Things Are Greatrelease date: Mar. 4, 2022
format: digital (10 x File, FLAC)
[album rate: 4 / 5] [3,92]
producer: Wolfgang Zimmerman & Benjamin Bridwell
label: BMG - nationality: USA
Track highlights: 1. "Warning Signs" (4 / 5) - 2. "Crutch" (4 / 5) - 3. "Tragedy of the Commons" - 5. "In Need of Repair" - 6. "Aftermath" (4 / 5) - 7. "Lights" - 8. "Ice Night We're Having" - 9. "You Are Nice to Me" - 10. "Coalinga"
6th studio album by Band of Horses is a most welcomed new release following nearly six full years since the band's last effort, Why Are You OK (Jun. 2016). Some probably had their doubts about the band's survival, but here they are, Band of Horses is synonymous with Ben Bridwell, and he's back with a new line-up. Since 2017 the band has been without guitarist Tyler Ramsey and bassist Bill Reynolds, who had both been stable members for a decade, and a new line-up has taken its time. Two new guitarists have been through and out - the most recent, Ian MacDougal played in the band from 2017, and he is still credited as guitarist on this but left the band prior to the album release - he was subsequently replaced by Brett Nash. Bassist Matt Gentling, who played in the band for a short period back in early 2007 after which he was replaced by Bill Reynolds, is now back as substitute for Reynolds.
Although, the album hasn't made impressive entries on the album charts, it has been met by quite positive reviews, and I fully understand the positive hype. Bridwell has simply done it again! Things Are Great follows so nicely in the path laid out by the band's first two - and so far only great albums, but now Band of Horses have made three! Forget Infinte Arms, Mirage Rock and even Why Are You OK. - they contain good and fine songs but are all rather uneven albums. This one on the other hand is up there among their best, and if it's a bit of a mystery why it hasn't been praised more, you may ask how Bridwell & Co. are able to come up with an album that is both so fresh and melodic yet so much in the "tradition" of the band's best songs made some 15 years ago. My guess is, the mystery lies in the fact that this band is more or less a one-man project, and if Bridwell has some great tunes, well, then you get to experience things like this!
Highly recommended!
[ 👍allmusic.com, Mojo, Classic Rock, Uncut 4 / 5, Pitchfork 7,3 / 10, 👎Rolling Stone 3,5 / 5 stars ]
2022 Favourite releases: 1. Hurray for the Riff Raff Life on Earth - 2. Big Thief Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe in You - 3. Band of Horses Things Are Great
