Reviews (page 9 of 14)
Sound very reminiscent of a lot of early 2000s indie rock bands. Not bad at all, definitely an album I would listen to.
A modern masterpiece and in so many ways, probably still the quintessential Wilco album.
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. (⌐■_■)
If I’m ever in a situation where I have to prove to someone I’m a late 30s white guy, I’ll just show them this 5 star review.
Wasn’t a big fan of this album. Somewhat boring for me.
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.
It was ok. Not good, not bad.
I'm glad I stumbled across Wilco about ten years ago. I didn't care much for them then, but my opinion has grown over time. The shadow of this album looms large over the modern indie scene, and the album artwork warms my architect heart. Favorite track (on this listen): "Heavy Metal Drummer."
a 2.5-3 star for me It was okay, didnt feel like it stood out to me really. Pretty boring overall
This is like REALLY boring, but in a non-offensive, background kind of way.
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.
I've heard a lot about this band and was curious to hear their sound. I personally didn't love it, it's a very mellow, slow sound.
Standard 2,4
Pleasant background for driving.
Wilco is ok but not this album.
I feel like a really cool hipster listening to these guys. Got some definite Radiohead influence in there. It’s cool, but not cool enough for me.
Fine but I feel like most 2000s indie albums have a similar sound/vibe
Kinda noisy - grating at times
Noisy but interesting. 3/5
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.
Oh man, I used to love Wilco. Alway conveniently situated in a town centre or local shopping district, I’ve lost count of the number of times they’ve got me out of a pickle with a reasonably priced plug extension or a roll of Gaffa tape. Maybe this was the beginning of the end? It is an odd choice to branch into middle of the road, soft guitar rock. It doesn’t seem to fit the brand to me at all. I don’t really see why it would be “widely regarded as one of the greatest albums of the 2000s”. It seems pretty dull to me. Come back and return to your origins as a discount general retail store. I miss you.
Genuinely one of my favourite albums ever. Perfect road trip music
A favorite
That was technically and aesthetically a great listen; but it's not something that I'm going to come back to over and over again.
I see this often compared to OK Computer. But it is better and more personal yet still global in both its disparate and hope. It seems remarkably ambitious and still messy. I love so many songs on here and I come away moved after listening everytime.
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.
Best album so far deserves six stars out of five.
I'm not likely to listen again.
The first song was really bad and I was concerned. Glad it got better. 3.
I really enjoyed this album. Personal enjoyment: 5/5 Relevance to this list: 5/5
3.5
Wilco is one of those bands that I know I'm supposed to like, but haven't ever actually listened to. That said, it's fine. It sounds like it's recorded on a cheap mic set a bit too far away, which I don't really enjoy aesthetically. Still, there's a song or two in there that's not bad.
Sounds like a Grateful Dead Jr. Very mellow. So mellow it borders on being boring. Not my favorite but I didn’t hate it.
Not too shabby, kinda flat at times but Jesus, etc. is a phenomenal pull. Didn’t hate it, didn’t love it.
Good just not for me..
I know *of* Wilco and their place in 90s-2000s indie rock, but I've only heard their hits intermittently across the years. I understand that this is a pretty big indie album too, I think many can instantly recognize those Marina City towers shown on the cover. It's pretty mellow throughout as one would expect, although the transition from "Ashes of American Flags" to "Heavy Metal Drummer" was pretty jarring. Things sorta picked up for a bit from there, but the rest of the album lands a bit too softly for my tastes. There was some interesting instrumentation here and there so it's tough to call this "cookie cutter", but it's probably not one I'd be raring to revisit anytime soon. I think there are more interesting indie artists from the 2000s (that probably don't get much recognition in this list if I were to wager a guess).
Good, but too long. Favorite song: I am trying to break your heart
Take it or leave it
Not for me
Really liked the voice just didn’t find many songs that I was interested in returning to.
I don't know if I was in a bad mood or what, but I just found this album to be very boring.
Oh Dear! On the first track it sounds like someone's trying to sabotage the track by randomly banging on a tin cup, and the rest of the album is not much better. Dreary, dull, and weird, but not in a good way. I didn't like it much, but I suppose I can manage two stars.
It’s ok
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
I absolutely adore this album. I love Jeff Tweedy's way of putting words together. (Pro tip: read his book "How To Write One Song.") I loved the crazed arrangements and instrumentation, the attempt to make something stunningly beautiful that will also make a record exec have an absolute fit. I love the way that thinking about this album makes me feel like I'm getting smarter. I love the fact that I finally listened to a "deluxe version" of an album and the "unified theory" remasters sound totally different than the originals, and maybe designed a bit to piss off fans who only want the album preserved in amber. I even love the way it made me ask if I've been too hard on prog rock. (I don't really think I have, but maybe I can listen with bigger ears.)
It's not bad, but its very unremarkable, and it goes on for way too long. Pot Kettle Black sounds like The Lightning Seeds doing a cover of the Manic's Australia, and fucking it up.
Overrated
3.5
i tbh melted so much and so firmly into this that when i got to the other side i realized i didnt actually form any cogent thoughts rly hfjsd. best attempt after the fact: sounds alternately like its being transmitted from the other side of the country or the other side of the galaxy, a bunch of the melodies feel like theyve been around for forever, and maybe its just cuz its when my lucidity started coming back to me but poor places is grabbing my soul as a Song Of Significance for the future.
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
Nope. This is sooooo not my type of music.
I really was expecting something different here. It is good I guess, but it had a lot more country elements than I expected. The production of this album sounds really great, it is just the songwriting that is a let down. I liked the first song, it was indie, electronic, and some noise (almost Radiohead-esque), but then the rest of the album is country indie, and most of it all sounds the same. I am not really sure why Jesus, Etc. has so many more streams than the rest of the album, they all sound just as equally boring. Every now and then there will be a glimmer of something exciting, but then it will go back to the slow paced indie country. Heavy Metal Drummer sounds like a rejected Pavement song without all of the charm. I am being really negative, but I didn't hate this album. Mid 3.
Indie ñoño. Cansino. Un 2.
Bien.
Dull and uninspiring that tries to be quirky, but wore out its welcome well before the album was over. Just pretty generic sounding.
A very soft album. It was ok though
El disco que cambió las reglas. Entre Nirvana y Radiohead, Wilco han sido y son otro grupo fundamental por recorrido, actitud y producción. Siempre he comparado a Wilco con Primal Scream por su variedad en estilos siempre bien ejecutados. A su vez, Jayhwaks, el otro grupo esencial de Americana, los comparo con Teenage Fanclub. Este Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, al margen de anécdotas como haber sido publicado para descarga gartuita por haber sido rechazado por la misma compañía que luego pagó millones por publicarlo en CD después de haberse negado y dárselo gratis a Wilco para que hicieran con él lo que les diera la gana, tiene canciones emblemáticas (Ashes of american flags, War on war, Jesus etc. , Radio Cure, I am trying to break yoru heart, Kamera, Heavy metal drummer... es que todas son geniales). Fue el último con Jay Bennett... y se vaya que si se nota, como la producción y giro de Jim O'Rourke. Disco esencial (aunque a mi me guste más Summerteeth) de una banda imprescindible. El año del revival garagero con Is this it de los Strokes y White blood cells de los White Stripes como punta de lanza, así como otros discos estupendos: el canto del cisne de Bjork con Vespertine, Things We Lost in the Fire de Low, Rock action de Mogway, el album verde de Weezer, Origin of symmetry de Muse, Morning view de Incubus, Gold de Ryan Adams, The Invisible Band de Travis, Rings Around The World de Super Furry Animals, Hot Shots II de The Beta Band, debuts de Gillian Welch o Hope Sandoval & the Warm Inventions, It's a Wonderful Life de Sparklehorse.... (otros discos notabes también fueron Love and theft, Hallelujah! de La Buena Vida, Pleased to Meet You de James, Free All Angels de Ash, Souljacker de Eels, Can Our Love... de Tindersticks o el segundo de Manu Chao) y con la electrónica a pleno rendimiento ya fuera por vía experimental (Amnesiac), estética (Discovery de Daft Punk, los debuts de Gorillaz, Röyksopp, Zero 7) o simplemente lúdica (Fever de Kilye, Survivor de las Destiny´s Child...) ese mismo año publican Madredeus el sugerente Movimento y Gotan Project La revancha del tango.
Definitely unique.
One of the true indie aughts masterpieces
These guys can kiss my ass. So painfully boring. Horrid singing and weird instrumentals immediately bum you out from the first song and remind you with each track throughout. Imagine being signed to a record contract and you release this lmao. 2/10.
This is for people who don’t like good music to sound like they know what they’re talking about. Wilco is for posers
Didn't like the singer's voice and it sounds over produced and too much going on. No heart or soul, just noise to me.
Fine
this is why i do the list. to find great albums ive never heard of. really good indie rock
I like this album a lot but as I get older it’s less impactful. Maybe because people have taken the concept and done it better over the years.
An interesting album. I enjoyed listening to it. Maybe it will find its way into my daily stream. 3/5
Interesting - weird in places, warm, melodic, with bursts of intrusive noise
Favorite Track: Kamera
The Good:Recorded in the Windy City. The Bad: It has nothing to do with the Windy City. The Ugly: An album that lasts about 40 minutes too long… Wilco… wasn´t into them when they were current, and currently couldn´t be bothered. Annoying vocals, instrumentations okay, overall an album that can be skipped… 2* because I´m nice like that...
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!
Top 20
One word: yawn.
81% Best: I Am Trying to Break Your Heart; War on War; I'm the Man Who Loves You; Reservations Must-Hear? Sure
Sleepy generic sounding indie music
This album rocks. Awesome, beautiful, melancholic. Grabs you and holds you close for the 50 min runtime. Never listened to before but I’m glad I did.
Got better as it went along. Thought it was too folksy/country at times. Definitely more than what I usually enjoy. I thought it got more artsy in the second half and enjoyed that.
Wilco is another one of those bands that just doesn't do anything for me.
++: 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
Overall I like Wilco's sound and their vibe. I wasn't really feeling it the first time around but it fared better on the second listen. There's a couple of Wil-no's in there. Good enough to make me want to hear more from them. 3.5/5
Jesus etc
I reckon a second listen would help
The goat
The indiest of indie rock. Shout out to Chicago's corncobs
Wtf is this, it’s like people rubbing instruments together instead of playing them. Gets a little better I guess No it sucks
Second listen for sure, beautifully mellow album with some heavy riffs mixed in to create a unique feel.
I've never listened to Wilco before and had heard that they were alt-country at least country-adjacent in some way. Because of that I was interested in listening to this but was ultimately disappointed. In the end it's fine. 3.0
I’m as melancholy as the next guy, and have sincerely tried for years to like Wilco. But every time I listen to one of their albums, I end up tuning them out after a few minutes and they become little more than pleasant background music. They’re good. And I still sort of wish I liked them better.
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.
Music's fine. I just can't get past the singer. He's either, bored, sleepy, disinterested or on some sort of depressant. Or maybe it's a combo of the above. I just can't get into it or even get engaged in whatever he's singing about.
Very chill
Who do Wilco actually make music for? This is so boring and unengaging that I just can't understand why anyone was compelled to write and record it.
Not worth the effort.
Maybe I should give Wilco more of a chance? I expected mediocrity but actually got a “good but not great” album
Am a fan of the band, especially Jeff Tweedy. But not so much of this album. I find it too boring and nothing like their earlier work.
This is good chill or day driving music. A little boring at times but some catchy tunes.
This album was just boring from start to finish. When I got their album Being There, I thought it was about as average as it gets. Unfortunately Yankee Hotel Foxtrot manages to be an even more boring venture in to their catalog. At this point I’m good with never hearing another Wilco album again.
Favorite Tracks: Heavy Metal Drummer Jesus, Etc.
J'ai vraiment de la difficulté à voir l'intérêt de ce band. Je trouve cela tellement inoffensif et j'oubliais que ça jouait au fur et à mesure de l'album (apparemment les mêmes commentaires que j'ai fait pour leur autre album). 4/10
# Playlist Track - Jesus, Etc. # Notes - I like the sound and the vibe. I was very intrigued by the album cover. - I found the music intriguing and interesting and I was interested in keep listening *most* of the time. At least a couple of songs end with weird noises that really really broke the flow for me. - Seems like a very picky thing to complain, but it bothered me in the *three* times I tried to listen to this. - "I Am Trying to Break Your Hear" has like an entire minute of shitty nonsense. "Poor Places" has an even worse one. Taking two stars out.
Melancholy
Interesting discovery. Very good!
A real slog to get through. Not a big fan.
Maybe I need to be a certain mood to enjoy this but I was not in that mood today. Monotone man sing talks over very basic music that sometimes looses all structure and turns into nonsense. 4/10
Enjoyable at times but also a bit boring
It's either boring or irritating. Some listenable tracks but they don't redeem the album.
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.
In high school I went to a taping of Late Night with Conan O’Brien and Wynona Rider was the main guest so Wilco, being her favorite band, was the musical guest. I thought they were terrible. This album isn’t quite as bad as that.
Someone compared him to Dylan. No, this guy knows how to sing 😅
A joy to listen to and a classic for the new millennium.
no strong feelings one way or another
Pretty good
This is why I don’t like telling people what kind of music I like. Give me a genre-defining 80s punk rock band and I’m cold. Give me a 6 minute indie rock song of one man moaning that starts and ends with 30 seconds of, as far as I can tell, random fucking noises, and my brain is like ‘ohh yeah that’s the good stuff’.
It's the real deal
Good
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.
Cant remember why their first release excited me..Since then, not so much as they tend to come off as a low rent Counting Crows spots. It's not an objectionable release by any means, Just not what I had hoped for. Trying to deepen the message/while remain true to 'roots?' Sonically they do come close, but it seems to be nothing to really writer home about. #1 for example. Back to Lennons' appeals. War on war? Fight for peace? Make love for virginity? Other parts sound very Sniff 'n' The Tears, but even still not what it could have been. Worth a listen, but stream it before you buy it.
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.
I want to get on with this as I really liked Being There and love Mermaid Avenue but I just find the deconstruction leaves me cold on this one I like it, I want to love it, I never do
To be honest, I had higher hopes for this album. Bert Kreischer always talks about how this is his favorite band, but it was just okay. The sound is good but the lead singer’s voice sucks. Nothing blew me away.
All timer with 0 skips
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.
Not for me
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.
This was a good not great album for me, with some noteworthy songs.
What a fun listen! Very mellow acoustic pop for the most part, kinda reminded me of Blind Melon and Jack Johnson in some parts. Easy listen and nice background music. Three stars.
This album is just incredible. It's not only the most experimental of Wilco, it has their strongest song writing.
Favourite Song: Radio Cure
Great album, but maybe not my favorite wilco album?
Nice.
Yankee Hotel Foxtrot is perhaps the most critically acclaimed album by Wilco. At first listen, I certainly understood where this appreciation comes from. The melancholic and somewhat slow songs in particular are of high quality. Songs like Jesus, Etc., Radio Cure, and Ashes of American Flags are memorable songs with fantastic lyrics. But what didn't happen back when this was released continued now that I'm giving this a few more listens all those years later. There's no spark between this album and myself. I appreciate it on several levels but it has never given me the idea that I'd put this on myself again.
One of the greatest albums I've ever listened to.
I remember this one being a huge deal for a while among the kinda nerds I roll with. I did not get it thena and still don't. There are some nice poignant-ass hooks/lines - ie: all my dreams are only wishes, or what was I thinking when I let go of you. Some decent lyrics and melody, but the radiohead level "innovation" ie noise just serves to distract, and homeboy's voice is just ok.
It's war on war from what I've seen. We had made reservations, but no one wants to commit to them. The day before, I had broken the kamera, which added to the already tense mood. Not even saying I'm the man that loves you did the trick like before. The ashes of American flags colored the ground as the rambling preacher raged at the sky above regarding all things apocalyptic, hellfire, Jesus, etc. Why do we keep dwelling in these poor places, I will never know. And I don't wish to know as I'm trying to figure out the meaning of pot kettle black. The heavy metal drummer is on again, as the pre-teens' prayer for a radio cure becomes more elusive by the day. And the only thing we've got left, in order to stay sane, is a clarion call that will reverberate for the remainder of our days: I am trying to break your heart. I am trying to break your heart.
It's very ok. Nothing about this band or any of their albums (this is the second I've gotten) has stood out or made an impression. This is not to say this album isn't good, it sounds great but somehow it's just... boring? Much better than "Being There"
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.
I don’t get it. I keep thinking that one of these years I’ll get it, but I never do. The orchestration, the instrumentation, the production are all tremendous. But the thing is, the melodies themselves are boring af. Repetitive. Mr. Mangum is perpetually flat. And the lyrics: so depressing! Over and over again how he wants to die? So why am I listening? I’m not gonna deny that there is artistry at work here, but the end result is just joyless, and, as such, deeply not my personal aesthetic.
Lots of emotions, moods, rhythms and rock n' roll dimensions
ai não vibei não
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
What a waste of time. There is nothing good about this album. My cat writes more interesting songs.
I've never understood the appeal if I'm honest. It's not for me.
first listen. Will definitely go back to this album. I love moody sad boy music from the 00s
Good
I'm so happy Wilco's on this list. Jeff Tweedy's a quintessential songwriter, whose work everyone should hear! Having said that, this isn't my favourite Wilco album. Sorry, I'm a Nels Cline fan, and I hope Sky Blue Sky is also on the list! Having said that, it's still an amazing album, released at a dark time in American history - perhaps a dark time in Wilco history too. The music is moody and at times unmelodic, but it's also beautiful. Some songs are heavily produced, while others are just raw and seemingly random. Kamera sounds so well produced compared to I Am Trying To Break Your Heart. I like the high-low octaves in the chorus, a technique I first heard used by Squeeze. Pot Kettle Black's guitar in the verses sound a lot like the Cure's In Between Days. Maybe it's just me, but it's still a great song. Liked songs added: - Kamera - War On War - Jesus Etc. - Heavy Metal Drummer - I'm The Man Who Loves You - Pot Kettle Black - Reservations
Downbeat but beautiful. Favourite track Kamera
Dreary. Sorry, couldn’t find anything to like much here.
I had this on CD, but wasn't able to remember any of it. Listening again, oh, so, dull. Where are those squealing guitars Wilco?
Gear: Meze 109 PRO Artwork: 🏙️🏙️ Mix: 👌 Musik: 🛌 Wertung: 😴😴/5
Dollar store Radiohead. Meh.
Indie NOT my thing. First song put me off right off the bat so other seemed weak. Some are coolish catchy tunes but nothing yells great to me and I live in Chicago and they are huge here and have a huge following but nothing that really attracts my attention. Tweedy has a cool voice for this type of music and the songwriting is pretty good. Overall good album though, just not my favorite genere. It has some radiohead influences in there with trippy sounds and I understand it was something new at the time for this crowd
Not for me. 1/5
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.
Not really my thing . Prob a 2.5 but will rate up
3.5 - very into the first track but I found everything after that surprisingly dull/forgettable
Solid album, and I can understand why it’s so popular with its fans. The purposeful discordant parts weren’t to my taste, and the whole album gave off a “sad hipster” vibe that I didn’t really align with.
Decent enough listen
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.
Wilco is the definition of "fine"
Did not like it. One of those hipster albums... next
I've never listened to Wilco before despite them on a lot of billings alongside bands I really like throughout the 2010s. I see now that I haven't missed much. The album is not very engaging, none of the songs ever managed to pull me in and I don't think I could tell you which one the 'hit' was. This may be a case of me being too used to listening to the bands inspired by Wilco, so Wilco themselves sound a little boring. Not offensive, but nothing I'd want to listen to again. 5/10
Experimental album with a few good songs.
-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
Americans trying to sound like Brit rock. Shit.
Someone go get me my baggy pants quick, I’m feeling real 2002 right now. Album is solid, easy listen, perfect vibe for today!
Great.
already listened to it. rly enjoy it
It's warm and tuneful but just feels like it's missing something?
Decent album but not my type of music genre.
1. "I Am Trying to Break Your Heart" A little pretentious, overall boring, lots of stupid noise stuff and off key piano lines. 2. "Kamera" Better than the first song, still has annoying noises. The singer just seems bored, and he should be, it's a boring song. 3. "Radio Cure" More stupid noise stuff, singer seems to still be very bored. Doinky piano scattered about. Lyrics are just pretentious nonsense. I'm so bored. 4. "War on War" More stupid noise stuff in the intro, followed by a much better song. Easily the best song by far. Unfortunately, more stupid noise stuff is scattered about. Outro way too long and unnecessary. 5. "Jesus, Etc." No stupid noise stuff, although they were stretching with some of the violin stuff. Decent, not great, don't need to hear it again. 6. "Ashes of American Flags" It just seems like they think it's way bigger than it is, it's not. It's not insightful or profound, just pretentious. Outro is stupid noise stuff. 7. "Heavy Metal Drummer" Hip hop drums start this one out. This song is so fucking lame. I want to murder this song with a butter knife to make the pain last. 8. "I'm the Man Who Loves You" 100% best song on the album so far. I give these guys a second chance based on this song. 9. "Pot Kettle Black" Another pretty good one. Seems like they went for the unconventional approach of bottom loading rather than top loading the album. 10. "Poor Places" Uh oh, more stupid noises... Ugh, the lyrics are so fucking pretentious. Terrible precussion. Awful piano. This is nonsense. Grabbed the butter knife. Stupid noise stuff again. 11. "Reservations" Stupid noises, bored singer, finishing like we started. It's so incredibly bad. Why won't it end? I would put a bullet in this one just so I didn't have to suffer. Fucking stupid noises in the outro.
5/5
Indie pop. I didn’t really care for it. I didn’t really like the vocalist, and nothing really excited me at all about this album. Some of the slower parts were okay I guess.
Horrível
This was kind of a downer. I did like Heavy Metal Drummer and Pot Kettle Black though.
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 have seen this album often compared to Kid A. Close but it's really closer to OK Computer. The essence of the band remains fully intact buts it's expanded and exploded. Jeff tweedy can't help but let his inner Beatle shine no matter what sort of cacophony envelops him all while Dylaning his way down the uncertain streets. This is a pivot and a reaction while still very much building on their first three albums. Top notch songwriting. Great playing. Fun noises. Sad when they're happy. Happy when sad. A gem. Kamera, Jesus Etc., Heavy Metal Drummer. That's a whole career for most.
01) I Am Trying to Break Your Heart - 7,0 02) Kamera - 7,5 03) Radio Cure - 7,5 04) War On War - 7,0 05) Jesus, Etc. - 7,5 06) Ashes of American Flags - 6,5 07) Heavy Metal Drummer - 7,0 08) I'm the Man Who Loves You - 7,5 09) Pot Kettle Black - 7,5 10) Poor Places - 7,0 11) Reservations - 7,0 TOTAL: 7,18 (72/100) Current ranking: 139/223 I am interested in how the publisher (who should be an expert in this matter) refuses to publish an album that was declared a masterpiece by many critics after its release. I wouldn't exactly call the album that. It's not a bad album, but it's not anything special either. But that's just me. I am neither a publisher nor a critic.
it's okay
Bittersweet indie folk rock record
Slow for rock. Almost 4
Boring
5.5/10
It's not often that you listen to a record for the first time and instantly know this is going to be a classic. This one is that. Not all the songs are at the same level, but the strong moments of this album are so strong that their beauty and grace wash over everything else.
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 👍
Incredible from top to bottom. May be one of the best albums of all time.
Too subdued for me
Folksy, indie, shoegaze kinda feel
Nice album, youthful feeling. Got sadness about it in the background, like that feeling of being homesick. Experimental vibe
It’s ok.
First listen Saved 4/11 Top track: Jesus, Etc.
Ok album. Not a big fan.
Whole books could be written about this. Films made. Oh wait, that has happened. A brilliant album that happened to punch music forward and catch the zeitgeist at the same time. The story behind the album is as fascinating as the album itself.
Bien.
Love it
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
A nice varied assortment of boring indie songs
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
Jesus, etc. Reservations Otherwise forgettable album
Takes a few listens to really start enjoying this. But, an all time favourite for me.
Day158 - great album from beginning to end
6/11/24. I don't know, I know this album and Wilco is loved by a lot of people, but this style doesn't connect with me. Songs are decent, just unsure about the lyrics and genre.
This was good
Chicago without the flair. Still good though
"...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
Pretentious and boring just like most indie rock
No thoughts idk what that was
i remember listening to Summer Teeth back in 2020, i hadn't realised i was sleeping on a great album from 18 years prior
5 duh
It’s great when sentimental music is still good music
Cohesion. A masterpiece.
This is some really nice/chill indie rock. I really like atmospheric sounding music, and this falls under that umbrella. Yeah, this is just comfort music to me. I don't often save albums from this list to listen to again, but I did with this one. It kept getting better until the end, and I just really enjoyed the sound.
This one’s a little overrated, isn’t it? Like maybe just a tiny bit? It is. Like Kid A, this is one of those albums that doesn’t really surpass the sum of its influences, at least if you’re familiar with the music of Wilco’s contemporaries in the Chicago indie scene. On Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, Wilco feels a bit indebted to the music that was going on around them in the Chicago post-rock scene and the broader indie rock world. You hear traces of Tortoise or The Sea and Cake in the record’s bubbling analog synths and the influence of Jim O’Rourke (Gastr Del Sol and later Sonic Youth), who mixed the record, is readily apparent on the more experimental songs. If YHF was your introduction to this sort of alt-rock minimalism, I can understand this record ranking highly for you, much like Kid A might open the door to the worlds of Aphex Twin or Boards of Canada for Radiohead listeners. If you were already familiar with Jim O’Rourke or John McEntire or Stereolab before hearing this record, you might not find it all that special. …and honestly, “Heavy Metal Drummer” is pretty much a Pavement song. I think it’s about time we all came to terms with that. Don’t get me wrong, I think there are some fantastic songs on this record: Ashes of American Flags, Jesus, etc, Kamera and Pot Kettle Black are all excellent. It’s just that Yankee Hotel Foxtrot leans more on experimentation than song craft to me, and the experimentation doesn’t always work. Wilco found a better balance of the two on 1998’s Summerteeth, which, to my ears, is the Wilco record to beat.
Ait
not wilco’s best (that’s the whole love) but holy shit if it isn’t one of their best
Dreary
Nölig
something tells me riley would love this album outro of "ashes of american flags" goes unfathomably hard
Do I love this album? Or do I love the memories of what was going on in my life when this album was released? Maybe both. I was really into this album when it was released. I’m pretty sure I saw them live on the tour for this album. The show was okay. My prevailing memory of that concert is the room was way too hot. I can’t remember the last time I specifically put on some Wilco to listen to, but I did enjoy listening to this again today.
Sometimes I worry that all the lore surrounding this album overshadows the fact that it’s fucking fantastic. I’m not the world’s biggest Wilco fan but I do enjoy their music, and this is rightly regarded as peak Wilco. It sucks that there was so much tension and drama in the making of this, but the end result is so good. Also fun, as I’ve begun to explore his work more, I can definitely sense the fingerprints of Jim O’Rourke all over this.
Yep. This is that album. Still really good. Still sounds like it was made when it was.
Don't like his voice
Listenable
Beck but worse.
Surprisingly enjoyable, folsky radiohead
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.
Awesome stuff.
Interesting and eclectic
I quite like the off-kilter, faded pier vibe of this. It feels quite raw. Guitar is cool. Vocals good too. War on War is a highlight. As is Jesus, Etc. - you were right about the stars, each one is a setting sun. It's like hearing a rock band playing through the walls of the house next door ... like you're not quite there, but you enjoy it for what it is.
I knew I liked them from 'California Stars' and 'Jesus etc' but didn't expect this. I'm completely hooked and can't stop playing it. Every track, every minute, every moment gets better and better with every listen. So much depth, so immersive. I love it.
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
2,5/3
Whoever curated this list must just have an affinity for 2000s ethereal pop-rock, because this has to be the 20th album like that so far. This one thankfully is really good. Though it may not be my fav genre, it's a really good album. It's just experimental enough to be really interesting, but not so much that it verges into atonality or anything. Honestly the vibe I'm really getting here is Bastille before Bastille was a thing. The more I listen, the more I like this. This is a sneaky 5 star for me.
eh whatever
A lovely listen. At times comfortable and quiet, and nice melodies and instruments carry it for me.
I am trying... - so, so. 3/5. A little pretentious Kamera - decent, laid back. 4/5 Radio Cure - ok. 3/5 War on war - catchy. 4/5 Jesus etc - 4/5 Ashes... - crap. 1/5 Man who loves you - 3/5 Overall a decent 3/5
Always liked the opening track on this. The rest is OK too. It's OK. I thought it was alright.
erste song huere schöni sounds lieb s rhodes und d gitarre tönt schön chlii. er singt bitz schräg dörfmer au, und s het ide strophe immer sochli en hinkende groove. und s wird immer bitz unagnehmer vode sounds her geg de schluss aber d melodie blibt glich. ich gseh was sie mached. kamera easy schön. text leider böd so glost aber schöne song sehr pleasing. radio cure fangt wieder mit s bitz grüüsch ah woni nöd cha identifiziere aber isch nice. merci ide letste minute chunt erst de richtig song ine hani s gfühl? findi huuuere schön. ashes of american flags hittet scho für es album wo e wuche noch 9/11 usecho isch. finds au en huere schöne song. im the man who loves you isch sehr beatles mit chli country und bitz weitder gitarre. pot kettle black sehr schööön tönt mega noch neuerem indierock. uuuh schellechrankzzzz. poor places uuultra schöni chords aaaah
herzige ihstig aber finds nanig überragend, s klavier findi cool dito für kamera, no cute aber nöd meh s isch chli ihschlafmusig (nödmal negativ gmeint) aber radio cure sticht jz mal echli meh usse iwie, endlich getarut er dich mal chli variabler z singe war on war erinneret mich chli ah flaming lips mite random electronic noises jesus etc. isch uf spotify anschinend s beliebtiste lied und das gfalltmer momentan au am beste ja cute sber s passiert chli wenig
Dullcore.
Bravo Oscar Romeo India November Golf.
Bravo Oscar Romeo India November Golf
Wilco’s Yankee Hotel Foxtrot is a phenomenal example of how to mix up sounds, and still make it sounds amazing. Each song brung something new to the table, and I was all for it. The openers, I Am Trying To Break Your Heart and Kamera were soul-shocking, and so enjoyable. The vibes then mellowed a bit, but then re-electrified with Heavy Metal Drummer, my personal favorite. I regret that I sat on this listen for so long, but at least I eventually did discover it. All in all, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot is an amazing album. Best Song: Heavy Metal Drummer Worst Song: Ashes of American Flags
Wilco does have some pretty great songs, but somehow this album is able to come off as experimental, try-hard, and drab at the same time.
Great, interesting arrangements and musicianship. A bit monotonous, but will revisit.
Not a Wilco guy
Intense, understated beauty.
would rate it 6 if i could!
This is an unbelievably great album. I spent the better part of a year listening to it. Even with that, I'm looking forward to listening to it again right now.
Pretty interesting album a little too pop sounding for me but definitely not BORING come on
6 / 10 Instrumentalmente está muy bien, pero por momentos es monótono y aburrido.
Meh. I liked this back in the day but these days it leaves me pretty cold.
Just like the previous Wilco album I have trouble understanding this album it’s so boring and yet mysteriously popular. Hope it’s the last Wilco on the list.
I was so bored during this (2nd) Wilco album that I decided to look at the 1001 book and make sure it was the last - its not, still another to go :( As I said in my last Wilco review, I feel like I should like this with my taste in music, but I just don't - total snoozefest! I also was horrified to realised when I was looking at the book that there are ZERO Cranberries albums?! 3 Wilco and no Cranberries, how is that possible?
72%
Nothing grinds my gears more than a singer who sounds like they're bored while singing
Like Beck and Radiohead came together, led by one of the most dull, boring lead vocalists on the list.
Another album I’ve heard tons about through pop culture osmosis but never listened to, this one was really solid. I don’t have much to say about it but it was a great fusion of Wilco sound with more mainstream 2000s sounds. War on war and Jesus etc were my favs.
One of the greatest albums made this millennia. A masterpiece of folk, rock, Americana, country, noise, alternative, rock, post-rock, non-music, sampling and ambient. Every album should sound like this.
Set the tone for the decade to follow.
du rock/folk ben monotone 4/10
Pretty good Indie type album. I had never heard it before. It's pretty good and probably something that I would listen to again when I'm in a chill mood.
If you needed somebody to represent the turn of the century, Wilco would be a good choice.. Their music stands testament, 20+ years on.
Pretty boring album, there's some decent songs in the middle but it starts off with nothing and ends with nothing, I was not impressed with most of the songs on this album
Super chill album
I’ve listened to this album a few times over the years because a lot of people whose opinions I respect love it, but it never quite landed. Was excited when it came up because I wanted to give it a close, attentive listen. My opinion hasn’t changed. It just doesn’t do it for me. Certainly not bad by any means, but just not my cup of tea.
Not my cup of tea...
Sad and sweet. Eternal Wilco. Love it.
listened before, and it's not like a hate it. it's exactly the 90s genre i like, but i just feel like i prefer other stuff.
I remember the first time I heard this album I was confused. Then my good friend Mop gave me the key: listen to it like a cross-country trip listening to the radio. Genius! Though not my favorite Wilco, I love this album, not for any particular song (though Heavy Metal Drummer, PKB, Man Who Love You, and other great songs are here), but for the experience this album uniquely offers. It would rank it as one of the best concept albums of our generation! Apparently all you need is a Mop, a key and a CD!
One of my dessert island albums. This is truly a masterpiece. Jesus, Etc. is the standout track but the whole sonic landscape of picking up radio signals across the midwest is so cool. The weird "Yankee, Hotel, Foxtrot" voice at the end of Poor Places is one of my favorite parts of the album. Heavy Metal Drummer might be the only track that doesn't fit in on this album but it's such a great song about reminiscing about the good ol' days that it still works in the middle of this album. I'm going to go put on the headphones and listen to it again.
great
72% (4) 👍
Always hard to decide whether I think this or Sky Blue Sky is a more perfect record, but it is like comparing Abbey Road to the White Album. And yes, I made that parallel, because Wilco is that good. I think this is a culmination of everything the band (and Jeff Tweedy before Wilco) had been doing in the years before, while the addition of Nels Cline on the next album took things to an entirely new level. Both are always worth the listen.
Really good easy listen
B I Am Trying To Break Your Heart 3 Kamera 3 Radio Cure 3 War On War 3 Jesus, Etc. 3 Ashes Of American Flags 4 Heavy Metal Drummer 4 I'm The Man Who Loves You 3 Pot Kettle Black 4 Poor Places 4 Reservations 3 Wilco serves, but not as if it's a high-end restaurant. It is more like a 99. It's a great meal BECAUSE it's a great deal. And there's no bones about that.
I knew Wilco from a couple of songs but I have never been a fan. This album - ok, quite ok but still nothing which convinces me
Not really an album I’d come back to, but I was intrigued by some of the choices regarding instrumentation and production.
I don't know what to say about this album. It's alright but it's quite forgettable. I expected it to be a tad better. It's a blessing that Tweedy can sing unlike Tom Waits whose album I reviewed yesterday. The instrumentation is clever in places but it's not enough to stand out. 2 stars for this unremarkable album.
A band I'd heard by name but not by music. A wonderful surprise to find a brilliantly produced album packed with indie charm and experimental ambience. Whilst there's nothing to really dislike though, there wasn't a huge amount that really stood out to me. However, I can see this as being an album that'd grow on you, and would be great to come back to and be familiar with. Being wrapped up in this album is a great place to be - I just didn't feel particular moved by it. Overall, 3.5/5
One of my all time favorites
modern americana
not good not bad i can see why people enjoy it I am just not one of those people. i don't like the lead singers voice.
Boring except for clocks
Best Songs: Jesus, Etc. Heavy Metal Drummer I'm the Man Who Loves You
Can’t say I was captivated by this. I’d not listened to Wilco beef, not sure I’ll be rushing back to listen to them again.
С претензией на поп-арт, но по факту скучная шляпа
It's one of those, right? An alt-indiepostfolk-rock album, this side of Grunge, Dad music for contemporary dads, that, in a slightly different parallel universe, I would love? But that, here, I don't? That, while I appreciate the sounds and sensations, bores me? That might have a chance to "grow on me" but why should I want it to? Yep, one of those. It has my sympathy, but I can't say that I care much for it.
The keyboards really make some of these songs pop (eg, Kamera, Radio Cure) and Jesus, Etc remains a powerful piece of indie rock. Heavy Metal Drummer has some real bite to it. There's nothing left of the old country Wilco by now, except maybe a feeling at some points. This isn't a classic for me, but I think I get why it is for some.
Fine
This was alright. Kind of boring, but generally this isn’t a genre I love. Okay for what it was but I wouldn’t listen to it again.