Sky Blue Sky Review

Release Date: May 15, 2007
Label: Nonesuch
Genres: Alternative Country-Rock, Adult Alternative Pop/Rock, Indie Rock
Number Of Tracks: 12
Sky Blue Sky may find Wilco dipping their toes into roots rock again, but this doesn't feel like a step back so much as another fresh path for one of America's most consistently interesting bands.

Sound:	10
Lyrics:	8
Impression:	8.5
Overall rating:	8.8
Users rating:	9.4
Comments:	11

overall: 9

Reviewed by: dividedsky, on december 28, 2007

Sound: Wilco's sound on this album is mixture of old and new. The sound of the first two tracks hearkens back to older musical textures. The organ playing on the first track reminded me of The Band. While part of the album seems very mature and relaxed compared to previous releases, the addition of Nels Cline definitely brings a progressive sort of edge to the album. For example, Side with the Seeds goes places that previous Wilco just couldn't, and actually makes you think at points "they're shredding up some progressive rock." Some great keyboard textures on the track really add to that. Overall the songwriting is really good, especially "Please be Patient with Me," which is becoming one of my favorite Wilco songs. // 10

Lyrics and Singing: Tweedy gives a solid performance on this album. His voice comes off a little differently from previous albums like Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, where at times I thought he was trying to sound too much like Stephen Malkmus of Pavement. Vocals here are a little more restrained than previous albums, but lyrically he still remains brilliant. Good lyrics throughout the album, although the chorus of "What Light" is repeated a bit too much for me. // 8

Impression: This doesn't feature the really incredible pop-sensible songwriting that I loved about Summerteeth, but comes with a much more mature (while still innovative) sound. I really like Nels Cline's contributions to the band, and the album has a great feel to it. My favorite tracks are "Please be Patient with Me," "Side with the Seeds," "Sky Blue Sky," and "You are My Face," among other great additions. The only thing that irks me about this album is the song order regarding the first two tracks. They both start at the same tempo in the same key! While this threw me off at first, overall the album is great, and is definitely one of my favorite Wilco albums. // 9

Reviewed by: unregistered, on may 24, 2007

Sound: Sky Blue Sky is Wilco's 6th studio album. Following their breakthrough albums, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot and A Ghost is Born, which are both very experimental and ear-challenging, Sky Blue Sky is in many ways the opposite of what one would expect from Wilco at this point. The album takes a much older-sounding approach, utilizing Wilco's folkier roots and classic rock backgrounds. It's their first studio release with experimental jazz-guitarist, Nels Cline, who delivers melodic riffs, and scorching solos. Although some feel frustrated the band seems to have taken a turn into their comfort zone, Sky Blue Sky is a beautiful sounding album, most of it recorded live in their loft with all analog equipment. // 10

Lyrics and Singing: Jeff Tweedy's lyrics are definitely different this time around. Having been through rehab for a dependency on migraine medication, there's a "there and back" aspect to it. The lyrics are accepting and hopeful. Lines like "oh but I didn't die, I should be satisfied, I survived, it's good enough for now" and "maybe you still love me, maybe you don't. either you will or you won't" are a more open approach that Tweedy has taken with his songwriting. There's still the wonderful literary imagery he's famous for, but you can understand what the songs are about way more than in the last two albums. // 8

Impression: Sky Blue Sky is one of the most beautifully made albums of the last ten years, or even longer. It's recorded really really really well. Adding Nels Cline to the equation makes the band a supergroup, and the bands attitude grows with every release. It's really difficult to compare Wilco's albums to eachother. Each one is extremely different, with different musical and lyrical approaches. However, although I do love Sky Blue Sky just as much as any other Wilco album, I'm afraid that at this point, it doesn't compare to their last two studio albums. Then again, how can it? Yankee Hotel Foxtrot and A Ghost is Born are extremely epic. Sky Blue Sky is a fantastic creation nonetheless, and a must-have for any music lover, and especially musician. // 8

Comments

[joshsirjoshules]

Good review. I love this band more than anything, and it makes me happy that they made Sky Blue Sky of all albums.

[guitarkid2113]

How does this album have a 6?!

[FreedomFighter]

I'm enjoying this album. Nels Cline is one of the best guitarists i've ever heard!

[lessthanweezer7]

When Nels Cline plays guitar, human beings die.


In a good way.

[TheJoeyH Show]

I like Sky Blue Sky... But I love "A Ghost is Born" and "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot".

I'm not here to bash Wilco at all, but unfortunately I was slightly (just slightly) disappointed with this album. Granted, there are some excellent qualities (mentioned in the review above) to this one that you won't find in their previous two unbelievable albums. However, with this album, I think it lost it's unpredictability. I don't even know if I spelled that right, but with their previous 2 albums, you didn't know what to expect on the next track. Does anyone else agree with me?

I respect Wilco for always being different in which way they go with albums, and I will still undoubtedly go see them play a show.

[keneticshark24]

Love the album.

[jacobgear]

i just bought this album and gave it a few spins... i found myself craving for the Wilco of days past, the days of AM and even bringin it back farther to he days of Uncle Tupelo... it may just be personal preference but for me Wilco just isnt the same... still i encourage any wilco fan to check it out...

[spartanfan10]

It sounds like two 8-year olds reviewed this record.

[justinrobbins7]

This album is unreal.

[spartanfan10]

The chorus of What Light isn't even repeated. If you read the lyrics you would know. There's a light, what light. There's a light, one light. There's a light, white light, inside of you.

[fitterhappier34]

Nels Cline's guitar tone and solos are unbelievably delicious.