Sky Blue Sky
by Wilco
  • Record Label: Nonesuch
  • Release Date: May 15, 2007
User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 213 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 177 out of 213
  2. Mixed: 25 out of 213
  3. Negative: 11 out of 213

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  1. sguy157
    Jul 26, 2019
    7
    If you listen to this expecting something like Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, you'll probably end up disappointed. But if you remove such expectations, you'll find a very solid album. Sure, it might not feel as grand or experimental as some of their previous work, and it does drag a little here and there, but by no means does that make this album bad or boring. It has a great deal of gorgeousIf you listen to this expecting something like Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, you'll probably end up disappointed. But if you remove such expectations, you'll find a very solid album. Sure, it might not feel as grand or experimental as some of their previous work, and it does drag a little here and there, but by no means does that make this album bad or boring. It has a great deal of gorgeous songwriting, with "Either Way," "On and On and On," and "Impossible Germany" being some of my favorites. Also, the guitar work is on point. If you're looking for a more mellow Wilco album, you'll definitely enjoy this one.… Expand
  2. Ricko
    Jan 8, 2015
    7
    "Sky Blue Sky" is nothing if not a cohesive and consistent record. Made up of reasonably straight forward country rock, the record is easy to like but hard to really love. Opener "You Are My Face" is my personal favourite from the record, bring late era Beatles (mostly "Abbey Road") to mind. In fact all the best bits of this album remind me a little of "Abbey Road". There is nothing quite"Sky Blue Sky" is nothing if not a cohesive and consistent record. Made up of reasonably straight forward country rock, the record is easy to like but hard to really love. Opener "You Are My Face" is my personal favourite from the record, bring late era Beatles (mostly "Abbey Road") to mind. In fact all the best bits of this album remind me a little of "Abbey Road". There is nothing quite as ear catching to be found after "You Are My Face". The title track is a sleepy, slow paced country number, "Shake It Off" tries to be interesting but ultimately fails and again suffers from going at a snails pace - we really didn't need 5 plus minutes of this. "On and On and On" starts of very well and draws you in but Tweedy never goes anywhere interesting enough with it that is worth following. "Either Way" is a nice, decent quality tune while "Impossible Germany" again starts very well but just cruises along. Its kind of the story of the record for me - enjoyable enough with some great ideas where the execution just doesn't quite come off as well as it could have. The whole album could do with a shot in the arm, a bit more substance and a bit more courage on behalf of the band. This could have made it a really great record. The last third of the record picks things up a bit to be fair - "Leave Me Like You Found Me" and "What Light" being particular highlights.… Expand
  3. j30
    Sep 22, 2011
    7
    Far from their best work, but still a nice entry into their already great catalog of albums. A really good summer album that you could sing a-long to around a campfire.
  4. TheDaveHimself
    Jun 30, 2011
    8
    A memorable album. Worth the purchase for "Impossible Germany" alone. Tweedy said the album is almost like a break from his usual lyrical wandering and he wrote it intended for his wife, which is apparent on "Please Be Patient With Me." I've heard numerous die-hard Wilco fans state their disdain for this album, but I think they're missing the point. There are some true gems on here. And ifA memorable album. Worth the purchase for "Impossible Germany" alone. Tweedy said the album is almost like a break from his usual lyrical wandering and he wrote it intended for his wife, which is apparent on "Please Be Patient With Me." I've heard numerous die-hard Wilco fans state their disdain for this album, but I think they're missing the point. There are some true gems on here. And if you've caught the band live, you know how much these songs come to life, regardless of what you thought of the record.… Expand
  5. BrainK.
    Jun 25, 2008
    9
    I love this album. The riffs and guitars are great. Tweedy has a terrific sense of word play. This is too artsy for the mainstream and corporate radio. Great job Wilco!
  6. JuanF.
    Feb 10, 2008
    10
    Is simple, beautiful, intelligent, all great songs. I think is the mayor Wilco album. Just listen songs like on and on and withe light.
  7. LewisM.
    Jan 8, 2008
    9
    Beatiful and fantastic, though im hoping this album is one for jeff to have some fun and the next will be a bit more messed up! Full of hope.
  8. RonA.
    Nov 26, 2007
    9
    Their second best effort ever behind only the near perfect Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. The critics need to listen closer and more than just one quick time through.
  9. PabloG
    Oct 30, 2007
    10
    I love this record. Wilco's beautiful collaboration in sound truly reflects a vision unique to those who know the hard times in life, but stand firm in hope. This album takes me. Thank you Wilco.
  10. ClayY.
    Sep 25, 2007
    10
    I have owned this album since it's release date. Ws very disappointed at first listen. Appreciated it much more, and fell in love with a couple of the songs about a week after having it. Months have passed since, and I picked it up again because I was about to see them live. Not only has this become my favorite Wilco album, there is something about it, and where I have been in my I have owned this album since it's release date. Ws very disappointed at first listen. Appreciated it much more, and fell in love with a couple of the songs about a week after having it. Months have passed since, and I picked it up again because I was about to see them live. Not only has this become my favorite Wilco album, there is something about it, and where I have been in my life lately, that it has now officially become my favorite album of all time. If there is anyone who is at a rough place in life, I really suggest this record to make you feel better. So much understanding, and enlightenment, with just the right touch of rage to fill ones soul. I can't get over how incredibly beautiful, and stong the simplistic lyrics to "On and On and On. A song that really makes me happy to have experienced life, no matter what hells I have reached in my journey. It gives me hope for a life that will make it's mark be known. And "What Light" has such a Lennon quality that really allows you to celebrate the good inside us all that we fail to recognize because we find ourselves distracted with society, and lose sight of what is important: our own hearts and souls and feelings!… Expand
  11. adolfop.
    Sep 14, 2007
    10
    Amazing guitar creativity, easy listening, thumbs up.
  12. RickW.
    Aug 5, 2007
    10
    I really liked this album when I first got it but after seeing WILCO perform just about the entire album live outdoors under a full Vermont summer solstice moon in June I became a true believer. I have all previous WILCO efforts but this one is the best! Nels Cline is a great addition to the band and takes their sound away from country towards rock. All songs performed live were even I really liked this album when I first got it but after seeing WILCO perform just about the entire album live outdoors under a full Vermont summer solstice moon in June I became a true believer. I have all previous WILCO efforts but this one is the best! Nels Cline is a great addition to the band and takes their sound away from country towards rock. All songs performed live were even better than the recordings, and the energy in "Shake it Off" and "Hate it Here" played live made me appreciate these tunes even more on the album. Best album of the year.....to date!… Expand
  13. JerryJ
    Jul 30, 2007
    9
    This is a logical step for a band that never compromises or worries about meeting anyone's expectations but their own. I can't wait to see what they have planned next.
  14. SonnyW
    Jul 29, 2007
    10
    One of the best albums of the year. Also, maybe the top Wilco work to date. Love this band.
  15. JimK.
    Jul 14, 2007
    10
    After two very experimental albums this was a perfect fit for the band who will never compromise their sound for the masses needs. Beautiful album.
  16. JaimeP.
    Jul 8, 2007
    10
    best music of the century, so far. A few seconds of Either way or impossible germany are much worthwhile than the f*** discography of truly boring groops, i.e U2, !!! or those monkeys in antarctica
  17. NoamB.
    Jul 5, 2007
    10
    a masterpiece. not absorbed in 1-2 listens. *****
  18. ChrisB
    Jul 2, 2007
    8
    The indie-hipster rejection of Sky Blue Sky puts a spotlight on the hypocrisy and shallowness of much of the movement. Take the same album, throw in some electric background noise and a few not-quite-cohesive off-harmonies, the same people trashing it would be calling it album of the year. Sky Blue Sky is a solid album full of a lot of extremely strong guitar riffs and overall good The indie-hipster rejection of Sky Blue Sky puts a spotlight on the hypocrisy and shallowness of much of the movement. Take the same album, throw in some electric background noise and a few not-quite-cohesive off-harmonies, the same people trashing it would be calling it album of the year. Sky Blue Sky is a solid album full of a lot of extremely strong guitar riffs and overall good songwriting. It's not as good as Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, but what is?… Expand
  19. JTR
    Jun 28, 2007
    10
    Further evidence of pitchfork media's doubtful value (they gave this a 52) as a critical resource. This album, if put on a graph would show Wilco continues to climb to heights of artistic importance and quality rarely fantasized about by better known, better rated bands. Easily a top 5 2007 release, easily a top 3 Wilco disc.
  20. BrianH
    Jun 26, 2007
    8
    Tweedy Singing and Nels Kiline on guitar! It's like I finally have some 70's style artists to worship in my lifetime. This album may be a grower for some but the complicated simplicity of this album is what will make this, and all other Wilco/Tweedy work, stand the test of time. There is no Best Wilco Album, it's all about the amazing quality album after album that no other Tweedy Singing and Nels Kiline on guitar! It's like I finally have some 70's style artists to worship in my lifetime. This album may be a grower for some but the complicated simplicity of this album is what will make this, and all other Wilco/Tweedy work, stand the test of time. There is no Best Wilco Album, it's all about the amazing quality album after album that no other band has given to this generation.… Expand
  21. EricC
    Jun 21, 2007
    7
    Can be pretty classic stuff when they gather some energy. Unfortunately, this doesn't happen often.
  22. Paul
    Jun 20, 2007
    9
    If you hate this album, so be it, but don't do so because the lyrics, or music is "bland". The lyrics aren't as postmodern or flashy as the previous albums, but instead, like some of Roger Waters' best lyrics, they're clear, economical, and hold a far more substantial beauty. "Something in my veins bloodier than blood" has got nothing on "Mysteries we believe in, not If you hate this album, so be it, but don't do so because the lyrics, or music is "bland". The lyrics aren't as postmodern or flashy as the previous albums, but instead, like some of Roger Waters' best lyrics, they're clear, economical, and hold a far more substantial beauty. "Something in my veins bloodier than blood" has got nothing on "Mysteries we believe in, not dreamed enough to be true". And try looking up the complex chord changes to these songs and play them on a piano sometime and see how "easy listening" the music is.… Expand
  23. GarthG
    Jun 20, 2007
    10
    Absolutely Awesome in its Beauty, Simplicity and Complexity! A classic that just grows and grows on you!
  24. JohnN
    Jun 19, 2007
    10
    Brilliant songwriting, Brilliant musicianship. There best to date and I have them all. Dont' believe the bad reviews, it's from people who think Revolution #9 is genius.
  25. ChrisC
    Jun 18, 2007
    8
    This record falls in line with all of Wilco's records. Sure, it might not be as great top-to-bottom as Being There or Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, but it's further proof that Jeff Tweedy is likely the most important artist of our time. If you've written this record off after a few listens, you MUST return to it. This record, though seeming simple, is very complex and takes time. This record falls in line with all of Wilco's records. Sure, it might not be as great top-to-bottom as Being There or Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, but it's further proof that Jeff Tweedy is likely the most important artist of our time. If you've written this record off after a few listens, you MUST return to it. This record, though seeming simple, is very complex and takes time. Another great output from an artist who's beginning to enter the ranks of artists such as Dylan and Springsteen.… Expand
  26. Matthew
    Jun 18, 2007
    8
    Pretty ridiculous all of the poor reviews...why does music have to be "experimental" or "groundbreaking". Tweedy made it very clear that he just wanted this album to be a collection of straightforward tunes (watch the documentary that comes with the disc), and it is a superb collection of just that, great tunes.
  27. Adrian
    Jun 17, 2007
    8
    Not as experimental as their previous efforts but a solid effort none the less. Everything has been simplified and we're back to the alt-country roots ... love and loss
  28. EvertonP
    Jun 16, 2007
    9
    pretty songcraft, simple but direct and effective lyrics, tweedy's emotional storm apparently under control... what more can we ask for? a timeless album which makes us feel how good 70's soft rock can be if well conducted and composed
  29. SteveH
    Jun 14, 2007
    8
    Bought it last week, now I'm having problems taking it out of the CD player. On first listen it sounded a little mundane, by the third go around it was magic. Tweedy really is an artist with real vision, and the band is loose and tight at the same time, how do they do that?
  30. yourmom
    Jun 12, 2007
    9
    well crafted music..... It's hard not be pleased. Although i find it to be one small step back from A Ghost Is Born.
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Awards & Rankings

17
#17 Most Discussed Album of 2007
50
#50 Most Shared Album of 2007

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 38 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 38
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 38
  3. Negative: 1 out of 38
  1. Amazon.com
    70
    It's certainly the group's most cohesive album in ages.
    Read full review
  2. Under The Radar
    50
    A very professional but almost inconsequential set... flat and ultimately uninspired. [#17, p.88]
  3. Observer Music Monthly
    80
    The closer you listen to the jazzy guitars, Beatles touches and easy, shuffling rhythms ... the more it transpires that Tweedy is simply allowing the songs sufficient room to speak up for themselves.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »