funny People and I loved it! Jesus Etc. is such a fantastic song and this whole album is just super lovely and well-produced!
Have always liked this album and Wilco, though neither have ever been amongst my faves. Excellent textures and layers of sounds. Great chill and easy listening for me.
imho he should change his name to jeff wilco... also i like songs that bring up KISS because they remind me of weezer so heavy metal drummer got a big thumbs up from me
This was good
"...Melody is king. Songs are ruled by melody. I believe that melody, more than lyrics, is what does all the heavy lifting emotionally. When I write lyrics, or when I adapt a poem to a song, my goal is to interfere as little as possible with whatever spell is being cast by the melody. At the same time, I hope, at best, that the words enhance the song somehow, add meaning or clarify and underline what the melody is making me feel." Jeff Tweedy, 'Let's Go (So We Can Get Back)' Highlights: Kamera, Jesus etc. Heavy Metal Drummer. In a nutshell: indie-rock poetry. Yankee Hotel Foxtrot was recommended to me by a close friend nearly 10 years ago. He said "it took me a few listens to like it. But when it clicks, you’ll fall in love with the album." He was right. First time listeners will interpret the album as a boring slog. Stick with it. Focus on the melody. Overall: 7/10
i remember listening to Summer Teeth back in 2020, i hadn't realised i was sleeping on a great album from 18 years prior
not wilco’s best (that’s the whole love) but holy shit if it isn’t one of their best
Yep. This is that album. Still really good. Still sounds like it was made when it was.
Love the sonics. very warm production with some lo-fi mixed in. Guitar tones are great too. Even if the songs meander it doesn’t matter because the music is interesting enough. They really take you somewhere with this one. Poor places is GREAT.
Interesting and eclectic
Listening to this felt really nostalgic, like going back to summer’s days when I was only 7 and still pronounced three as free. David James is still England’s number 1, the Argos catalogue exists, and I’m eating boiled eggs with salad cream. I want salad cream now. Warming music and just flows very nicely as an album. I enjoyed a lot 🙂 Favourite track: War on War
This is good music. A bit Radiohead, a bit Weezer, a bit Eels. Never heard of Wilco but glad I have now. Favourite track: War on War
A lovely listen. At times comfortable and quiet, and nice melodies and instruments carry it for me.