High Violet

Also a big surprise on the list. It hits me just in the right spot. It tickles even the post-rock borders and I really like that. The non-sense lyrics are making this even better. And the song about the bees in Ohio seals the deal.

Star ratings suck

Rich, atmospheric, I can tell it's good despite it not quite moving me. In the right introspective or creative mood I think I would really enjoy this journey but on the average day it was a little passive .

bland. Could say it's the songwriting, which is dull. There's something else squashed about it. They sometimes try interesting stuff in the backing & yet it never makes the song sound any different. I remember friends being excited about this album. It only made me like their earlier stuff a lot less which was a real bummer at a time when I didn't have too many avenues to find music I liked. music: hated. (⌐■_■)

Boring

Not terrible or anything but I feel like between 2003 and 2013 I heard this same album six other times by six other bands.

Not bad, just not very exciting to me, might depend on the mood when listening to something like this. I’m really giving it the rating based on music feel , not so much songwriting and lyrics…

Fine but not particularly memorable

I think this was really close to something i would really enjoy. But i just didn't emotionally connect with the vocalist

dreary

The tempo of must songs just doesn't feel right to me. I would have liked it better if it was either quite a lot faster or a couple of bpm slower. Favorite song: Bloodbuzz Ohio.

While Boxer and Alligator may be better, this record feels most urgent. It's also around three bands peak. After this, everything has been rather boring. This is peak sad dad music.

Lots of people I really rate and trust LOVE The National. *whispers* / I really don't like The National. / Maybe revisting them after a few years will help me see my error? *whispers* / Nope, I still don't like The National /

I'm not a big fan of the really deep voice. But I really like everything else with the sound.

It was great! I loved the first song. Very dreamy, modern, the sort of music I listened to a lot of back then.

"Sorrow" sounds like a song that would play in a TV show, when the main character is going through something big and there is a montage of them doing stuff with a sad face. Like Ted from How I Met Your Mother. Good track tho. Not much can be said about this album by me, it is calm and quiet but just not my particular style. And the lyrics are very repetitive.

Boring

eh, I don’t really care for bands that try to sound like U2, but end up sounds like One Republic - 6/10

Did not like this one. After reading the wiki and comparing them to Morrissey, I couldn't unhear it.

The National are one of the best bands of their generation. Maybe THE best. Berninger paints the most vivid pictures of mundane life. Dessner a genius at building the slow tension, Devendorf unquestionably one of the greatest drums of all time. No they don’t all have to be mental drummers. Brilliant from start to finish, lyrically more inward turned, neurotic even. Musically subtlety gorgeous and melodic. 9.1/10

Well that was good! I found a new band to listen to

Nothing memorable.

Pretty cool. Sounds like Autumn, Or maybe that's just what I think when I'm cold listening to music. VEry cool though. Cool guitar sounds. Vocals are really genuine. Great lyrics. A tooouch fatiguing at some points, but that's just the sonics. Lovely and moody.

Sounds like a shitter band version of bon iver

6/10. Not bad, the lyricism is nice in a say-somehting-that-doesn't-make-any-sense-but-sounds-good-and-maybe-makes-you-think sort of way, but it felt a bit forgettable, overall.

I think this album would have benefitted greatly from having a competent singer instead of the bored deadpan delivery that persists through the whole thing. 6/10

Je l'aurais peut être plus apprécié un autre jour

je ne connaissais pas du tout et ce n'était pas désagréable

This is absolutely my second favorite album from The National. Boxer is unassailable, but with songs like little voice, and Bloodbuzz Ohio, the national have crafted another masterpiece.

bruh why I did listen to it.

nice

The National's sound is beautiful, hypnotic and melancholy. There are some fantastic songs here but for me, it doesn't gel together very well as a complete album. In my opinion, their previous album, The Boxer, would have been a much better choice and an easy 5. But I certainly didn't mind listening to The National in any event.

I dug this album even though this kinda thing's not normally my vibe. It was Coldplay-ish (a comparison that I'm sure fans of this band would hate), but also some Tom Waits, U2, Morrisey and a smattering of other bands in there.

Sucks.

This is the first album that I’ve gotten from an artist that I’ve seen live. I really enjoy all the new music that I’ve heard by doing this, but it’s also nice to get something familiar sometimes. I’m hugely biased here, The National is probably my favorite modern rock band and this might be their best album top-to-bottom. I often find one singer hard to listen to for a full album, but I never have that issue with Matt Berninger. His voice is just great, I feel like it comes across as soothing despite a lot of songs that are a bit chaotic overall. A review I saw described the guitars on Terrible Love (the first song) as “buzzy and atmospheric”, and I feel like that actually describes the sound of the album more broadly. The sound is full and grand, but there’s this buzzy undertone that I love. I get the sense that the Dessners are brilliant musicians too. There’s so many great songs on this album, I’m adding basically the whole thing to my playlist. Terrible Love is a powerful opener, Bloodbuzz Ohio might be my favorite song of theirs overall, Runaway is more understated but fantastic. If I had to be picky about one thing I’ll say that the closing song could’ve been better chosen, but I’m getting really picky about an incredible album. An album that’s already in my rotation and will definitely continue to be. Favorite song: Bloodbuzz Ohio Other: Terrible Love, Sorrow, Anyone’s Ghost, Afraid of Everyone, Runaway, Conversation 16, England

I don't know if this is a bad album or not, it just bored me too much to decide.

2 Music of lindo bardo soft indie

Another great album that I've listened to before.

How nice to get High Violet, one of my favourite albums by one of my favourite bands, on the day the band releases their newest album, Laugh Track. While LT and the companion album that preceded it seem to show the band's magic start to fade, HV is a wonderful reminder of why they were one of my favourite bands to begin with. Strong melodies, charming instrumentation, lyrics that bounce between enigmatic and revealing...this is the National that I fell in love with.

Great opener. So far it’s good. I wish the vocals were less restrained. They seem to lack emotion, like they’re doing a corporate 9-5 office job. Don’t get me wrong, it is probably objectively good, I just don’t fully connect. Having said that, ‘afraid of everyone’ is a top track. Overall, it’s like you diluted Nick Cave / Tindersticks in a barrel of Mumford and Sons. It’s almost a little too hipster? Yes. It’s hipster. It’s okay. If I could give half stars I would give it 2.5. But we’ll give 3 for effort. It’s what Taylor Swift probably recognizes as deep music. And we love Taylor Swift, but it gives me shallow depth. ‘Lemonworld’ is a very fun track! The writing overall is great, it’s the vocals and maybe how hard the music goes that doesn’t quite get there.

Not for me. Boring.

Indie rock. Rollo. Ni fu ni fa.

I like The National. I even own Boxer on CD. Even then, their albums are never stronger than 3 out of 5. Same for High Violet. No real stand out tracks here. It’s nice and Matt Berninger keeps brooding. Then I go listen to something more exciting.

This is undoubtedly a good album, it just don't excite me.

A mostly very middling album for mine, never scaling anthemic heights or delving into brooding depths. Petty but not acerbic, romantic but not passionate. Perfectly listenable. Two and a half. Fave track: Coversation 16

Wouldn’t be sure how I’d respond to this album. Loved it along with the rest of this band’s records when I was in high school, but also feel like their music has shifted outside of where my taste aligns slightly, and their last couple records haven’t really been that good at all. That being said, I do think this album is The National at their best. Evocative and heartfelt songwriting on tracks that to me have aged better than similar records of this era and style. Slightly a nostalgia listen but this for the most part definitely holds up. Strong three and a half. Fave track: Bloodbuzz Ohio

very good.

Not a fan of the style of singing in this. It is very subdued. The instrumentation is good I guess This is a high 2/5 or low 3

If I'm in the mood, 5.

Top I like it!*

I thought that I’d already listened to an album by The National once before, but when looking at the discography there is nothing that looks familiar so I’m not sure why I remember it. I must be confusing them with somebody else, or else my brain has fallen out. Songs I already knew: none Favourites: Lemonworld My brain definitely must have fallen out. I listened to this album last night with the intention of writing the review this morning, and there are no melodies that I remember. Perhaps it just wasn’t that catchy. I definitely did enjoy Lemonworld, and I really enjoyed the vocals throughout. The instrumentation was ok, but nothing too amazing or adventurous. Overall, although I did have a nice time listening to this, I can’t rate it too high if not much of it stood out.

always amazed to see this band and the war on drugs in this list. these bands don’t belong here. they’re good bands but that’s it. just good. not great, not amazing, maybe impressive in certain aspects (production, instrumental ideas, certain lyrics here and there) but after six or so songs that’s enough. this album starts off pretty good but gets pretty boring. like everything they do. “england”? jesus. british people singing about england is the most british thing ever. i genuinely hate british people. they’re like americans in that they think they are the Main World Culture. like just…get a job or something. but ya the album is fine for like six songs.

One of the greatest

Unsure: I'm just not really sure whether I would like this album ever. It kinda felt like a really shit copy of every Coldplay song ever but at the time being different and also just boring. Personally I don't think it has aged very well sounding perfect to go into some early-10s tv montage and added to playlisted of middle aged parents trying to listen to "new" music.

the national is good.

I like when he sounds like Nick Cave, but man is this album boring. Nothing here bad, but this came in one ear and out the other, and you can easily place what time this was made in the history of music, and in that case it is not a good thing. It's just so wishy washy, none of the "intense" moments feel like they earned it, and I'm just left questioning why this album has so much praise. Especially with such deep lyrics as "I'd eat your brains, 'cause I'm evil, 'cause I'm evil." Not bad I guess, but I never wanna hear this again. I'm thinking a light two at the moment, but it may be a one by the time I rate it. Nah, it doesn't annoy me enough for a one star.

Didn't keep my interest. Nice-ish vibes but it really bored me.

Nice sentimental life-affirming type of indie rock Reminded me of Lord Huron at times

Rock Indie, il faut êtredans le mood mais c'est quand même bon. c'est pas mon style habituellement mais j'ai aimé et je réécoujterai probablement 3.75

This album will sink you into a deep depression faster than reading The Daily Mail in a morgue

Bit too dreary for me

They give you this album for free if you’re 40 and divorced and white and male.

Wat veel bangers (vooral England)

It's not bad at all--in fact it's quite good at some points. But I don't really feel anything sweeping me up here. This form of Indie is nice since it avoids the dreamscape, moany voice type feel that is like nails on a chalkboard to me. But it feels so repetitive within each track that it cannot really grip me. Favorite track: Afraid of Everyone

Wow The National used to make really exciting music. WTF happened!?

"the lyrics are raw and honest and really make you think." "I’m on a blood buzz, yes I am I’m on a blood buzz I’m on a blood buzz, God I am I’m on a blood buzz" "Y'know when you have a wine buzz, you’re drunk. And I think it’s a little bit, y'know, like something about like your history or family or what’s in your blood. Ohio’s in your blood. I don’t know, it sounds good." -T N "Smooth." Albumi mukavaa kuunneltavaa kuitenkin ei ole ykkösen arvoinen kaveri laittaa kolmosta..

Another of my personal all time albums. This came out my Junior Year of college and was probably what I listened to most that year. While Boxer is still my #1 National album, the highs here rank among my favorites. 4.5/5

Svo ljúft og svo ljúfsárt ❤️

This is a tough one. I've known about The National and would even say I really enjoy "Bloodbuzz Ohio" and "Exile Vilify". I'm also a card-carrying member of the sad white boy club, which this definitely aims for. It's moody. I feel it captures that "tears in your beer" feeling that classic country does, but maybe a little bit darker, like being around close to house-lights-on at a corner bar on a Tuesday. I was skeptical at the beginning, but it eventually won me over. When it misses, it feels saccharine and dull, but when it hits, man it hits. Favorite tracks: "Bloodbuzz Ohio", "Lemonworld", "England", "Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks"

Did not like it

is there anyone who knows and so perfectly writes about the pain and sorrow of the mundane quite like Matt Berninger? The National have carved a specific lane for themselves as brooding everyday men who are nothing, if not exhausted. you can hear that exhaustion scattered throughout the record, sharp inhales taken at every turn: on album highlight “Sorrow”, Berninger croons about a depression that threatens to wash him away. he laments the anxieties of new fatherhood on “Afraid of Everyone”, and dreams of escaping the mundanities of life in “Lemonworld”. these are such everyday worries, and the instrumentation by the rest of the band more than match the emotions Berninger displays, piling on the anxiety and dissociation. The National have never switched up their style, and for good reason, i guess, because why fix what’s not broken? the brilliance of High Violet, then, is in how they make small variations to their signature sound to keep it sounding alive and agile — they bring in friends such as Sufjan Stevens and Bon Iver, who color The National’s typical sad-guy somberness with something sweet and ethereal. but the problem of High Violet, in the same breath, is how quick the music falls to monotony once removed from the tiny little, sometimes missable flairs of variety. a lot of the tension the songs build dissipate with no real pay off, and soon enough the whole thing feels like it’s crumbling into a singular dirge. but gosh when the songs soar (see: “Sorrow”, “England”, “Bloodbuzz Ohio”), they soar.

Moody and Immersive.

The National cultivated a dissonant atmosphere throughout the album with intimate moments resulting from the dark and desperate feelings expressed throughout. The lyricism and musicianship were captivating, on the other hand - I found the vocals to be something of an acquired taste that I don’t possess. Much of the record feels like falling murmurs over a background of white noise which coincides with the presence of fear, isolation, and anxieties at the heart of the album. Overall, not my favourite record, but I found some high points in the tracks: Anyone’s Ghost and Bloodbuzz Ohio.

Listened to this album a couple of times in the past year. It's nice. Terrible Love is the stand out. I think its the sort of album I could get more into if I kept going back to it. I'd have to go with an extremely high 3, touching a 4 but not quite

I've enjoyed most every album by The National but this one I'm particularly fond of. It might be that Bloodbuzz Ohio is also one of my favorite songs of the era. That said, there are a few moments where if you are not engaged with the record and soaking up the mood it will begin to drag. A casual, whole album listen to this record is never without that danger. But if you're in the spirit of the record and present, it will reward you.

these guys are pretty great. I should listen to them more

Mid

Interesting listen while driving through Pennsylvania Amish Country. I love the lead vocalists baritone vocals.

Individually the songs aren't that bad but overall as an album it's monotonous with similar songs on it. The structure of the songs is that it builds until a point but then they don't have a highlight which is quite frustrating and it makes the album dreary. The singer's voice is also quite tired/bored. It's not an unlistenable album but despite of its hype I wouldn't like to listen to it many times in the future.

Okay but not my thing

The National is a band I’ve had on my list of bands to check out one day for a while. I can see why they’re well-reviewed and popular. Smart and interesting lyrics, tasteful production and excellent playing. The drumming is very dynamic; there are a lot of little details that add energy to the songs. But overall I don’t connect much with their sound. It’s a bit melancholy for me. And Matt Berninger’s vocals are a little too low-key. The band has a lot of U2 in their style but without Bono’s soaring drama, I wasn’t as swept away by the songs. It’s a question of taste though. There was still plenty I found interesting about this album, particularly the lyrics. They’re really well written.

Definitely wasn't expecting an album by this band on here. This was a surprise! I like The National, and I think the singer has a cool voice. Unfortunately I can sometimes find myself bored with his inflections and overall performances and this kind of permeates around all of their releases. He has this cool low timbre to his voice and I think that's great and attractive to the ears. BUT, lower timbre voices naturally sound like lower energy. It's why choruses tend to be in a higher register for singers; because the sound is more exciting and that's the hook moment. So he naturally has that sound and then doubles down on it by making SO many of his melodies be this ostinato one-note repetition over and over and it's like extra low energy. Maybe that's just his sound, and it's certainly a core element of The National's sound but I would love if he broke away from that more and had more register changes / contrasting dynamic changes. Great opener. I love how cacophonous all of the instruments are. Hard to tell exactly what's going on besides the voice and piano. Love the super compressed drums. Yea after listening full through, my initial preconceived gripes were prominent throughout the album. Just a weird balance of too many low energy vocals over the top of NOT low energy music. It's a 2/5 for me. I would have preferred "Trouble Will Find Me" to be on this list instead of this one. I dig that record.

Muutama hyvä biisi, mutta yleisesti aika masentavaa. Kakkonen on turhan julma, mutta minkäs teet tällä asteikolla.

Vähän tylsä. Potentiaalia oli herätellä isompiakin tunteita, mut jäi pliisuks

I like the National but the song do run together a bit.

National vähän sama kuin Elliott Smith. Tykkään tyylistä ja haluaisin tykätä bändin kappaleista enemmän, mutta ei ole vielä kuiteskaan täysin iskenyt. Levy oli hyvä ja Runaway sekä England ainakin iski ekalla kuuntelulla mutta muuten levy ei vielä niin säväyttänyt. Kuuntele lisää

🙄

Ethereal in a sense, but also too hum-hoo and forgetful. That BloodBooze Ohio song is an ear worm, though. As was the alternative version of Terrible Love

An alright album that perfectly fits into the 2010 era of indie rock. In certain sections the melodies and overall sound was very Arcade Fire-esque. l really enjoyed the listen and would probably have it on a background music playlist. Best: Terrible Love Worst: Lemonworld 3.5 stars

Not for me

So sad big vibe.

Pop sin estridencias y sin demasiados alardes de nada. Poco sustancial, quizás por eso no se escuche mal. Demasiado plano

A good album - nothing stands out. 3/5

Eh

Def a cool record. Maybe too cool for me? Didn't grab my attention the way I'd hoped but I feel I did give it a fair shake. I appreciate the unconventional-ness of this music, esp the vocal delivery, but it does wear out a bit.

This band has always bugged me. The vocals on this album are annoyingly louder than the instruments, forcing their importance and it's boring and tedious. All the songs sound the same.

3.75

Just so dull

It feels very 2011, but in a good way Favourite track: Bloodbuzz Ohio

I liked it a lot more than I expected but it sort of drifted nowhere. Repetitive phrases sometimes works but isn't particularly ground-breaking

this style of music seems to be a trend that has been going on for a while now. dreamlike vocals with guitar and drums often drowned out by atmospheric synths. while i have heard this style of music before (my wife likes it and i am admittedly not really a fan), i liked it better than the tunes she normally gravitates toward. to me the music almost sounds like sort of a cross between radiohead and depeche mode. the singer has a somber tone that’s not really monotone, but definitely has a limited range (that’s not a slight at him, it works for this type of music). so, in short, i didn’t love it. i didn’t hate it. it was enjoyable enough when i listened to it, but i probably wouldn’t revisit this album. highlights: “terrible love”, “little faith”, “bloodbuzz ohio”.

I like these guys' sound. Erica is a fan. I like his voice. Blood buzz Ohio is a definite treat. Runaway also really nice. Overall really nice album.

I listened to this twice and while there’s nothing bad on it, there wasn’t anything that really grabbed me, either. It’s like a boring Interpol album. Just didn’t hook me but I didn’t hate it, either. It was just sorta there.

The national try to do the birds. They try to do creedence. They try to do the band. There’s a little eagles in there. But they don’t, at least for me quite get there. They’re good players and the songs are ok. But I always thought they should have tried a bit more risk taking.

It's a grower. Culminating in Bloodbuzz. Listened a few times to the whole album. Enjoy it. The vocal warmth I think is what makes it work, and energy. Good stuff.

After the opening track, which I couldn’t get into while driving, I quite liked the rest of this. Unlikely to play it again though.

I knew they were big, but I never paid The National much attention. Just listened to this album & really enjoyed Sorrow, Bloodbuzz Ohio & Conversation 16. Nothing’s offensive here, but nothing is too thrilling, either.

Lord help me, Arcade Fire yesterday, The National today.... major snoozefest. I completely lost interest in alternative music in 2000s. I had kids (who liked pop music), and a busy life, and I thought it was just that I was getting old and irrelevant that I wasn't particularly interested in a lot of the new alternative music coming out. I read enough to be aware of the bands that were getting critical acclaim (The National, Arcade Fire, Wilco, Neutral Milk Hotel, etc, etc), but I just thought I was getting old and just didn't get it. These days I am less inclined to blame myself. I really try with these records, but they are all so fucking dull! It's the emperor's new concept album, I swear. Even the singles are dull. How is it possible to write a song called "Bloodbuzz Ohio" that is this boring? It's literary and worthy, emotional and poetic and profound and tasteful and blah blah blah blah blah, I am so bored.

the national's high violet is a very middle of the road album in my mind. in some ways, it was an easy listen because it didn't hold my attention and wasn't a challenging listen. i say challenging to mean doing something different or unexpected. there was minimal excitement. the album was even and steady in tone, and not a terrible listen, but it had such a bland and disconnected vibe. as a result, it wasn't very memorable or interesting for me. it wasn't catchy. i did enjoy the lyrics from "anyone's ghost"--i thought it was clever!

I was kind of excited when I saw The National come up. They're definitely well known in the indie music scene for their moody, punk- and folky-adjacent vibes and very distinctive vocals. The lead singer, Matt Berninger, has a very rich, deep, velvety voice, and in most of what I had heard from The National, he is really good at putting it to use to give the band a somewhat melancholy, moody, morose vibe. That sound is still somewhat present on this album, but generally, this album seems to steer away from that vocal sound and to my ear, just sounds more like your typical indie music. That extra rich voice is most on display in songs like "Terrible Love" and "Bloodbuzz Ohio"; I don't think it's any coincidence that the aforementioned songs are the most popular on the album. People listening to The National clearly crave THAT aspect of The National. All things considered, I thought the album was average, but I really DO enjoy what The National brings. I would have thought an album by The National that shows more of the richer side of Berninger's vocals would have been a better choice for this project, though (see their previous album "Boxer"). Nonetheless, a good inclusion of a unique indie band among a sea of a lot of indie bands that sound the same.

brooding folk

Such a killer album. This is probably my second favorite from them after Boxer, which shockingly isn't on this list. It's worth it for Bloodbuzz Ohio alone though, but I'm biased.

I like these guys in theory, but in practice they kind of bore me.

This is a solid album by the national. I keep going back and forth on if this is their best album or not. Either way it’s enjoyed and there are several songs on here I could relisten to often. He singer has such a unique singing style that when in the mood makes them very enjoyable to listen to. The instrumentals aren’t anything barrier breaking but the band is one of the better alt rock bands of the past few decades and this is one of their better albums. 7.9/10

I enjoy this specific type of indie (don’t know how to describe it, but I can tell when it’s the type), so this was a good listen. I really like the guitar on ‘Runaway’ specifically. Not amazing, but enjoyable.

4.5/5. I’ve listened to bands within the same genre but never got into the National during their peak. What a mistake that was, this is some incredible indie rock.

High Violet is boring. 2.

Doesn't quite do it for me. It's a lovely album, well put-together, flows nicely, and it's never bad, but it never really elevates itself above that. The alternate version of the opener (which is miles better) and Bloodbuzz Ohio are the closest they get to doing that, but not convinced that this deserves better than a 3. I'm sure there are other National albums on the list that will warrant a higher score, but this doesn't.

Good!

Pleasant enough

This is one of my wife's absolute favorite bands. They're a touch sleepy for me, but still solid.

I love The National, but this is not the album I would’ve selected.

Not bad, but kind of generic.

Interviewed someone who worked with them recently and never heard of them. So kinda interesting I'm now listening. Ok?

It’s very “backgroundish”, wouldn’t mind listening to it again, but I doubt I’ll seek it out

Me gusta este disco

Seem them live twice and while 99% of public is in awe I get utterly bored. Tried again but his voice doesn't grab my attention, while normally I am into sad songs and melancholy. Sorry, 2 stars,

I like The National but never really listened to them a whole lot. Definitely worth the listen all the way through. Good for a nice relaxing, quiet mood.

I am not sure I feel about the lead’s voice. It was okay

Toimii hienosti vaikkakin viime vuosikymmenen muistoilla ratsastaen 4/5

National oli mulle n. 20-25-vuotiaana kovin tärkeä ja tää levy lienee heiltä se kaikkein paras. Mattin ääni on tolkuttoman lohdullinen ja musa osuu muutenkin omaan melankolian janoon. Nykyään enää harvemmin tälle sopiva mood, mutta tehoaa näemmä silti.

Sitä parempaa viime vuosikymmenen indie-rockia. Toimii edelleen!

Ok album but nothing special

Despite The National always being in the conversation when it came to indie music of its period, I never really bothered with them due to preference for the more lively or synth-heavy sounds of the era. Might've been a bad call though, because this was an intriguing listen that makes for a stark but welcome contrast to all the brightness. The sound and vocals are dull and monotonous, almost lifeless, but they never veer into boring territory. That's actually what makes this record listenable and memorable. If any element of this was any lighter, be it more dynamic vocals or a more slightly more upbeat sound, it would sound like most other albums of the era. Instead, we have The National in all their distinctiveness. Standout tracks are Anyone's Ghost, Afraid of Everyone, and Lemonworld.

Sounds like a soundtrack to an indie movie, which is not a dig. I'm really enjoying it and I need to check out more from this band. The singer has a beautiful baritone voice that is haunting.

This is really boring as hell. His voice is not bad though.

Honestly didn’t finish. I like the National one song at a time a full album is too much. Might revisit

Lekker relaxte muziek dit. Goed voor in de auto over de prairie. Of een zonnige, licht gare werkdag als deze. Loom tempo, donkere stem, niks mis mee.

Wat een verschrikkelijke zeur-plaat is dit weer....

Muziek waar je voor in de stemming moet zijn. Een beetje dromerige artrock met invloeden uit het depressieve deel van de 80s en 90s. Het hitje Bloodbuzz Ohio komt nog wel eens voorbij op de alternatieve radiostations en dan is 1 zo'n nummer helemaal prima tussen de rest, maar zet 11 nummers op rij en het mist wel wat variatie en energie. Iets wat generatiegenoten of eerdere voorbeelden in dit genre wel hadden. Typisch van die festivalmuziek, waar best veel mensen naar gingen kijken, maar wanneer ik dan gewoon even wat te eten kon gaan halen. Op een festival ben ik namelijk niet in de stemming voor dit soort muziek. Dit laat zich het best beluisteren laat in de avond, met als enig gezelschap een goed glas. En dan is het best aardig.

Ah, The National, my winter band. Really love this group, the instrumentation and the vocals alone aren't anything extraordinary but the sum of their parts are what make this band great. The strings added into these songs really help to foster the atmospheric, emotional sound. This album is missing that 'wow' factor that 5-star albums get, but it's still great. Fave tracks: Terrible Love, Bloodbuzz Ohio, Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks

Great album by The National, I probably know every lyric here by heart. The trio of Boxer, High Violet and Trouble Will Find Me are definitely my favourite era from them. The National have this special talent for making really somber and depressing songs still sound musically interesting, the Dessner twins definitely have some weird psychic twin thing going on with their writing and performance. Additionally Matt Berninger's songwriting prowess lies in his ability to capture the pain experienced in the mundane things about everyday life. He doesn't really seem like he has any reason to be as sad as he comes off in his songs, but I think that kind of taps into something universal. Personally I don't feel like this album has the je ne sais quoi that pushes it into the 5 star category, there's nothing particularly novel or influential about the music they create. But their music is good, and it is still one of my favourite albums from one of my favourite bands. Fav Tracks: Terrible Love, Sorrow, England

I've been meaning to give The National another shot for a while now, so this worked out nicely in that regard. Unfortunately, I still don't get why they seem so beloved. Fine enough stuff, but it never really grabbed me at all. "Runaway" seemed vaguely familiar and would be the closest I had to a favourite song on here. Otherwise, it felt pretty unremarkable.

I fell asleep twice.

It was fine

I bet this is really good music for people that experimented with cigarettes in college (like 2 times).

Surpreso que The Nationals eh tao popular! Musica boa pra continuar deprimido, I guess

Volgens mij is dit er eentje die steeds beter wordt als je hem vaker luistert. Het is een hele duidelijk eigen stijl die over het hele album doorgetrokken wordt. Het lukt me ook niet echt om vergelijkingen te vinden, redelijk uniek dus. En echt niet slecht. Ik twijfel tussen 3 en 4 sterren, dus we geven het het voordeel van de twijfel met 4.

If My Morning Jacket and Murder by Death had a baby.

The slowest burn of slow burn bands. Conventionally their best album. In fact their best album. Not quite five stars, but a 4.5.

I found this a little dry for most of the runtime unfortunately. I liked some of the melodic elements throughout the record but it wasn't really enough to bring me back to it. I enjoyed "Anyone's Ghost" which I have heard before either on the radio or elsewhere but nothing else stuck out to me. I didn't find the record very exciting or deep or anything. Personal Enjoyment - 6.5 Songwriting - 7 Lyrics - 8.5 Originality - 7.5 Production Value - 9 Artwork - 9 Overall - 7.6

I’ve listened to this 10000 times, so it was great to see it make the list. It’s pointless trying to write a little review to myself about this as I know how incredible a record it is. The National are the most important band in the world to me, everything they do just ooze’s class. This record in particular is one of them where every song on it at one point in time has been a favourite of mine. From start to finish, each song is 10/10 for me. Just like Boxer before it, and Trouble Will Find Me after (my all time favourite). If you usually love this sort of music but didn’t get this, give it another go. It took me a good few listens over a few years to go from ‘The National are good’ to ‘The National are fucking incredible!’. Theyre a slow burner, but it’s worth it.

I've heard snippets of the National before and they never grabbed me but I enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would. Reminded me a lot of Elbow who also take a bit of getting into. Afraid of everyone and bloodbuzz Ohio were highlights. Wouldn't mind hearing another album or two from them on the list.

Thoroughly enjoyed it, has the misty quality of indie rock that I like. Never heard anything by The National before, and I feel like I've missed out. Highlights were Runaway, Anyone's Ghost, and Terrible Love. Was on a rail replacement bus in Poland on Friday listening to it, providing the perfect soundtrack to a weird experience.

Had never heard anything by these guys before but I thought this was an awesome album. I really like a band called The Airborne Toxic Event and I can definitely hear some of the influences from The National. I listened to the Expanded Edition which has a far better version of Terrible Love. Will definitely listen again and check out some of their other stuff. Highlights: Bloodbuzz Ohio Runaway Terrible Love (Alternate Version)

Heard a few national tracks and liked them, the track on the Taylor Swift album we've had here was really good too..... But never listened to an album before. Really melancholy sounding, right up my street. Enjoyed it and will be listening to more. The only track I knew was bloodbuzz Ohio, think it was the best track too. Lemonworld and anyone's ghost were great too. Probably have to be in a certain mood for the national, but I'll be back

The National what

Even mijn 5 sterren afstoffen want het is alweer een tijdje geleden dat ik deze kon uitdelen. Voor mij is het de drums die hun sounds zo uniek maakt. Prachtige plaat!

Zwaarmoedig, maar erg goed!

Mijn favoriete plaat van The National. zowel qua songs als productie-technisch echt geweldig,

Sympathiek en best mooi, maar ik mis een scherp randje.

Yep, sounds like The National.

It's a good one, one might argue their commercial peak.

This one is alright. There are songs I like but some I don’t and others I’d need to be in the mood for. It’s just a little too much monotone and sad boi.

Wimpy background noise album

It was pretty good.

Meh

Instrumentation is pretty and lush sounding. Vocals are completely droning and boring however making the whole album a bit of a slog to get through.

Love the National. Such a unique sound they really create a good album feel.

mid

One if the nationals weaker albums some good stuff but mixed

when I'm in the mood to listen to this its very enjoyable, when I'm not it's not. not a fault of the album really, songwriting is good for the most part and sometimes great! best tracks: bloodbuzz ohio, conversation 16, anyone's ghost

It is like hearing The Smiths with a modern vibe, not my cup of tea, in general I would use it as a background music, I would never look for it but if it comes in the radio I might leave it.

This isn't something I'd normally listen to, but it has a very nice vibe and I enjoyed it.

lol random xd lyrics sang in a monotone voice with forgetful music

Oh. So so dull

Matt Beringer utilizes his unique vocal style to great success, giving the album a type of beauty that opens up the longer one listens. Favorite Track: Runaway Rating: 7/10

Each of these songs takes me on a journey that's hard to put into words. The instrumentation, the vocals, the lyrics, all come together for me into an album I'd like to spend the next few days with while putting the rest of the project on hold. This was new to me, and I want to get to know it very well and make up for the last decade I was without it. It's a headphones in the dark kind of album that makes you forget what year it is as it carries you to Ohio in a swarm of bees.

This is another new one for me. The first track really grabbed me and I was quite interested in hearing the rest of the album. It didn't really hold my attention as I had hoped, but I did find some moments.

The bones of a great album are here. The songs have beautiful melodies and nice instrumentation. I like the quality of the vocals and hear some lovely poetic lyrics here and there. And yet... There was something about this album that felt like I was being held at arm's length. The message I picked up was, "Look how sad I am. You could never understand such sadness." I don't dislike sad albums but I think a good one says, "I'm sad and I can see you're sad, too. Let's be sad together." Perhaps it was my own mood going in. I was already pretty down and felt like High Violet didn't leave much space for me to bring in my own sorrow.

This moody creation happened to arrive on a day when I was dealing with a lot of depressing shit. These are dense, moody, reflective songs. The sky was gloomy, my spirits were low, and High Violet was perfect!

Not something I'd choose to listen to, but it wasn't overly offensive.

Finally, after all these year got the opportunity to sit with the National - and well I'm a bit disappointed. This record wavers from being interesting to being a high-brow Coldplay - the later is not a good look. A middling album - although maybe a grower in the long run - we shall see.

This album's biggest selling point is how melancholy and depressing it is, but that does end up making it feel a bit one-note. Overall, some good songs, some bland songs, it sure was an indie album.

Definitely bringing a different sound to the list, and I enjoyed it thoroughly.

- Only ever listened to Boxer before - Thought the first few tracks were good, but the last few were really good - I should probably listen to the rest of their discog - Fav songs: Bloodbuzz Ohio, Conversation 16, Little Faith

Pretty enjoyable.

A favorite of dad rock. 5/5

I LOVED this album.

a bit meh

This was an interesting listen. I bought this years ago as a music magazine rated it so highly and I don’t remember being blown away by it. Think it was something to do with it not sounding exactly as I pictured it, so, gathering dust is all it’s done the last wee while. Let me tell you now though, the folly of youth was clear in me as this album is fantastic! Broody, melancholy, atmospheric, dark and gloomy let uplifting too! Musicality is excellent and your man’s vocals are like being covered in melted Galaxy chocolate. I loved this!

I like The National. This album is what brought me around. Not all their songs are catchy, but they are all well done. England in particular is very good.

Good but a little slow and too long

Didn't get to listen to it all ( travelling all day). What I heard was alright. Did wonder if it would get a bit samey as it played through. 3*

A 2.5 album if there ever was one...

Excellent album. Beautiful, Dirgey, nice production, great lyrics.

Okay so I have a tough time listening to The National because I saw them at rock the garden a few years ago and the lead singer was an asshole. It kinda ruined all of their music for me.

Favorites: Afraid of Everyone, England, Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks. Enjoyable album, though nothing really jumped out about it. Just … enjoyable.

Not my gig

Liked one song the rest just blended together and at some point I didn’t cared at all

Album came off as very same. None of the tracks had any energy. Didn’t dislike it but didn’t enjoy it either.

Gran álbum

The National is a band I’m supposed to like, one that it would make more sense than not for me to like, but…I do not. On previous records, Matt Berninger‘s disaffected baritone, for me, read as bored, and completely pulled me out of the music. With that in mind, I tried to approach this record with fresh ears, and while I still can’t say I’m a fan of The National, I found this record to be my favorite of theirs to date.

Meh

Tried it twice. Bland and depressing. Two stars for decent lyrics.

Slow maudlin Indie, extremely not to my taste

Don’t know these guys. They have an interesting sound that reminds me of some of the late 80s alternative bands. First impression: thumbs up. Great voice.

чё-то не моё этот ваш зе нешнл

Rating: 10/10

“I Need My Girl” is the song my wife picked for our wedding, so I’ve got a soft spot for The National. Nuff said.

Never explored this band as much as Declan suggested. There's a reason we all sought his musical wisdom. It's clean, it's lush, it radiates warmth and emotion with crazy good drums

Highlight tracks: Terrible love, Sorrow, Afraid of Everyone Sadboy hours Great ambient guitarwork Sounds inspired by Pink Floyd stylistically Fantastic chill alt rock album to relax or fall asleep to, even just have the feels 5/5

An extended dirge. Try to imagine a slightly more tuneful Morrisey singing over the backdrop of slowed down Coldplay music for three quarters of an hour and you have more or less this album.

PREFS : Sorrow, Little Faith, Bloodbuzz Ohio, Conversation 16, England, Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks MOINS PREF : Anyone's Ghost

Me gustó algunas partes de la instrumental que le dieron algo más de profundidad

Not really a fan of this album or band. I gave it a chance, but I couldn’t connect with the singer. I couldn’t finish the album, sadly.

When it came out, I was obsessed with this album. Literally couldn't listen to anything else for weeks, possibly months. Still isn't old. To me, it's the rare beast - a perfect album.

Generic indie. Fine. Nothing special or different

Nehedu

IDK, it was kinda boring? There are some great tracks here but Berninger mostly sounds like he just can't be bothered by these songs. Maybe he thinks it sounds cool? I don't know. I think the guy's listened to too much Morrissey, personally. The music behind the lackluster vocals is solid, though. This one was hard to rate. I kept going back and forth between "this is pretty good" and completely zoning out because nothing interesting was happening on the track. I'm giving it a 3... but it was almost a 4.

Gave up on this after about 3 tracks. No idea what "Didn't want to be your ghost" means, but this seems to fit that genre of big-budget "indie" albums - made to sound meaningful, but really just all about the dramatic and over-blown production. See also Arcade Fire. Feels soul-less and a bit empty, for me. I don't like the voice, the music seems a bit templated and the songs are nothing to write home about. Deep and meaningless.

I wasn't listening to a lot of new music in 2010. I don't think that I missed out on much. This sounds like a cynical attempt to make a lo-fi record. The distortion is overplayed. The drums crash over all the wrong places. There are hints of melodies that might draw me back in again. But I just don't get these tidal wave songs that grow and build. The climax is always a disappointment. It leads to an album with little direction. I want some variety in there.

Terrible Love- 6 Sorrow- 5 Anyone's Ghost- 7 Little Faith- 7 Afraid of Everyone- 6 Blood buzz Ohio- 6.5 Lemonworld- 7 Runaway- 7.5 Conversation 16- 8 England- 6 Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks- 8

Indierock, moderne, melankolsk, udmærket

YES YES YES YES YES YES YES, I already listen to this album on repeat. Easy 5 stars, makes me want to retroactively go back and downgrade every other album, I have been being too generous with my ratings. Standouts include Bloodbuzz Ohio, Lemonworld, England, Vanderline Crybaby Geeks, Terrible Love, and Little Faith. And the rest of them.

Down tempo indie rock, pretty depressing, definitely my cup of tea. Keys are heavy in the mix, while guitars are way in the back. Unusually sparse drums for the genre that really add to the songs. This band will definitely be in my rotation going forward.

The National always struck me as "grown-up" rock for people who aren't quite grown-ups. Maybe this type of music was inevitable given the magnitude of delayed adolescence. Their songs are observational, about everyday people. Sort of like the Kinks late sixties, early seventies tunes. But these are a bit darker, both lyrically and musically. It works for them here. They are reaching for a more anthemic sound here and get very close to attaining that goal, with Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks a notable outlier.

Sorry, I just don't like this band. Never have. I find the vocals boring. He just drones on and on. I know critics love them, but I wouldn't put this album on the list.

Boring and morose. I prefer his/their work with Taylor Swift.

I don't know what this genre is - "guy talking about how his wife left him while strumming two chords but occasionally the entire orchestra starts playing behind him" - but I'm so done with it at the moment. After this album ended, I was probably hit by one of those Men In Black memory wipe devices, because I can't recall a single song. I think he sounded kind of like an even more pretentious Michael Gira in one.

Meh.

Great production, vocals are good but make a lot of the album feel like 1 long song

Cry

Brilliantly produced indie rock with emotional heft and some stunning tracks (Bloodbuzz Ohio, Terrible Love) although it does tend to blur into indistinctness after a while and loses some of its impact.

It's basically the band Interpol except it's dull. I'm not sure why this album is on the list of 1001 albums you have to listen to. Go listen to "Turn on the bright lights" instead.

The National won't be on the radio on your drive home, or listed in Rolling Stone's Top 500. The most press I've seen them recieve is being mentioned in a piece about Taylor Swift's last couple albums, of which they are featured/produced. Commercial success may never find them, but a connection to their listeners has - and it's no exception with High Violet. For me, this is a nearly perfect album. Excellent production and instrumentals, and Matt's voice you either love or hate, I love. If you get a chance to catch a live show, I highly recommend it - the energy infectious. Fav Song - England

The low energy, slightly sad feels of this album hits so well when I'm in a similar mood - which happens probably more than I would like to admit. The album works well for both background music or active listening, but probably wont be the choice to turn on when looking for something fun.

really uninteresting album. Low droning vocal is overdone. Band sounded good though.

There's some nice music hidden here, but depressing is not my thing and after the third song with such dreary vocals I was really struggling.

good vibe

I think The National are great. This album took a long time to warm to and in truth it is still my least favorite of their albums that I know. I think it is the thick production that keeps me at arms length. This is most certainly a drummer's album. The drums are awesome...in superb playing and in the sound which is heavy and also detailed. Despite the overall heavy handed production there are still some fantastic songs. Anyone's Ghost, Afraid of Everyone and Conversation 16 are standouts. So overall not their best album but it's still The National so still damn good. 3.5 stars

Did anyone else experience this? When I was reading the Wikipedia entry for this band, I got about a third down and realised that no information about the band had entered my head whatsoever. This is in part due to their Wikipedia page delivering torrents of info nobody in the world cares about or will ever care about. Is there a conceivable reason anyone would want to know the dates of their various Saturday Night Live performances? This is an especial variant of tedium afflicting contemporary indie. The National suffer that condition which oft infects indie bands that aim for the superior market of the Pitchfork reviewer: by insisting that their music is their overriding concern, they don't provide enough personality to attract the standard listener. Oh, their music may be acceptable, but you notice a deficit in charm, or empathy, or flair, or wit, or even contempt. You just receive this batch of nondescript good taste, which paradoxically results in it appearing in as bad taste as Kanye West's latest theory. Do they have blood in their veins or just water? And yes, the music on High Violet is good, and in good taste. But it's the good taste of a beige and silver bedroom suite where you suspect that the interior designer would vomit in disgust if someone tried sleeping in it, or worse, fucking in it. The album started off fine. Terrible Love is a decent opener, even if the song doesn't achieve the potential the title suggests. But the album stays in exactly the same tenor throughout, and diminishing returns kick in by the second track. No song struck me, no lyric struck me, no melody struck me. It's a bitch to write about this, because you're trying to find details in wallpaper paste. When the end came round, with another promisingly titled number called Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks, it was a few minutes after the song finished that I realised the album had ended. As a British music fan, my relationship with indie is convoluted and complex. This is completely normal. Ask any person in a similar position their opinion on Oasis, and you'll get spittle-infused terabytes of how Be Here Now is underrated, or how Oasis were the most overrated British group of the 90s, or how their brother attended their concert at Knebworth, or which of the two brothers has had the more rewarding solo career, or most likely you'll get a drunken yet sincere bellowing of Don't Look Back in Anger. What you won't get is a shrug. The National just gave me 45 minutes of raised shoulders and pursed lips. Hell, even this more tempered style of indie can elevate the soul: I gave 4 stars to Elbow not too long ago. But for The National to actually move people, I recommend more drastic treatment. Dr. NoRadio prescribes The National to blow coke up strippers' bumholes on stage, then deafen the first ten rows of the audience with a power chord so fierce that it'd make Thor Himself piss His breeches. Come back when you can rock like a bastard. NoRadio, signing off.

On first listen this was an album that I admired rather than loved. Will definitely give it a few more goes though.

I can't say this is very very good but it's where I want to be at this point in time so it really strikes a chord in me. Berninger voice resonates. The low-key music style is perfect. It's the same with Bon Iver and suprise suprise there's a connection there so i'm going to keep on going down that road for now. Like I said it's not top 10 of all time but it's where I need to be.

Great riffs.

Good, but a bit slow and arty

I'm not sure where I first heard it but I remember listening to Anyone's Ghost on repeat back in 2010, I loved (still do) that song, but never really ventured further into The National's oeuvre. This is a decent album, I was tempted to go 5 stars but there's a certain lightness to the sound which maybe loses something for me. Still a cracking album and well worth another few listens.

Moody shoegazy sort of Duran-Duran vibes. Good when the mood's right.

Sadly beautiful. Poetic and soothing. Modern sad bastard music.

Not terrible, but boring.

I can't read about why this was chosen because as an album made in the 2000s, it's not allowed to stay in the book. The National have always been a blind spot for me, failing to understand what's so great about them - also was late to them, but this is the one album of theirs I tried to get into when it came out. I gave it several listens at the time, but just bounced off. Don't know what it is. First track fills me with hope that I'm going to finally GET IT, genuinely very good, uplifting and driving. Then the album goes on, and it just... doesn't really go anywhere? Most of these other tracks just don't grab me, so I'm left just drifting in and out of it. Later highlights that at least held my attention, Bloodbuzz Ohio, England and Runaway. I keep being told to go listen to Alligator, maybe one day I will, but people also say High Violet is one of their best so I don't hold out much hope.

I enjoy the National. Just not 1001 albums enjoy it.

A boring 2

Quite good, not my style but enjoiable

When one is muddling through lists of scratched down to-dos and tasks, shopping, returning, hunting, forgetting, as the cold wind bites through the light sweatshirt you protect your fragile torso with, since the heat in your car makes it too hot to keep on your coat, and yet, how cold the parking lot is. The National knows this sorrow, they know the pain of an accumulating hill of failure and restart.

Didn't hold my interest

I found this to be quite boring, but it's not bad music. It's just not for me.

My sister is obsessed with the song "England" and insists on playing it multiple times whenever we get drunk. It's not a bad song tbh, although the album as a whole isn't really my cup of tea. It's somewhere between standard indie and dream pop - songs tend to build around just one idea - and I need more oomph/variety in music. Still, I can respect a bit of talent. 3/5.

Too boring

I've never heard of this band before, I thought they would have been from the 90s if I didn't know any better. They also have a song with Taylor Swift which is pretty cool. Idk why she would want to work with these guys unless she just enjoys the lead singers voice. That is the only thing that is interesting about this album. Even that gets old when he stays monotone for an entire run of songs. Boring af 3/10

Fellas, you can play your instruments faster. You never know, it might cheer you up !! Everyone else.... awful !

Solid alt-rock album, but quite gloomy throughout - this record lacks variation. 3/5

This is the first album by the National I heard and is still my favorite. Everything about their sound comes together perfectly.

Soothing. Super listenable. A lot of songs sound similar.

boooriiiing

A record of the highest quality, with not a bad or uninteresting song in the bunch. This is an easy inclusion in the list and it makes no sense that it's been dropped. The National merits at least three other records; they were the best rock band in the world for a good long run of years, offering a higher-class product -- smarter, more stylish, and thoughtful and interesting -- as people of taste know. Editors reveal themselves to fall quite short of that standard by overlooking the National.

meh

I can enjoy anything that Matt Berninger sings over, which makes the echo nature of High Violet ultimately disappointing. The record has effective turns of melancholy and strong drumming at points, but the lows are truly forgettable. What it lacks is a telos, and when the music is low-key, vibes are hard to find to carry the formlessness. Background music, a fine coda for those who know they already enjoy the band.

Wondering if it was intentional or coincidence that The National followed Taylor Swift. I have been aware of this band since they came up but never gave them a proper listen until now. Boy have I been missing out. This is just the right mix of Americana and pop with an almost hidden reverence to the Smiths. I have spent the day listening to their back catalogue and was surprised by how many songs I recognised but attributed to other artists

Great vibes. Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks was an immediate favorite.

I don’t think there was a certain aspect of this that really drew me in, but all the elements combined worked for me.

This is partly based on nostalgia, but I like this album, despite it being a little slow and mopey, and many songs having a very similar vibe

Nothing that really stood out as particularly good or bad.

Still probably my favorite National album.

Just right for a certain mood.

Wow. Who are these guys. Really liked it. Need to hear more.

I seem to like this. I think because it's of the 2010s type of indie that I liked then - Editors, Bloc Party et al. Waiting for buses in the dark.

Honestly it was pretty great, loved the sound and aesthetic, and original mood and production, while not standing out, helped blend the album's themes. Sometimes a bit forgettable but tbh I was definitely a fan. A great record.

Ganske kjedelig men ikkje dårlig heller

notes - im a big fan of trouble will find me and sleep well beast - never gotten into their older stuff - the national has a way of taking really simple songs and making them hit harder than they have any right to - matt doesnt sound as confident or developed in his voice here as he does on later albums - love their drummers style of moving 16ths around the whole kit and avoiding the snare - the piano playing shines fav - little faith - love the bass and drums least fav - runaway - beautiful instrumental with a miss on vocals and lyrics 3.5/5 if this was the first album i heard from them i probably wouldve liked it more, but i know how good they can get

I like the National and hadn't listened to this album before. It has a very subtle beauty and I can't say I managed to connect with many of the lyrics on first listen but my listened was very disjointed so I'm excited to keep listening again and I am confident this album will be a grower for me. Nice vibes hard to describe but it feels very cool and definitely un-fussy, makes me want to know more about the songs.

Ah its tough with The National as the songs I do like (like Bloodbuzz Ohio) - I love! But the tempo is the same isn't throughout the whole album, there's not much variation and I get the 'depressing' criticism. some are a bit dreary...

Well it's a tour de force. One of the National's best. Got some of the absolute bangers on it like Terrible Love, Bloodbuzz Ohio and Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks.

I wasn't much into this one. Perhaps another day..

A pleasant listen, not much stands out but would be a nice soundtrack to an afternoon

The next 2 songs that kicked in after the album were VCR by Xx and Sometime around midnight. Two great songs. Anyway, this album was pretty good. Played again for Mindy having a few beers and it went from good to really good. From first song through the end. Been awhile since I've heard surprise band/album. 3.5

2 This is almost my kind of thing. Some really great lyrics here but musically it left a lot to be desired. The songs all blended together after the second track. I felt like I was anticipating something that either never came or wasn’t satisfying for me. It could’ve gone way harder than it did. Either way I prefer this guy’s work with T Swift way more. Favorites: Sorrow, Bloodbuzz Ohio

4 It dawned on me pretty early (roughly around the lyric "I don't wanna get over you" on Sorrow) that I was going to have to listen again, as this definitely isn't a "10 AM Friday morning with a cup of coffee playing quietly so to not wake up your guest sleeping in the living room" kind of album. So I put on again around 7 PM, and let me tell you, if you're not giving this album a nighttime listen when you're by yourself and can fully soak in everything it has to offer (perhaps with a moderate amount of vice of choice), you're doing it a disservice. I know "in the feels" kinds of albums aren't for everyone, but man I vibe with them like no other. If it's the kind of album you're listening to moments before sending an ex-girlfriend a drunk text you're gonna regret in the morning, it's probably something I'd like... not that I've ever done anything like that. Anyway, while it wasn't absolutely spectacular, I feel room for growth here, so I'll be listening again and checking out more of what The National has to offer. Favorite songs: Terrible Love, Sorrow, Afraid of Everyone, Bloodbuzz Ohio, Conversation 16

Enjoyable. Would listen again

This guy's voice is boring AF... but the music part was decent.

Cool vibe!

I liked this album more than I expected to honestly. There are some very interesting musical elements at times, but ultimately it can't overcome what always happens to me with Indie music: it starts to all sound the same, and I get bored. Still, overall a decent album. Favorite track: Afraid of Everyone

I've tried to get into this album many times over the past decade or so, but apart from 'Terrible Love' and 'Bloodbuzz Ohio', I've always found it dull and melodramatic. This time around I did hear some instrumentation on 'Conversation 16'and 'England' that I really liked. But apart from that I wasn't moved. Maybe someday this will click with me the way 'Boxer' did - I love that album but I've always been fairly lukewarm on the rest of their stuff.

Not offensive to the ears, just very dull.

Great stuff

This album started to hit me halfway through. Great one for the season; I only regret that my only knowledge of them comes from their Taylor Swift songwriting collaborations.

Heard it before?: No Enjoy it?: Yes, it’s got a wonderful mixture of power and indies of the 90’s aura to it, very enjoyable Favourite song: Track 10 - England

This is a remnant of the mid-2000s alt-rock. It's also a transition into the early 2010s indie-rock scene. I can see it's influence it had on bands like Alt-J, Portugal. the Man, and others. It's not bad, but I don't think I'll try to listen to it again. Best Songs: Anyone's Ghost, Conversation 16, Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks Worst Songs: Terrible Love, Runaway

I had never heard this before but loved it immediately, it's the first new (to me) CD this thing has recommended that I can say that about. The vibe here is very much slow, sad, and relatively simple songs, but with an incredible diversity of instrumentation and sense of musical color that allows each melodic/harmonic idea to effectively be played a half-dozen different ways and gradually evolve over the course of a single track. In that way this is a very close comp to "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot", which seems like a clear inspiration. Let's get out of the way first what this album does not do well. It's not happy - very much the opposite - although it is at times fun, fast, and surprisingly danceable. Many songs feature or at least include a segment with a dancy drum beat, and despite the overwhelming somber tone it's actually played pretty fast (generally in the ~120 bpm range). And there aren't any really catchy singles, although it's of strong and consistent quality throughout. It's also not virtuosic - their singer has a fairly unique and pleasant voice, but with a very limited (and very low) vocal range, and there aren't any other discernible melodic instrumental solos on the CD. So they mostly deserve an "incomplete" there. Their singer's voice does suit the mood of the songs pretty well, with his sleepy and unexcitable baritone evoking the generally depressing tone, but the key to their success is that they have so much melodic instrumental color backing him up, it's everywhere on every song. So then to their strengths. This album is impeccably produced and so chock-full of wonderful little moments that I had to listed to it 3 times just to form a real opinion, and I'm still not sure I got the majority of it. Just to give some concrete examples, "Terrible Love" adds (in order) string counter-melody, distorted guitar harmony, shakers, a dance-beat, piano arpeggiated harmonies, an alternate-melodic bridge, more piano harmonies, Beck-like cooing backing vocals, and then more string counter-melody. Then it blows up, playing everything at once, including what I believe is an alternate minor chord on the conclusion of every line of the alternate chorus, and then it disintegrates just as completely into a danceable indie-rock frenzy. Every song is like that - there's just so much stuff to play with, and every song evolves in a unique and fascinating way. I'm not totally sure where to place it. On the one hand, I find it fascinating and lovely. On the other hand, it's missing one big thing - catchy singles - and I don't think it's quite as good as YHF (a very touch comparison). And generally, because I'm looking for novelty, I tend to over-rate things that are new to me at any level of quality and under-rate old hat. So I'm on the fence about 4 vs. 5, but fuck it, I'll give it a 5. I might listen to this a dozen more times.

Prachtige muziek! Steengoede zanger ook. Een trip door een donkere sfeer met fantastische nummers