Lost In The Dream

The War on Drugs — Lost in the Dream (2014) 8/10 — ★★★★☆ I went into this album knowing absolutely nothing about The War on Drugs. For some reason, I had it in my head that they were a pop-punk band, so I wasn't expecting much. Boy, was I wrong. What I discovered was a beautiful blend of atmospheric rock, psychedelia, and classic Americana. Almost immediately, I started hearing similarities to Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, and Jackson Browne, particularly Running on Empty. Adam Granduciel's vocals have that slightly nasal, conversational quality that reminds me of Petty and Dylan, and the harmonica on the title track only strengthened that comparison. But the biggest connection for me was Pink Floyd's The Division Bell. The spacious production, shimmering guitars, extended instrumental passages, and dreamy atmosphere reminded me so much of that era of Floyd. The music has room to breathe, and the songs develop naturally without feeling rushed. What impressed me most was the album's cohesion. At one point, I was a full minute into "Burning" before realizing "The Haunting Idle" had ended. The transition was that seamless. Everything flows together so naturally that the album feels like one continuous musical experience. "An Ocean in Between the Waves" was my favorite individual track, particularly the way the vocals carry on over the extended guitar work. "Burning" and the title track were other highlights, but this isn't really an album where individual songs tell the whole story. My track-by-track average came out to 6.95, yet I'm giving the album an 8. That might seem like a big jump, but it's a perfect example of why I don't rate albums strictly by averaging their songs. The sequencing, atmosphere, consistency, and overall listening experience elevate this well beyond its individual parts. This discovery reminded me of my experience with Arcade Fire's Funeral. Not necessarily because the albums sound alike, but because both opened my ears to something I didn't know I was missing. An 8 on a first listen is a massive score for me, and I already know this is an album I'll be returning to. One of the best discoveries I've made through this project.

Under the Pressure, Red Eyes, and Suffering were my faves! really good sleepy time music actually. I could feel myself getting lost in the instrumentals, kinda psychedelic at certain points. maybe strange to say but I think if I was introduced to this album at a pivitol time in my life, this would be one of my top albums. this feels like one of those!!

Zoooooooooo deze viel tegen! Klinkt als AI-slobmuziek. Met extreem veel moeite uitgeluisterd. Dit duurde gevoelsmatig 4 uur. Bij elk nummer even kijken hoe lang ik nog moest. Denk dat ik nog liever naar Bruce luister. Je bent er wel mee opgegroeid omdat veel mensen om je heen hier wel naar luisterden in het indie-hipster tijdperk. TWOD sloeg ik altijd over en nooit verder gekomen dan de hits. Als je de 2 hits hebt gehoord, heb je het hele album ook gehoord blijkt nu. Wat een generieke rotzooi. Ik zag iemand die zijn albums op deze manier rate. Wel een aardige maatstaaf. 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background

Beetje alsof Dylan en Springsteen een lelijk Gen-Z baby hebben gebaard. Ik voel erg weinig voor dit album. Ik vind de sound haast een beetje arrogant te noemen, alsof je naar een band luistert dat in een uitverkocht voetbalstadion staat te spelen. Laag op laag, een echoënde sound met een dikke bak reverb. 2 sterren.

Its hard to judge this album on its own merits when its stylistic elements currently sit at the bottom of the cultural depreciation curve; the reverbed yammering guitars, the 80s nostalgia, the overly earnest millenial sentimentality. I didnt connect with it at all, to say the least.

This wasn’t a bad album at all, but when it’s mostly tracks that are 5-6+ minutes long you really have to work to make them not feel that long. They did not succeed in that in my opinion.

Really good album. Obviously influenced by Springsteen and Dylan. Only true gripe is song length, definitely could have cut a minute or two off if a few songs.

Glad Bojack introduced me to them years ago. This album is incredible

A little too slow and melancholy for my taste, probably needs a few more listens to absorb

Great mixing on this album with very clean use of layering, soundstage, imaging and dynamics. Very road-trip vibes. Tight drums, clean but driving bass and fun use of electric guitar. All instruments have space to breathe whilst maintaining a good flow. Fun listen however there are some slower/ more ambient sections which clash detract a little from the cohesion of the album

Grym start men många låtar flyter ihop efter de 2-3 första låtarna.

This album is like moving to a new town for a fresh start after being dumped by your long-term girlfriend. You figured Hannah was the one. Sure, she was a little bit controlling, but you tend to float through life like an untethered balloon so her overbearing personality had its benefits. Could she be condescending at times? Well yeah, but it's ok she was just making lighthearted jokes at your expense to help you learn where you needed to improve yourself. You don't think your friends liked her. They would make witty jokes about her like "Bro, your girlfriend is a bitch and she treats you like garbage". You know, funny stuff. But they didn't know her like you did. But then you got home early from work one day and snuck into the house to surprise her with flowers and chocolates, only to find her in your bed with her ex-boyfriend. You were devasted. Your life had been ripped out from under your feet. You rented a one-bedroom apartment and lived like a hermit for a month straight. You rarely opened the curtains, and you never bothered to introduce yourself to your neighbours. Most nights and weekends you stayed inside re-watching Bojack Horseman while drinking bourbon and scrolling through Hannah's instagram page. But now here you are a month later, pulling yourself out of the mire. You left your job, you've packed your life up into a rental truck, and you are driving down the highway to a new life in a new town. The sun is shining, you've got the windows down and the stereo up. You have finally realised that Hannah was a bitch and you're on your way to chasing new opportunities in every sense of the word.

Parce qu'Elian aime bien.

Excellent, vraie découverte plaisir

I was really into this record when it came out, but I hadn't listened to it in a while. I guess I'm less into it now. Sounds kind of like the Eagles got a bit worse at their instruments and then compensated with fancier guitar pedals. Now to be fair, one of the things I've learned from working through 1001 Albums is that the Eagles aren't as bad as I'd thought they were. But still, I now feel like there's less to The War on Drugs musically than really meets the eye.

Está cool como para poner de fondo y viajar o trabajar, me pareció bien, pero no para mí

I want drugs

I just found this fine tbh. First half is better than the second half in my opinion. It kind of feels abit samey as the album goes on. Not terrible album by any means, some good moments on here, but nothing amazing.

Made me feel like I was listening to a cd from the 90s in the sense that it was 90 minutes with maybe 20 minutes of anything interesting.

There's a dock on my university campus. Late at night, I went out to the dock, watched the water lap against it, and listened to this album. That was a fun experience.

I'm happy to see this album on the list. The first two tracks are great to have on a running playlist. "Under the Pressure" sets a perfect pace for a 9-minute mile. I have a distinct memory of a rainy fall morning - running down a trail with my dog, "Under the Pressure" chugging along with me. "Red Eyes" fits this mood as well. All of the long tracks may be off-putting to some, but I like the groove that develops over time in these tracks. This may not be post-rock, but there is that sense about it. Each track unfolds slowly over an ever-present, ever-steady beat. The guitar work is Tom Petty and Dire Straits, with Talk Talk and OMD synth-pop. I see the Waterboys listed as an influence and absolutely agree. This album has a tendency to fade into the background as you listen - and sometimes you really want that. For me, it's a bit like Sigur Rós - music you can enjoy passively and still tune in actively if you want and enjoy it just as much. The sound is consistent and true to itself all the way through - that's especially impressive when you consider that the album took nearly two years to record. I love the transition from the shifting instrumental "The Haunting Idle" to the steady beat of "Burning." 4 Stars

uno de los discos de mi vida, sí es

Listening to this in the morning was the only good part of an otherwise terrible day lol. Love the war on drugs and am surprised at the other reviews, this is such a great album!!

3.5

Un génie dans son genre.

사이키델릭함.

It started of as inoffensive and eventually just got dull. Whoever decided some of these songs needed to be seven minutes long gets high off of his own farts

I feel like sam fender was inspired by this. Beautifully melancholy album.

I overall enjoyed it, the production is good and it’s easy listening, i liked the guitars. Some tracks will stay in my playlist, no bad song but no strong song for me, except red eyes. That’s a strong 3.

Red Eye is great but his Bob Dylan impression bored me by halfway through the track list

Good quality album, just a bit dull for me

not very original. Dont know what is was about the track Suffering but I really hated it, doleful, maudlin and musically, absolute shit. An ocean between the waves was enjoyable. a bit Springsteen? (Burning) Bob Dylan. Sounds more like a tribute album, such a lot of sound alike artists

I hear a load of 70s and 80s easy listening stuff. Don't Henley, Chris Rea, Rod Stewart... Perhaps I don't know enough Springsteen to get everyone else's comparisons. It was okay anyway. I'd stick it on in the car for a longer journey without complaint. Not a band I wish to seek more of.

This album just isn't for me. The album is like if Bruce Springsteen made waiting room music with no fun.

I appreciate the reflective ambience of this album, and it's listenable, just not that good.

Beautiful unique build upd

Often boring indie rock instrumentals with alt country/americana vocal performances. Not for me.

Wow! A new favorite. I had heard the first two tracks on the radio before but never the whole album. Makes me feel nostalgic and melancholy all at once. Lots of Dylan influence

Fine

Tailed off but really enjoyed the first half

Lacking inspiration. Silly name for a band. Get in the bin

Never heard of them and don't plan to explore further. 1/5

Nothing else scratches the itch of War on Drugs. A bit slow paced for my taste, but I couldn’t ask for anything more for what it is.

3 and a half or maybe 4 i liked this a lot

Good album with beautiful bendings of instrumentation. I would have given it 5 star but for the arrangement of the tracks. First 2 tracks start strong, then it looses some momentum with slower tracks and its a bit up and down after that. Will keep listening to this band though and wouldn't mind seeing a live performance. Appriciate the longer songs to sink into. Favourite tracks: Under The Pressure, Red Eyes, Burning, Dissapearing, Eyes To The Wind

"I'm on Fire" Springsteen meets Arcade Fire, mellow vibes but it'd be nice to get a little bigger or more raw once in a while.

Fun to revisit this one.

I listen to this and Live Drugs often. Great studio band. Great live band. Excited for their new one. Will continue to come back to this one. 4 1/2.

Atmospheric

8.9 Dreamy, rythm and a clear sense of calm and direction between the songs. Mesmerizing song and beat, real presence of the drums. Real good listen!!

אני אהבתי את הוייב ואת הסאונד היה נחמד לרוץ עם זה אבל לא תפס אותי אולי בעתיד זה יתפוס אותי

Sonic bliss. Wailing guitar riffs. Pure art

Gosto desse estlo indie, embora pareça um rock sem testosterona. Escutarei novamente, faz parte do meu dia-a-dia. Mas daí a ser disco pra ouvir antes de morrer é meio demais.

Definitely one of the greatest albums of all time. Every song felt very nostalgic. It felt like childhood, teenage hood, and adulthood all rolled into one. It reminded me of Pure Herion by Lorde and it reminded of another album that I can’t put my finger on.

I enjoyed this. I got right in to his album a few years back, A Deeper Understanding. This one is also beautiful

Pleasantly surprised by this one.

This is an album I loved when it came out, but haven’t listened to in a long time. It was great getting the chance to do it again, and definitely one to listen to before you die. I’m a sucker for anthemic rock, and boy did this satisfy the itch. Standouts were Under the Pressure, Red Eyes, Eyes to the Wind, and Lost in the Dream.

Beautiful and dreamy with lush guitar tones, I feel like I should know this and love it more than I do. I already knew about a quarter of the songs due to them frequently showing up in my suggested music, but never gave them a full chance. This listen convinced me that I should maybe embrace them a little more. Assumed they'd get a solid three, but maybe I'll up it to a four for hopes sake.

Started off strong then fell off hard

Borin, nothing special vocals, nothing special instrumental, I don’t see my self re listen but for some people maybe

Very Good!

Feels like I’m stuck in a shitty 80s movie.

Oh this was a hidden gem

Call yourself The war on Drugs and then have your first track be a U2 ripoff is a bold move

Epic

Wasn't what I was expecting. Thought it would be more of a post-punk type thing. Didn't hate it but no need to revisit. 2.5/5 rounded to 3.

Like driving on a long highway as the sun is rising. Cruising. Sunglasses. A half drank Red Bull in the coaster. A deep breath. That’s how this album felt all the way through and I’m so pleased. Started this at 1am and I fell asleep around track 6 which was cool. (I then woke up an hour later to some shitty Arcade Fire song. Overall solid as heck. I knew this band from Red Eyes, but never dove into their music. Glad this was the pick today. Felt like it was meant to be today.

4.5

De pratar om förebilder som Springsteen, Neil Young, Tom Petty, Dire Straits ... För mig är det 80-tals alt rock på vägen mot Indie. The Big Music! Trummorna osar Waterboys, gitarrer och arrangemang The Triffids. Sången andas ibland Lloyd Cole. Solklar femma

Not heard this band before. Listened yo this somewhat on the run and distracted so really should give it more time and attention. My main thought while listening was that it is some quite good alt rock and an album that would probably grow on me.

I absolute love this album, it's right up my alley. The ambient alternative sounds and instrumentals wash over you like a wave on every track, creating a warmth to the record that I always enjoy whatever my mood. I also really enjoy the production, it adds so much to the atmosphere The War On Drugs look to create here. It's exceptionally well written and equally well produced. The best thing about it is that it makes you feel alive, like I should listen to it at the top of a mountain or something. It's just great.

a little mopey for my tastes tragically. good quality stuff though!

This was a decent album. A little bit plain, but very atmospheric and I imagine it would be good for car rides. I think I would have loved this in high school.

The guitar tones are everything here, literally. They are the only thing elevating this album from being very mid Springsteen worship. Rating: 6/10

good

First Listen Favorites: Red Eyes Under The Pressure In Reverse Honorable Mentions: Disappearing

yawn 4/10 best song - idek tbh

2.8

On first listen, a perfectly listenable but unremarkable album

New to me, I seem to have a big gap in my knowledge from this era. Enjoyed it though

Thought this was a very listenable album but stopped short of being properly interesting. Little hints of it, like how the albums starts and ends, but felt like it held itself back too much. As a comparison, Alligator by The National (released a few years prior to this) is largely restrained but that makes the outbursts of rage/frustration (e.g. Abel, Mr November) that much more impactful.

New to me, although I’d heard people talk of it positively so had some hope on listening. I won’t be listening again though, nice enough but just too few edges to snag my interest. One star but well towards the top end of the one stars. Tom.

Ganske bra, chill, men ikke superb. 3 av 5

I can’t stand this - it’s like the worst of Springsteen and dire straits thrown together

Chill music that was kind of nice but all blurs together and not sure I'll remember

As recommended, listened to this while night driving and it did not disappoint. Pretty timeless. Tight, dreamy production.

I wasn't much of a fan before but this album partially converted me. Aggressively 4/4 and a bit homogeneous, the sound is undeniably clean and powerful. Somewhere at the crossroads of new wave and maybe even Springsteen... With a few Dylan intonations thrown in. This is a great album to take a solo evening walk to or put on for a road trip.

1. 3.5 2. 4 3. 3 4. 3.5 5. 2.5 6. 3 7. 2.5 8. 4 9. 4 10. 3

Lovely deep record. But just lacking a single or two

Well-produced, but with a sound that does little to distinguish one song from the next, or from every other indie pop album of the 2010s. Unfortunately nothing really stood out to me here (aside from maybe the last track).

war on staying awake

The last few songs kind of lose me, so it starts to feel like a slog near the end. But overall, not too bad. Favorite track: Suffering ; Disappearing ; The Haunting Idle

A skilful mix of influences made this sound weirdly familiar even the first time I heard it. Some of the songs could definitely be shorter but I do find it an enjoyable uncomplicated listen.

Boring.

Real chillers only.

I respect their commitment to a consistent sound - the same simple drum beat throughout most of the songs. It's well produced and, on the extended tracks, quite hypnotic at times. But when it ended, it was like it never happened. I can't remember anything about it. Sort of like a dream where nothing happened. I put on a similar vibes album after (Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever - Hope Downs), and I like that one a lot more.

Oh yeah, das ist der beste moderne Indie Band Rock den ich bis jetzt gehört habe

4/7

I like some of the music here, but the album itself is too long and repetitive. Some good stuff including Red Eyes (my fav song and first listen), An Ocean In Between The Waves and Lost In The Dream. That’s about it tho. Still solid

The War on Drugs is a band I have tried several times simply because all the references suggest they should be right up my alley. They are constantly linked to heartland rock, Springsteen, Dylan, and Wilco, all of which I love. Yet for some reason, their music fails to really grab me. It is certainly not a torture to listen to, and there are moments on Lost in the Dream where I really like what they are doing. The layered, reverbed guitar work can be very enjoyable at times, but overall it becomes too much and repeats itself endlessly. Why are these songs so long? I honestly see no point in the final two or three minutes of the coda on the opening track "Under the Pressure," as five or six minutes was already more than enough. When almost every song stretches out like this, I lose attention in the similar and repeating guitar and drum soundscapes. I still have a hard time seeing how they get compared to artists like Springsteen or Wilco who write with so much more direct impact. Someone online commented that it sounds like Dylan and Springsteen had an ugly Gen-Z baby, which made me laugh, but it pretty accurately sums up why I struggle with them.