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Why Are You OK?
by
Why Are You OK? Image
Metascore
68

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 14 Ratings

  • Summary: The fifth full-length release for the Seattle rock band was produced by Jason Lytle and features guest appearances from Sera Cahoone, Jenn Champion, and Dinosaur Jr.'s J. Mascis.
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Top Track

Casual Party
Talking television at the casual party Here's some brand new friends to get you started off So start it off Since Ben got that he's a sociopath He's... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    Jun 10, 2016
    83
    The sonic pivots make Ok a compelling listen. Bridwell’s exploration never feels chaotic. Instead, it’s what keeps the record’s momentum going.
  2. The Guardian
    Jun 9, 2016
    80
    Band of Horses’s fifth album makes something of a triumphant return to the wide-eyed, dreamy vulnerability that marked the Seattle band’s first two records.
  3. Under The Radar
    Jun 24, 2016
    70
    While Why Are You OK may struggle to match the specific peaks of some of their previous work, its consistency, cohesion, and variety of songcraft breathes new spark into the band's flame and hints at a brighter, more expansive musical future.
  4. Consequence
    Jun 15, 2016
    67
    Though it sometimes gets lost in its own sleepy sweetness, Why Are You OK finds just enough of those grand moments of simplicity.
  5. No Ripcord
    Jul 6, 2016
    60
    The lyrical themes in the album about living a quiet domestic life are aptly mature, but also a tad empty and lack much insight, literal to the point that you’d assume main songwriter Ben Bridwell was peering through a window during sessions to write about anything he could find.
  6. Mojo
    Jun 9, 2016
    60
    Much of Why Are You OK may be lush and beautiful, but there are too many rambling tracks to put it up with Bridwell's best. [Jul 2016, p.95]
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  7. Austin Chronicle
    Sep 30, 2016
    50
    The now-South Carolinians intermittently evoke that inaugural 2006 disc by employing a fresh producer, Grandaddy mage Jason Lytle, who stamps his former band's downtrodden space rock into BoH's festival formula.

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User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. H473NMIT
    Jun 16, 2016
    10
    This album was beautifully written with delicacy and heart. It's unbelievable how Ben Bridwell was able to pull this off when spending allThis album was beautifully written with delicacy and heart. It's unbelievable how Ben Bridwell was able to pull this off when spending all hours of the night working aimlessly on this album, and spending the day working diligently as a family man. I couldn't imagine giving this anything lower than a 10.… Expand
  2. Slowave
    Jun 12, 2016
    9
    When I heard Jason Lytle was on board to produce this album, it seemed clear to me that BOH had woken up to the fact that they needed toWhen I heard Jason Lytle was on board to produce this album, it seemed clear to me that BOH had woken up to the fact that they needed to pursue a new path that would bring back many of the fans they lost after Mirage Rock (a forgettable, country-soaked meander into "Dad rock" that portrayed Bidwell navel-gazing into his 70's vinyl collection a little too indulgently - for fans craving the heights of "The Funeral"). Lytle has his lofi fingerprints all over this thing, and the result is a much needed reawakening for a band that finally sounds like they're having fun again. While the album may not feature an instant classic like Great Salk Lakes, it definitely overcomes the "sameness" that many point to as the only major criticisms of albums one and three. Lytle's sonic sensibilities and sun bleached palette of California keyboards bring many songs to life on nuanced levels, and "Hag" sounds like it could fit into the Grandaddy catologue comfortably. BOH are flexing their melodic muscles like they haven't done since the reprise in Ode to LRC, and while some songs and some lyrics do feature the odd clumsy moment where a first impression might question a certain choice, the overall effect of the album invites the listener to crack open a beer on the back deck and all is forgiven. BOH is back and this is easily their third best album, if not the most cohesive and listenable from start to finish. Lots of great moments that find a balance among all the band's influences, from twang to indie pop to straight out rock. This album is more than OK, and will feature heavily during summer road trips.… Expand
  4. theTodd
    Jun 13, 2016
    8
    Surprised this album is as good as it is. I've listened to this more in less than a week than I listened to Mirage Rock in 4 years. AlsoSurprised this album is as good as it is. I've listened to this more in less than a week than I listened to Mirage Rock in 4 years. Also better than Infinite Arms, which while good was a bit of a downer where I'd skip songs. Way to go guys! I'll even get this one on vinyl.… Expand
  5. nozaman
    Jun 16, 2016
    6
    This is definitely better than Mirage Rock, which was pretty bad, but it does nothing to counter the overall impression that Band of HorsesThis is definitely better than Mirage Rock, which was pretty bad, but it does nothing to counter the overall impression that Band of Horses peaked with their first album. After that album, they lost a key member, regrouped and came up with a very good follow-up, but despite some nice moment's it's been a retreat to ho-hum, good-natured alt/indie/country rock since then. The addition of the producer from Grandaddy only makes Why Are You OK sound like a dull Grandaddy album with a different line-up and vocalist.… Expand

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