Reviews (page 4 of 9)
Not bad, but not practically know worthy either. Seems like I just wanted to check the box for her rose depressing summer music with that certain woe is me sound.
Eh. Technically fine, just found it a bit boring
Its okay, malonus švelnus balsas. Gražios melodijos.
Nice
No thanks.
It's so fucking dull. It's just some sad-sack sounding bloke mumbling into a microphone. Every song sounds the same, and they all bleed into one another. I actually like a depressing album if it invokes some kind of feeling in me, but this sounds like he's struggling to pull himself up from the sofa. There's absolutely zero edges to this, it's just one monotonous, boring slump of an album.
Un peu boring
Frappe !! Afraid of everyone Runaway England
2.5/5
This is yet another album that someone who was 22 at some point between 2007 and 2012 would probably tell me changed their life after trying to hand me an IPA.
Some bands you miss and then you realize you were an idiot. This is one for me. I would have loved these guys in the oughts. Great indie rock and carries a feel all the way through the record. That feeling is a bit of a downer but in a good way. Belongs on the list. Good one and I will be coming back for more National
#149/1001. I had only a vague idea what kind of music The National plays - perhaps something in between Coldplay and the xx. And to Bo honest this is what this album sounds like. And if I had to choose which one it reminds more it would be xx, thank God for that. I like the layers of sounds, how they texture the sky with multitudinous clouds, yet still the 80s sun shines through here and there, revealing a sophisticated and mature approach of song making and a nod to the past, building on what has been instead of just xeroxing a bad copy.
3.5
Predictable chord progressions, tuneless singing, whiny sad boi faux-oblique lyrics that aim for profundity, songs that aimlessly build to woeful guitar dirges…gutted that was my first album on here :( Props for some decent drumming throughout
This is quite good. Shame they suck live.
Vraiment pas pour moi, surtout le mood. Très terne. Je ne vais pas réécouter
C’est exactement ce que sonne les années 2010
Sorrow // Conversation 16 // 2.5/5
Immersive, probably really good if you’re really into music world or live in lemon world. A bit inaccessible to me though. The Ohio song slightly catchier
I hadn’t done a full listen in years, as when I’m in the mood for the National, I usually go with Alligator or Boxer (both 5 stars in my opinion), and I really enjoyed it more than expected. The reputation I gave it as quality, but a little sleepy, was unmerited. The songs and lyrics are honest and gorgeous. I must be more patient as I get older because I had no problem with the pacing either. Brought back some wonderful memories from this era also - it’s what this project is all about.
Well it's not butt rock, more like... cum rock? Maybe they should have focused more on making good music than making artsy music. This is music for hipsters who don't like or listen to music. They also could have made a few different songs instead of the same song 11 times. This has propably been the toughest listen so far, both the music and the lyrics are super pretentious and absolutely garbage at the same time. Ohio skibidi bee rizz
What Shelly said. Singer mumbles, the lyrics you do hear are dumb, they sound like they’re trying to sound like a really thoughtful band for low IQ people.
Doesn’t really move me one way or another. The background music of depression is how I would describe it. Wasn’t the worst thing I’ve ever heard.
I had heard them before and wasn't impressed, but this time around it was more enjoyable. Worked well as flight music but don't know that it would keep my attention otherwise. Prob a 2.5 but I'm feeling generous.
I can’t totally put my finger on why this band annoys me so much, but they really do. I used to think they were just kinda sleepy, and i was being a contrarian hater, whatever. But listening to the songs and thinking about how huge they are, this album became actively irritating to me…they know four chords, one drumbeat, and the singer has a 6 note range, so they make the same dirge of a song over and over again. But hey, you can always cover it up with some strings, uninteresting horn parts, major 7ths on a piano, and a bunch of reverb/delay pedals, and it will be hailed as “yearning genius” among people who wear wool hats that don’t cover their ears. The fake poetic lyrics are even worse - “Stuck in New York and the rains coming down”….how original. “We’ll play nuns versus priests until somebody cries”….deep. “I don’t have the drugs to sort it out”. What are these songs about? Where is any sense of melody, story, excitement, or even just fun? This is just mumble lo-if for people who lived in Williamsburg in 2011 and take Polaroids at their parties. Annoying.
This very specific era and genre is nostalgic and I can’t help but to like it. This, like The Airborne Toxic Event’s self titled and Give Up by the Postal Service are those melancholy indie albums that would be great to cry to on a rainy winter day.
Just was alright. Didn’t hate it but then again, nothing to love either.
Forgettable 2000's white people music
I'm a big fan of The National, but I understand they're not an easy band to get into - their hooks are subtle, lyrics often obscure, and their sound doesn't vary hugely between albums or even songs. This is the first of their albums that I really connected with, and after that I heard their previous albums differently too. Musically, lyrically and vocally this album is terrific. I know it's difficult when you're listening to a new album every day, but I encourage those who don't connect with it straight away to give it a couple more listens. It might just open up their entire back catalog to you.
Ah, so this is where the 2010s indie vibes came from. It's cool to hear that, but the post-punk vibes here just have so little soul to them.
This album bored me to tears. I really can't stand the vocals. I'd say it has no redeeming qualities but I kind of liked England and I actually enjoyed the last song. Favorite track: Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks
Nice but boring? Feels like a mix of Death Cab For Cutie and Interpol I guess, but more boring than both
Nice sound…
They sound like more interesting bands but with the more interesting stuff stripped out. Not a bad listen but doesn’t feel like it belongs on a ‘you must hear this’ list.
Matt Berninger is easily one of the best lyricists of the 21st century, and that remains consistent across this band's discography. But my problem with The National is that the songwriting has always just been bland. Each layer on its own is totally fine, certainly not bad, but the music is never the star of the show on the records, and therefore the band never really feels like a band. HOWEVER, if you enjoyed Matt's contributions to this album but, like me, can't really back The National, I highly HIGHLY recommend checking out the duo project consisting of Matt and Brent Knopf in 2015 under the name EL VY. The album "Return to the Moon" should absolutely be on this list.
The National fandom grows every time a sad boy grows to become a sad man.
Good god this was so boring. A lot of this kind of music from this era rubs me the wrong way. It’s so morose and self-important, but worst of all, it’s SOOOOOO BORING. And in my opinion, that’s the most unforgivable thing that music can be. I had this on all morning while I was doing some chores around the house, listening straight through probably 4 times, and not a single track stands out. Forget standing out, I could barely tell one track from another. 200 something albums in and this is going to get my first ever one star rating. And that’s not because it was so bad, per se, but because it committed the cardinal sin (in my opinion) of being irredeemably lifeless and boring. The National…fuck off. 1/5 Highlights: None
didn't catch me
Finally, some MILLENIAL slop. Maybe I was wrong for judging Britpop so hard. This is just as terrible but at least Britpop was exciting. This is just fucking boring and dreary. Not only was this boring as fuck, it also completely lacked creativity. This album could have been one song, it all sounds exactly the same and I unfortunately tuned into the lyrics, which were just vapid stupid shit about "leaving the city" or "I need the pills to fix me". Fuck me, no wonder everybody was depressed back then. My personal favourite, "I was carried to Ohio in a swarm of bees" This is exactly the kind of shit a 2010's latte sipping hipster was bopping when that was cool. Holy fuck am I glad we left this shit in the past. I'm just shocked I haven't heard any of these songs featured on an ad for a 2015 Kia Sorento or in a sad scene in Suits. I genuinely couldn't finish this piece of shit, and I don't need to, every song is the fucking same. Fuck this trash.
Gay loser 2011 coming of age movie that is critically acclaimed and then immediately forgotten soundtrack. Did not like it and don’t know who the audience is that goes out of their way to listen to this. It’s about 15bpm away from being car ad music.
Maybe we were too harsh on the BritPop maybe the true scourge of this list is the 2010s overproduced Indie Slop which this list apparently has a metric fuck ton of. This was alright, and generally I enjoy 2010s overproduced indieslop but it is getting tiresome. 6/10
Dull in a weirdly pleasant way. Only one song really grabbed me here on multiple listens. The album's production is great, the vocals are good and clearly the band are very talented with a clear vision. It just didn't really land with me. It's a good album, just not my thing. The vocals sounded familiar, then I read that these guys recorded the Rains of Castamere for Game of Thrones. A fun fact that made me think about how much that show sucked ass from season 5 onwards, but I won't deduct points for that. Highlights: Little Faith
When speaking on the indie rock movement of the late 00s/early 10s, The National are a band you'll hear mentioned a lot and deservedly so. Their sound perfectly encapsulates that young melancholy. It's that feeling when you're no longer a teenager and yet still so lost navigating your twenties. Wether or not it was intentional, their music feels like it was made for a coming-of-age indie film. There's a haunting bass that resides throughout the songs whether it's from the thunderous drums or Matt Beringer's vocals. It never stays there though. It swells and swells into this overwhelming crescendo. The songs feels painful but they're not depressing. In fact, they're full of hope. There's a fight in them. There's a lesson to be learned. Whether it's trying to be a better person to save a failing relationship, or finding comfort in letting go of love. These songs become cathartic. 4.5 stars
A pleasant surprise.
Decent indie background noise
..
Enjoyed it more as it went on. Standout songs: Bloodbuzz Ohio Runaway England
Yawn. Not terrible but so bland.
Dull and monotonous. The lead singer sounds like he doesn't care if you like his music or not because he isn't sure if HE likes it or not. I could see this music paired with credit rolls on drama films that people watch once and forget. They're probably set in the Pacific NW.
Too mellow
Oooo this is great, it's indie lo-fi but great vocalist, this is a real sleeper hit
Pretty gloomy album. Many of the tracks just fell under the same umbrella in terms of song construction and never really got going. No payoff, just one setting all throughout. Side note: This list has obviously exposed me to all sorts of artists & albums and I always have to remind myself that every single album on here is someone else's favorite album. Makes me feel a bit bad when making these sort of semi-negative reviews, but I can only rate based on my personal experiences and interests. Music reaches everyone differently and can be interpreted in so many ways. That's why music is such a treat! Anyway, I won't remember this album come tomorrow. Onto the next one!
I never got the hype for the National 🤷🏼♂️
Decent album. Got bored with it after a while.
Enjoyed
Really cool
sound feels nostalgic or trying to forget something. very emo, but nothing harsh
I couldn't wait for this one to end. So monotonous and tedious. And I feel like I'm just missing something while listening to this album... " I was carried to Ohio in a swarm of bees". "You and your sister live in a lemon world". Pretty bad.
Good, inventive songs, a bit on a slow side
beautiful, folksy soundscape
Melodious
Not for me, distinctly average
Again who makes this list
1. terrible - 0 2. zorrouu - 1.5 3. ghozt - 1 4. Faith - 1 5. Afraid - 1.5 6. Ohio - 1 7. Lemon - 1 8. Run - 1.5 9. Conversation - 1.5 10. England - 1 11. Geeks - 0
First track I wasn’t overly fussed on this. I found the vocals a bit boring. By the third song though I was starting to really enjoy it. I don’t know if it was just a case where I needed a couple of songs for them to click with me. Overall a great album I’ll definitely be keeping it saved to revisit later. Top Tracks - Runaway and England
Musica para ir en colectivo
Ok
This is such an okay album. It’s a nice indie album but like. That’s it. It feels like any of these songs could have been in a commercial or an AMC show you forgot existed
White nice
Enjoyed this, but I still enjoy boxer better.
Even the band sounds bored lol
I’ve tried many times over the last decade to get into The National, but I always struggle. High Violet hasn’t changed that. For me, around 80% of this album feels dull and dreary, with only the occasional highlight breaking through. When the band does lift the tone, the music comes alive—“Conversation 16” being a perfect example. It makes me think that The National are at their best when they allow a little more energy into their sound. Overall, though, High Violet comes across as monotonous and forgettable. Favourite track: “Conversation 16” is brilliant, and “England” is also a strong moment. Beyond that, most of the album doesn’t leave much of an impression. Least favourite track: The opening two songs, “Terrible Love” and “Sorrow,” are such slow, uninspired ways to start an album—I won’t be revisiting them. Album artwork: Very cool cover—possibly the best thing about this record..
Warm, cozy-toned but drivenly-paced indie rock album filled with some of the most cryptic and abstract lyrics juxtaposed with much more straightforward lines More of a consistent overall-feeling album than a highs-and-lows one, although I was familiar with Bloodbuzz Ohio before I listened to the album and it's still a standout
autumntime sadness y'all
Really nice indie rock album from an artist that is new to me. Both the slower and more speedy songs add a lot to the albums over all feel. It feels cohesive and the songs flow well in to each other. Definitely something I will listen to again.
Completely unmemorable. I do not understand why so many people hold this band into Thai regard.
mid
Ok
I just don't like The National. They are highly regarded in the indie community, but I find their songs slow, musically boring, and Matt Berninger's voice very grating. I like some monotone groups, like Leonard Coen or Joy Division, but this is missing the sauce that makes those so compelling. Even the song names and themes just are so unappealing to me, like Bloodbuzz Ohio.
I was excited for this album, as I’ve always liked what I’ve heard from The National and “Bloodbuzz Ohio” is a phenomenal song. First pass through of this … I liked it. It’s not a ringing endorsement to call something “accessible” but that’s how I felt about it. I’ll listen to it again, but I don’t feel like I was listening to anything timeless or classic. Solid three stars.
I remember The National being a pretty popular band around this time, with a lot of DJs and producers remixing their tracks. Whenever I checked out the original versions of some of those remixes, they never left much of a lasting impression. Listening to this album now, I kind of feel the same way. It’s definitely not bad, it’s a solid product of its time, but it sounds like the average indie rock bands of that era. While it wasn’t an unpleasant listen, nothing about it really stands out, and I can already tell this will be one of those easily forgettable albums for me.
Plutôt sympa mais relativement oubliable. Un peu une vibe de musique qui pourrait être dans la BO de Life is Strange par moments. Pas de truc particulier positif ni négatif à dire.
Je connaissais « fake empire » d’un autre album. Je trouve ça agréable à écouter et j’adore la voix, un bon 3,7/5
Assez oubliable, j'ai eu l'impression que toutes les chansons étaient les mêmes. Mais je n'ai pas non plus été très attentif... 2/5
I'm at a 3 here, it was pretty easy listening today and blended into the background but I couldn't really pick out anything that caught my attention. Not bad, but pretty average for me.
This is one of those albums that actually makes a case for indie rock being worth the hype. The National crafted something here that feels both moody and expansive, with a sound that grows on you the more you sit with it. “Bloodbuzz Ohio” is the obvious highlight, a driving and hypnotic track that sticks in your head long after it ends. “Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks” closes things out beautifully, a poignant and emotional moment that shows just how much range the band really has. That one hit harder than I expected. Not every track grabs you right away, but as a whole, the album flows together in a way that keeps you pulled into its atmosphere. High Violet balances darkness with warmth, and for indie rock, that is a tough line to walk. This one nailed it. Favorite song: Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks
9/8/25. Will take me a couple listens, but like the deeper lyrics and somewhat uplifting melodies on a few of the songs. This isn't really my genre, but it's very accessible.
Genre: Indie Rock Decent record, with some big production and some pretty good songs, but with vocals that lack luster. Everything in 2010 had to sound like this: reverb-y, songs progress almost like a Bruce Springsteen song, and everything gets real big. Some songs do it great, others are okay. Decent album. 3/5
Thought this was solid. Kinda surprised how much I liked it since I don't really love what I'd heard from the band or singer before (not really a fan of his voice). It's another one of the modern-ish indie-rock efforts where the music is more atmospheric and melancholy but with the purpose of building as it goes rather than being constantly present throughout. As a result, there's less happening than you think at times, then more happening than you think at others. I guess I'd call it deceptively boring. Or deceptively interesting, depending on where you're at. It was a tad long for the experience, but didn't drag too much. It's fine, maybe even good. Not sure I'd say it's something you need to hear before you die, though, even if I liked it well enough. Overall: 3.25/5
Non male per nulla molto vibes da musica di sottofondo
Did every indie band during this time get a pamphlet telling them how to sound? It’s fine, it’s just not interesting or different.
I *really* enjoyed revisiting this one. I don't remember being as fond of it as Boxer or Alligator at the time, and I guess that's still true, but there's something about the subtle, understated nature of this one thats given it real staying power.
Interesting but dreary. It's raining outside, so I needed something more cheery.
It was fine. Relaxing
Push Play for Sleep.
I hate 21st century indie so much. He doesn’t seem to care about what he’s singing about, why should I? I blame Morrissey, that turd.
I like the national and i love alligator and boxer. I engaged with this album when it was released and enjoyed it without falling in love. It has a lot of what i like about the national: the heightened state of emotion, perfectly captured in lush orchestration and the deep baritone vocal. Something that sweeps you up and takes you away for 3 minute. For this album i feel like the high water marks like blood buzz still have that, but there is a bit more filler. I also feel like thier expanded sound, designed to fill the stadiums they were now playing removes a sense of intimacy that i really miss
its like “indie rock” as defined by A.I. shit’s weak
Yuck. This is mega lame. Mega ultra Uber lame. Do any of these people even want to be here making this? Sure doesnt sound like it. Just flat from the first moments till I trudged through to the end. Maybe I could see the lyrics having some punch to them but I dont listen to them sorry. But coming out of this monotone boring ass voice who even cares if the content has any legs. Dude doesnt want to preform it. Just let it dribble out of his mouth. The backing music isn't horrible but its so boiler plate nothingness. This could be the backing to any indie band that has ever existed and it would also fit just the same. Its so boring. All around a horrific waste of 45 minutes. I'll always listen to everything all the way through but this was getting close to a dnf.
Wow I love this album. Lyrics great. Drumming is great. Wow!!
blubblubblubblubnummmbubbalupbummmmm... gummmbluhhh bummm Will Leitch does a cruel and inaccurate impression of Matt Berninger that makes me laugh. Can't disagree. "Bloodbuzz Ohio" is a good track but the rest is humblebumble low-register sadboy stuff.
High Violet has that brooding, late night vibe with Berninger’s vocals pulling you in, the kind of album that makes you want to revisit it after
bloodbuzz ohio is an excellent song. the rest of the album is not bad but as good.
There are many valid criticisms of The National, some of which I've made myself: their music can blend together and they often all feel like they have a formulaic slow build to an instrumental crescendo at the end. But that doesn't change my opinion that this album may end up being the apex of their discography, with Boxer and Trouble Will Find Me on either end of it. It's gloomy but beautiful, and I could listen to it on repeat, which to me is the mark of a truly great album.
Enjoyable. Bloodbuzz Ohio !!
It was nice. Mellow, nice melodies, pensive. Somewhat reminiscent of 80s alternative music. I wanted more bite though.
OK. Often just a smear of sound, which isn't my thing. Some decent stuff, but nothing inspiring, just kind of boring.
How have I never heard of them before? Really, really enjoyed it.
Listened to the whole thing but wasn't a fan of their sound
Not my style, but good background music.
vibes
The monotony of this is a turn-off. All the songs sound formulaic ... and it's depressing.
It was quite a good album. However it is not exactly my tase in music.
Very average and boring. It did slightly pick up in the second half but this wasn't my favourite.
Ok but mines the same sound as Bon Iver and Volcano Choir etc.. Although if I’d heard The National first I’d have probably said same about Bon Iver etc on hearing. LOL
This was excellent; I hadn’t heard it before
2 // Very 2010s rock album. It sounds exactly like what you'd expect from an album with this cover. To me, this is nothing music
01) Terrible Love - 8,0 02) Sorrow - 8,0 03) Anyone's Ghost - 9,0 04) Little Faith - 7,5 05) Afraid of Everyone - 8,0 06) Bloodbuzz Ohio - 8,0 07) Lemonworld - 8,5 08) Runaway - 8,5 09) Conversation 16 - 8,0 10) England - 8,0 11) Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks - 8,5 TOTAL: 8,18 (82/100)
Був в мене період прям фанатіння по The National і навіть колись я обнімався з вокалістом (було дуже душевно) на концерті. Але мало було в моєму житті гуртів, до музики яких я охолонув би настільки сильно наскільки це трапилось з National. Все ще звісно люблю певні їх пісні, як, наприклад, mr november (не з цього альбому), але загалом я став якось розуміти чому цей гурт деякі люди хейтять.
Excellent album, classic National, was not familiar with this one, but dark and mysterious while still being upbeat and and catchy.
I can understand the vocals but not following them right now. I like the sound. Lemonworld
3/5
One song in and I can tell they're good but not my kind of thing. Not something I'd casually listen to but I'll put it on when hanging out with people.
<3
83/100 second best album from this project, i love every single song from it and now i really wanna listen to more from the national
This band creates a really cool sound. Atmospheric, lush, thoughtful. If I listened to it a few times I would love it.
I’m not sure why I never got into The National. Did taste freeze set in for me just before the band hit? Maybe! For what it’s worth, I’ve enjoyed a lot of Bryce Dessner’s other work. The vocals here are a little low-key, but the band’s sound is up my alley. The lyrics are smart and engaging. If I’d processed it in 2010, “Sorrow” absolutely would have been one of the songs of my year. So good! When I actually listened to it today, I immediately stopped everything I was doing. And then hit repeat about a dozen times in a row. That’s a helluva song—and about one of my favorite(?) topics, lost love.
такий потужний 2010 hopeful core, навіть сердечко защіміло. я ніколи їх не слухала, але щось подібне в ті часи так (radical face, наприклад), якщо не казати про зміст, то просто оце відчуття ностальгії за часами, коли ти підліток і все краще ще попереду, це вже змушує мене зачепитися за альбом. чи є тут щось окрім цієї ностальгії, складно сказати... така музика - одна з перших кандидатів на те, щоб бути заміненою шіїшкою, бо я не впевнена в щирості цього гурта, коли вони це спивають. це дуже проста, спокійна і безпечна музика, щось що грало в кав'ярнях до винаходу лоу-фай хіп-хоп плейлистів, і на мій смак, я би краще послухала дженерік інді ніж дженерік лоу-фай. але не більше того.
Pretty good. Better than I was expecting. If I was born 15 or so years later I might have been really into this group. BEES!!!
Not bad, hadn’t listened to The National in a bit. Don’t necessarily need to come back for a while, but enjoyed the experience.
Fine. Pretty good. Never got into them. Though I do remember one member of this group telling another that they WILL like The National.
i usually like dry melancholic indie rock but this albums bland production and sleepy vocals really weren't doing it for me.
Mid-to-good middle of the road indie rock.
chilling, deep
Okay
bland and monotonous
First half better than the second
Felt like Leonard Cohen with a more upbeat band.
It was decent.
Beaucoup de bruits dans ma tête, il ne me reste plus beaucoup de place pour dancer
It was alright. Not painful on the ears but I'm definitely not a fan of mumblecore. Could hardly understand a single lyric.
Beige music. Absolutely terrible
I liked
Falta sustância
Not bad. A nice, easy to listen to, indie album. Maybe a bit too bland.
Just a bit too much like Phish and bill Callahan had a drony baby for me. That's mean. There is plenty of redemption here: clever lyrics, solid arrangements, and a nice balanced tone...this National album just feels a bit to samey for me.
Some great tracks on this one, though I'm not typically a fan of this era's style. I thought it was a good listen overall, but I did miss those big highs. The chord progressions felt a bit repetitive at times. Still, it's a solid experience. 7.5/10.
4.5/5
I'm liking this so far. Maybe not as much as that editor from NME who rated all their albums 1-7 or whatever, but it's good. It's a different sound, but they are in that same indie vibe as Wilco. I am really liking this album, every song is good. I should have given them a chance before now. Consider me a fan of The National, this is a revelation. Indie Rock is going to hit my favorite genre list soon. And what's up first after the album ends...Wilco. I nailed it!
Fine, but on par with my previous impression of The National. Heard "Sea of Love" somewhere, from their follow-up album, a nice song that made me check them out only to find they're just too comfortable with their sad, middle-aged melancholic dude schtick. Live a little, guys. We have anger, too!
This album is super solid all the way through. Reminds me of The Blue Nile but in a more indie way. Great album, this is gonna be a really high 4 for me
It was ok. Not great but a good listen.
Muito muito bom
7.5/10
It's good. A bit monotonous but a couple of decent tracks
almost perfect
Cool album, I just think I need to familiarize myself with 2010s indie sounds. But this is quite a sonically pleasing body of work, but definitely not what I am particularly use to. There's a lot of "moments" but just not enough to fully bring me in. Not a bad album, it's just a cool album. Maybe I may need a few more listens to get into it.
good indie, nothing special
My initial thought was that these guys were chasing Nick Cave; somewhere around "Runaway" I realized they're actually chasing who Cave is chasing, which is Dylan. And as audacious a thing as that is to be doing in 2010, I'm happy to report that they've come as close as anybody in the 21st century to catching up to him. The production is simultaneously lush and unobtrusive - you can see how the Dessners ended up in such demand on that front - but the real story is, well, the stories. "The floors are fallin' down from everybody I know," Matt Berninger sings on "Bloodbuzz Ohio," and I didn't know until I heard it how much that line would haunt me. If I were ten years younger this album might have become my whole personality; as it stands it may still become some part of it.
Boxer is my favorite National album by far, but this is definitely a solid second place entry.
Reminded me a bit of Coldplay, but without any hooks, and I'm not a fan of Coldplay. Pretty dismal and atonal. Two stars. I was tempted to knock this down to one star, as the Wikipedia article about the band said they sounded a bit like Joy Division, and I took great umbrage at this, but I guess it's not the band's fault that their weak output has been compared to greatness.
Anyone's Ghost, Conversation 16
On the whole found this one fairly bland but with the odd stand out track. Didn't make much of an impression to be honest.
An American version of Arcade Fire. I have tried to like Arcade Fire over the years, but I have never been drawn in. The National is better. I actually enjoyed the album. Musically, it moves around technically and keeps you interested while the lyrics slowly draw you in. One listen, and I will definitely return. The singer reminds me of someone, but I can't quite put a finger on it. Worth your attention.
Finally! Another album I love enough to give five stars before listening, and not just out of nostalgia. I actually can't wait to listen now. Listened and still loved it. Not my favorite The National, but still love it.
Majestic melancholy. It came in such a good run of albums, too, with this and Trouble Will Find Me probably the peak. (Check out Ragnar Kjartansson's Endless Sorrow if you get the chance)
Really enjoying this album. Started off shaky, wasn't huge on the opening track but maybe I would be now that I get their sound more. Really like the guy's voice. It does feel like other bands of the era - heavy reverb guitars, songs that build but don't really change at all; not a lot of differentiation between tracks. Too much going on, feels like a wall of sound in a bad way. And, although I was enjoying it, it quickly became very forgettable after I turned it off. Really nothing memorable about this to me, despite being a fairly solid album 2.5
Adding to library
Rating: 2.5 I feel like The National’s target audience is 35-45 year old men, and I’m not even close to that age but I do like them approximately twice as much as when I was younger. So maybe the prophecy will come true? Maybe I should actually review the album and say that it is otherworldly beautiful at times, horribly slow, boring and corny at others. Like there are some seriously bad lyrics all over this project. The highlights are all at the beginning of the album.
Not in my edition of the book! 2010. 1 star. Tedious dirges. Dull dull dull. WTF is this doing on the list?
Surprisingly good
Znači tako jebački album da to nije normalno. Lemonworld je jedna od njihovih najboljih pjesama. O BO ŽA VAM. 100/100
jako dobro! najdraža stvar i dalje lemonworld, al i ostale su jako dobre
I found this to be ok and average at best with the only real standout being “Bloodbuzz Ohio”. 2.5/5
I can respect the hell out of these guys for continuing to release albums on their own terms and their own sound. I just never really understood the hype. It’s a totally fine listen that probably hits better in the right mood. But for moody, ambient, melodramatic indie pop-oriented sounds I’ll probably push play on bands like Nick Cave and War On Drugs that do it better.
Good listen and maybe a band I’ll come back to and enjoy more over time. But didn’t have a ton that stood out on this spin so safely in a middle of the road rating. 3.25
I'm not the biggest fan of The National. Think they're totally fine, but not worth all the hype. Unless we're talking bout their collabs with Tay Tay... Bloodbuzz Ohio remains my favorite song of theirs, though not enough to get me to round up on this one. 3.5/5
What are we doing here. It's fine. It's not an addition to the original list that belongs at all.
boring af
A little bit for nostalgia, but still a masterpiece
Sounds like Depeche Mode on Valium
Feels like a fairly unique sounding album, and I think I enjoyed it. It can sometimes feel a bit whiney gloomy, but that mellow and sad tone is also what I like about it. In general the album started out fairly strong, just didn’t finish on top. ’Afraid of Everyone’ was probably my favourite track on the record.
During my gap year and start of college I got into The National and this reminds me of those times. This may be one of the last CDs I bought before going to Spotify full time. I think “Bloodbuzz Ohio” is a great track but the rest of the album doesn’t really carry the same impact. It becomes a quite introspective and samey. I remember “Terrible Love” but I think it’s mostly due to it being the first track. Their followup album “Trouble will find me” is stronger in my opinion. Still, Bloodbuzz Ohio is a good track and saves this album. The National have some good tracks but on this album they are not many.
You know this isn’t usually my thing, but I ended up starting stopping and restarting this one a few times, and it keeps growing on me more with every relisten.
This is not bad, but it is also not great. I've heard a bit from The National that I think is great, but none of it is on this album.
So good
Zero skips!
i’m going thru a breakup so this is exactly my shit
Pretty boring, and it does not sound special at all. Why is this on here?
Very meh. Vocals too low/mumbled to make out the lyrics.
Found this pretty enjoyable but it did feel like the album you drive away from being dumped by your Mrs to. Also not sure I really heard most of words because of his voice versus music balance. Even tried adjusting my settings. Think it would be good music to be stoned to or basically decent come down shit
Pre-listening thoughts: oh FUCK me man i HATE the national Post/during listening thoughts: most boring fucking group to cross the face of the planet. Stupid lead singer with a voice that couldn't be bothered to earn some participation points. Sounds like he's actually falling asleep at the mic. It's like someone took a glass of the magic of Bleachers or Bloc Party and spit in it, peed in it, and watered that shit down so there was only a speck of glitter left. Fuck this stupid band. 2/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: NO Fav tracks: I could not even tell you what I listened to. Boring slop Least fav tracks: all of it
...it was okay i have no real input. pretty bland but not bad
Felt like I was in the sad part of a 2000s romcom.
1.7/really quite boring and the lyrics are so bad. makes less sense than fall out boy
Yeah this was alright. Nothing I’d listen to again. Overall: 3/5
Moody and somber , it operates in a cure esque space for me but not as strong not the melodic Enjoyed the atomphere
It took me a while to warm to the National despite seeing them live a couple of times, including once in a comparatively small venue when they were touring their Boxer album. It wasn’t until The First Two Pages of Frankenstein album that the penny dropped and I fell under their moody, broody, almost Tindersticks-like spell. This isn’t my favourite National album but I really enjoyed listening to it - Anyone’s Ghost, the understated anthem Bloodbuzz Ohio and England probably being the standouts.
Off the cuff remark: it's all very nice with it's understated dramatics!? but it just passes by with nothing standing out. Standout track: perhaps "England" but that's clutching at straws a bit Revisit?: I will be listening to the National again - I have several of their albums. Just not very inspiring.
Very 2010s
Great vibe, moody and ethereal.
Amazing Album
Uf. Canonical indie. Not my thing.
Not my cup of tea
A clearly fatigued man with an unpleasant baritone struggles to get through torturous and cliched lyrics while the band struggles to build up to a cinematic crescendo, but seems to give up half way through when they just can't seem to muster up the necessary energy. No, it's not subdued, it's musical myalgic encephalomyelitis.
Hidasta tempoa, tunnelmointia, oikein mukavaa taustamusiikkia hyvällä maulla. Mieslaulaja rauhallinen
It was ok, not my favorite. Felt sort of repetitive and depressing
A melancholy album but with a beat. One for the days when you’re down and needing lyrics and poetry to get you through. Conversation 16 and Sorrow were my favorites on the first listen but that could change.
no
A perfect album and I'm so happy to see it here. Top 5 favorite albums of all time. All the songs are good but these are the standout ones: * Sorrow * Bloodbuzz Ohio * Conversation 16 * England
Yawn. This was terribly boring and repetitive and tedious.
A solid listen. Nothing too particularly standoutish, but I enjoyed the overall package. Good instrumentals with fitting vocal work.
This was fine. The music was good. But the lead singers voice is boring. Its like he almost starts building to some kind of crescendo. But it never happens. This band has muscle to spare, but refuses to use it.
Este grupo me gusta, no me entusiasma, pero me agrada escucharlo y siempre espero sus discos. Este ya lo había oído y solo tenía en favoritos Bloodbuzz Ohio. Me he quedado igual, tienen discos mejores que este.
I have tried a few times to get into the National, and there are a few tunes of theirs I really enjoy (Tropic Morning News, Abel, Mr. November, Lit Up, basically just all of Alligator). However, this record did nothing for me. Runaway was okay but the rest was in one ear and out the other.
Jezus, wat is dit dan? De zanger klinkt continue alsof ie net is wakker gemaakt en daar actief van aan het balen is. Muzikaal is het ook niet bijzonder, dit is gewoon mijn minst favoriete muziek: Slaapverwekkede indierock. Ik snap gewoon niet waarom dit zo populair is? Want er zijn echt zo ontzettend veel bands die precies dit doen, dat coolige, zing praten. Het klinkt niet mooi, het leidt ontzettend af van de muziek en ohja, het zorgt er ook nog eens voor dat ALLES hetzelfde klinkt. Nee, ik heb me door dit album moeten worstelen. Dit is pure 13 in een dozijn liftmuziek, en ik snap werkelijk niet dat dit hier tussen moet staan. Dit is voor mij althans inspiratieloze indierock en ik geef het dan ook 1 ster. Meestal kan ik nog wel iets moois erin vinden, maar het trage zingen, gecombineerd met dat het klinkt alsof niemand het naar zn zin heeft zorgt er bij mij voor dat ik me actief heb zitten irriteren aan dit album.
I found this to be musically boring.
Weird kinda samey. Felt like I was supposed to like it more than I did... On a re-listen with headphones on there's a distinct nuance of sound that bumps the score up from a 3 to a 4. I admit this sounds great, but I probably won't revisit
It was fine. I guess. It had such a nondescript sound, that I listened to three songs from different bands past the album before I realized.
listened to this twice and both times it sort of faded into the background. solid tho. could i write poetry to this? n
I swear I've tried with this band. They're kinda droney-shoegazey, from Ohio, support progressive social causes, and even have a member named Bryce (half-star granted for that). I even shelled out for the Dressner brothers-produced Grateful Dead tribute box set. They have so much going for them, but I just can't enjoy their music. I just don't love their sound. I think it's a matter of dynamics. Everything they do is compressed to keep the highs from getting too high and the lows from the lowest. Matt Berninger's voice barely wavers from his narrow baritone. The result, while meticulously produced, smacks of indifference.
I also was carried to Ohio by a swarm of bees.
Another artist I've seen live before. The National is not really my type of music, but I like it nonetheless. They teeter a bit on boring at times with the kind of monotone vocals but it never really becomes boring. The monotone vocals set a great atmosphere and I like the guitar playing on here as well. A lot of good songs I liked, particularly Bloodbuzz Ohio and England.
As it happens I’m very much in the process of discovering The National. This was prompted would you believe by Taylor Swift. Aaron Dessner has featured in her last few albums and his contribution has led me to his own music and as a result I have bought this album so now know it quite well. It did pass me buy when released in 2010 so this proves it is never too late to discover and appreciate new talent. As many have said a lot of the tracks do merge into one another but the overall ambiance of the music is nice to have in the background. 3/5 18/6/25
I'd heard really good things about The National in the past. I was hoping for the best, but I can't say this one blew me away. It was alright, but didn't really get me. Liked: "Bloodbuzz Ohio", "England" Really didn't like: "Lemonworld"
...
really love some, but they all kinda blend together. personal faves are anyone’s ghost and little faith ok wait i love runaway a lot actually back half is stronger
enjoy deep voice
Nice background music but not my go to pick
Volyymivaihtelubiisit, stadionballadit, pari erikoista sanaa kiinnittämässä kuulija huomion silloin tällöin - minusta toimii, vaikka onhan tää kieltämättä imelää. B-puoli ehkä snadisti lässähtää, vaikka Bloodbuzz Ohio yrittää sen nostattaa. Yksi tähti ihan mun sentimentaalisuuden takia.
Bändi saa omat kicksinsä fiilistelystä. Lisäksi he sattuvat ajoittain keksimään nautinnollisen melodian tai pari. Tekee mieli antaa jonkinlaista tunnustusta. Matala 2.
phenomenal
It took me a long time to get into The National - but damn that's a rock solid band. Mark Berninger is a supremely underrated songwriter - started listening to a bit of his solo stuff too. Super awesome
Enjoyable in a dour way.
The nostalgia is real. This takes me right back to visiting the reptile zoo - full of hope, staring at a motionless snake that clearly has no plans to move before the heat death of the universe. This album really captures that same feeling. Interesting for the first 20 seconds of each track, and then you slowly realize: it’s just the musical equivalent of a lizard basking under a heat lamp. Not bad by any means and perfect music to slowly fade into the background of whatever you are doing.
Reminds me of The Church
Never heard this before and really liked it. I planned to give it a 4, and then the day after I heard it, Brian Wilson died. I started thinking “is it as good as Pet Sounds?” Because I couldn’t figure out what to score it, I left it for another day. I then got “The Beach Boys Today!” which is definitely not as good as Pet Sounds. I then got “Smile” by Brian Wilson, and I couldn’t figure out whether that was as good as Pet Sounds. At some point I’m going to get Pet Sounds. I think that might be as good as Pet Sounds, but I’ll have to wait to find out. What I did work out was that comparing things to Pet Sounds is pointless, and given I really liked this album I decided to give it a 5, partly because it’s so good, but mainly because I wasted its time comparing it to Pet Sounds. RIP Brian, you had nothing to do with this album, but you did make Pet Sounds.
Lots of songs sound the same, but they are quite enjoyable.
Cool
Definitely a top tier record by this band? perfect? idk. Really good? yes.
I've not listened to it for quite a while - but I recall it as being pretty good.
2/5 pretty good but not for Chad. Had a very small Grizol vibe
Really really good, I've slept on this band as early 2000s slop for a while but boy was I wrong
This was a solid album with indie rock vibes. I enjoyed how low-key this album was and how it lead to some chill listening for my morning commute. I would listen to this album again and encourage others to check it out!
A bit generic, but well made. Not my favourite genre. It was a good listen though.
I liked this at first - slow, sad music with a deep-voiced singer is usually a winner. It felt like it never really went anywhere, though, and the album started to feel pretty mediocre in the second half. Favorite: Afraid of Everyone 3-3.5?
★★½
Good album from a good band. The vocals are moody but fitting, the instrumental work is complex where it needs to be, and they're paired well. The National is great at building intensity in their songs and this is probably their best album. I like this album a lot and having one album by The National on the list makes sense.
Nice album art. I've heard the name, but not sure if I've heard them before. Great dynamic textured stereo mixing. Makes sense that some members have gone on to produce music for acts with big star power. There is a good sense of composition. A solid album, they do a style of full rising music really well. I'd like to hear a song that shows me something else just to understand their range more. Bloodbuzz Ohio and Lemonworld caught my attention. The whole album sounds like it would be good train ride music.
I listened to this at work twice and was going to give it three stars. Then, after work, it was raining, and I played this again for the third time. For some reason, I liked it. I want to say the rain changed the mood. I swear bands like The National, Radiohead, Coldplay, and Elbow sound better in the rain. I don't know because without it, I wouldn't care about either of them. I'll give it four stars.
Not a fan of the singer's voice
good rock album
expected more from this tbh as i've listened to the national before and really liked their sound. this was really dreary
Sort of shit that gives the genre a bad rep.
The singer on this album sounds like David Bowie on certain songs. Prior to yesterday, I hadn't listened to any of The National's discography. "High Violet" is too mellow for repeated listening. My favourite tracks are "Bloodbuzz Ohio" and "Sorrow". So, that's another album off the list. 3 stars for "High Violet".
Heelijke atmospherische muziek!
Not bad
New artist to me. Songs were pretty good, just a little melancholy for my music tastes.
Mellow
I liked a lot. The National is always a happy listen because the solitude is comfortable and comforting. Thanks for bringing me an easy day.
Decent little album. I think I was expecting something a little more Americana from the artist name, and was surprised how post-punky this was. 3.2/5
I have never understood the draw of The National. I was hoping this album would convince me otherwise, but it was just ok. I don't see any reason to revisit it, and I have FOMO that I don't get it. 2.5/5
This is some indie slop Will I listen to again: 0%
I dont like this at all. I cant even listen to it ngl.
This album had a good opener, but then it quickly started sounding kind of like... Coldplay? I mean, it doesn't *really* sound like them, but it also kind of does. Anyway, it's just not my cup of tea, and I have to demote it for tricking me in the first minute.
Love the National
I suspected when this came up that this would be one of those records. And sigh, yes it is. Maudlin, dirge like, sub Coldplay parping on. Some lyrical flashes that light it up, but I really wish I could get that hour back and listen to some Sly,(RIP)
Good Lord, I knew this was going to be boring after listening to it for a minute. I wasn't wrong. I was struggling for it to end. I listened to it while working, and was relieved when someone called me, except, when the call was over, I still had 23 minutes to listen to. I thought that I was done. So. Many. Times. And I wasn't. But I am now, and, I am relieved. Never again will I listen to this.
My first thought hearing almost any 2000's indie is "People really listen to this by choice?" Total snooze fest. Shit vocals. This music for people who don't listen to music. God damn I hate this garbage.
I listened and it started off well with a good build up. I listened some more hoping for a peak, but it remained at the same line. It's decent, but I was hoping for something more.
I find this kind of music the hardest to rate. Is never search it out to listen to. But while it’s playing I can vibe to parts of it. They’re probably a pretty solid live band. But I’m left unmoved after listening to this. 2.5/5
It was of the era. A solid album of melancholic rock sound that misses the certain something.
This is in my wheelhouse of music I like. A minor quibble is that the lead singers voice lends a sameness to a lot of the songs.
Nice album but it plods along and I find Matt Berninger’s voice difficult to get excited about
So, I'm a big fan of The National, coming to them quite late and this was the first album I paid much heed to. Some of the tunes here are still iconic favourites in their live sets. Matt Berninger wears the weight of the world on his narrow shoulders well and paints incredibly moving vignettes of ordinary unhappy lives. The stomping Blood Buzz Ohio is possibly my favourite track of their entire output - 'I still owe money to the money to the money I owe', England, Vanderlye Cry Baby Geeks, Sorrow...okay, I love all of it really. It's not their best, that came later, and I can't give half scores (it's a 4.5) so it will have to be a four just because they grew on me much more later.
Depressing didn't finish
Listenable.
Modern classic.
Helt okej att lyssna till på jobbet, men lämnade inget beständigt intryck. Trea.
Nice album that falls within the national/ Arcade fire parameters
The National are my favourite active band and glad to see them on this list. This album is the one that really cemented me as a fan. I had heard one or two of their songs but they were a bit of slow burn, when this album came out and I heard it, I was hooked. I loved the poetic lyrics, the interplay of guitars and the classic way they seemed to appreciate the art of setting a mood across an album. I don't need to listen to this, it's getting 5 stars whatever, also their B-sides are great. Its worth seeking out the expanded edition of this just to hear the heartbreaking You Were a Kindness. That or hunt down the six hour (!!) version of Sorrow .
Its not bad. Some really great tunes.
Wow! A surprising 5/5 for me right now! I’ve never listened to The National before, only heard of them in passing and I think they feature on a Taylor Swift song? But if my memory serves me well, I didn’t love that song when I heard it. So yeah, this album definitely pleases. Mostly I just can’t find anything to criticize it on. It just is a really engaging, exciting, interesting, captivating, and overall relaxing listen.
At first, I thought this album should have come with a prescription for Paxil. By the end, I was in the groove. It all felt very depressing, but by the end the lead's deep voice was a droning layer for the melody to play against. Decent vibe.
I really enjoyed this one! Wasn't quite a 5 star for me, don't know what it was, but it didn't quite have the spark A really enjoyable album though. So close 🤏🏻 4 ⭐️
Big lyrics in here- not my every day vibe but could be in the mood every so often.
Aside from a select few tracks, the discography of The National remains sedating for me, even despite their drummer's best efforts
If you look on Wikipedia, you’ll see that The National is defined as a “post-punk revival” band. I never quite got that until I relistened to this album. I do think this is the National’s best example of a post-punk album. It's also their most goth album, especially since indie anthem “Bloodbuzz Ohio” stands out so much in sharp relief to the rest of the album. Drummer Bryan Devendorf has always been this band’s secret weapon, but here his drumming *really* stands out, especially when contrasted with the hazy effects piled on to almost every other instrument. Meanwhile, Matt Berninger is at his most dour here on songs like “Terrible Love” and “Lemonworld”. Personally I think he hits the mood best on my all-time favorite National song “Pink Rabbits” on Trouble Will Find Me but the cloudy mood is more undeniable here. After all, this is the album that gave us the almost too on-the-nose “Sorrow”, the song the band played for six hours for a Ragnar Kjartansson piece that is interesting on its own merits and emphasizes this album’s qualities. Can you imagine six hours of “Apartment Story” or “Mr. November”? Of course not. All of which is to say: this isn’t my favorite National album, but it’s easily their most successful at creating a very specific mood, one which I hope I don’t want to return to often, but one that’s certainly worth immiserating yourself in if you want to stick a toe in.
I didn't mind this, it had a very Gang Of Youths feel (or does Gang Of Youths have a very The National feel?) Bloodbuzz Ohio was the standout, it was good enough to be added to my playlist of favourites. Sometimes consistency can be a drag, but I would note that these guys had a consistency that I appreciated.
The National is always listenable and this is a solid album
Good to see The National get some well-deserved representation on the generator, and it's the album I would've expected (it might well be their best but it's hard to say - they had a string of consistently excellent releases either side of this). If I was subtracting half a star it'd be because it can be a little *too* dour at times (particularly tracks 3-5), lacking the levity of some of their other records. But they make up for it in stately, sumptuously textured anthems. The whole second half of the album is terrific.
Didn’t grab me like Boxer
Good album, a bit linear, with few surprises.
Pretty good album, definitely a bit sad. Felt like their sound wasn’t crazy unique but still over all solid.
Very boring, repetitive, depressing.
Track 1: I love when songs get really climatic and create huge and encompassing atmospheres that are both overstimulating and beautiful. Great opener. ⭐️ Track 2: I like the layering of high and low end instrumentation. Track 3: A little simpler, I like the bass. Has a more traditional pop structure/sound to it. Track 4: I love layers omg I love layers. I’m a sucker for a pretty background pad. Didn’t get as “epic” as it set up to be, still pretty good. Track 5: I really like the chords built by the background vocals and pads. Track 6: this guy needs a cough drop Track 7: Really pretty opening sequence. The rest of the song is alright, it kind of settles pretty early. Track 8: I like the horns. I wish it picked up a bit more with drums or a climax or maybe was a bit shorter. 🥀 Track 9: Drums in the second half were great. Also really pretty guitar. Track 10: Strings and drums are always a great combo. Track 11: I like the layered vocals for the climax ending. Solid: range of 3/5
Found it kind of boring tbh. Not horrible but not great. 5 or 6 /10. Listening again right now because the first listen wasn’t all in one go. First few songs weren’t bad and second listen bumped it up to a solid 6
Definitely a good album, high 3 a little too sad for my liking
Enjoyable. I’ll probably never listen to this album again, but it was good while it lasted. Classic indie rock vibes
Great album, evoked an emotion very well. Nice guitar. 8-9/10