It's a Wonderful Life
by Sparklehorse
Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. Blender
    60
    Too often, songs drift off into a fog of vague guitar atmospherics. [Aug/Sep 2001, p.130]
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  2. Spin
    60
    It's a Wonderful Life comes off like a Magical Soft Mystery Bulletin. Yet, those iridescent orchestrations seem to be covering for the underdeveloped dirges that dominate the album. [Oct 2001, p.127]
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Awards & Rankings

44
#44 Best Album of 2001
90
#90 Most Discussed Album of 2001
50
#50 Most Shared Album of 2001

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 29 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 29
  3. Negative: 2 out of 29
  1. KellyW
    Apr 29, 2005
    10
    Beautiful and delicate, yet dark and frightening. A absolute must for fans of Radiohead and Modest Mouse.
  2. Ricko
    Jul 8, 2020
    9
    "It's A Wonderful Life" is one of those albums that has clung on to me since I first heard it. I'm a fan of all of the Sparklehouse material"It's A Wonderful Life" is one of those albums that has clung on to me since I first heard it. I'm a fan of all of the Sparklehouse material and love their unmistakable sound but on this particular record it all comes together. A blend of indie cool and aching beauty. I'd argue its one of the more beautiful records you'll hear. The arrangements and range of melodies present is staggering and it is produced to perfection. You will swing from the indie rock anthems of "Gold Day", "Piano Fire" and "King of Nails" to the melancholic heartbreak of "Sea of Teeth", "Eyepennies" and "More Yellow Birds". The only misstep for me on the whole record is the Beck type "Dog Door" which feels out of place completely. Guaranteed to make your day gold.… Full Review »
  3. BulgarianCritic
    May 23, 2019
    10
    One of the greatest and saddest artists that exist and an amazing piece for the soul
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