Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
by Wilco
  • Record Label: Nonesuch
  • Release Date: Apr 23, 2002
User Score
8.9

Universal acclaim- based on 249 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 224 out of 249
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 249
  3. Negative: 17 out of 249

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. Makbilit
    Jan 19, 2023
    9
    Incredible album, well thought out and well written, made up of so many layers of conflicting instrumentals that turn out making incredible melodies.
  2. All_ButTrU4
    Jun 8, 2022
    8
    Amazing work! This sawdust classic is a bad at their most incentive peak. There is not a single bad song on this album. It's balance of sullen and ecstatic are expressed throughout a perfectly curated pallet of sounds that move from being rock to quite folk.
  3. thegetaway
    Apr 15, 2021
    10
    I'll always remember watching the 'I Am Trying to Break Your Heart' documentary, then listening to the album again. And when it finally clicked with me, it instantly became one of the most powerful listening experiences I've ever had.
  4. brockcheese
    Feb 24, 2020
    9
    A great album that put Wilco on the map and an ode to Chicago. Combining Folk music that sounds like Sufjan Stevens with the noise rock of other more experimental contemporaries Wilco creates a stunning tribute to the hardships of miscommunication.
  5. FredSun925
    Apr 19, 2019
    10
    Absolutely beautiful. Yankee Hotel Foxtrot is one of the greatest albums of all time. The album is also sonically unique.
  6. LPC123
    Oct 8, 2016
    10
    Curious about Wilco? Start here. Yankee Hotel Foxtrot is their most compelling and memorable work. Singer Jeff Tweedy's vocals at times almost sound like he is drunk - even a bit unsettling at first. The cacophonous guitars in spots add to that feel. But, the arrangements, melodies, and lyrics demand a second listening, and the payoff for replays is huge.
  7. StellaWasaDiver
    Sep 4, 2016
    8
    Often considered one of the finest releases of the 2000's, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot finds Wilco in a much more soothing and contained light than their previous releases. The instrumentation is luscious and ambitious, and are backed up by Tweedy's beautiful lyrics and vocal delivery. The album may fail to engage me all the way through, but there's no denying that an album that has songs like "IOften considered one of the finest releases of the 2000's, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot finds Wilco in a much more soothing and contained light than their previous releases. The instrumentation is luscious and ambitious, and are backed up by Tweedy's beautiful lyrics and vocal delivery. The album may fail to engage me all the way through, but there's no denying that an album that has songs like "I am trying to break your heart", Jesus, etc" and "Ashes of American Flags" in it deserves a big place in history.… Expand
  8. Ricko
    Jan 23, 2015
    7
    It's good but I just don't think its as good as some people say. YHF is definitely the bands most ambitious album and arguably their broadest in terms of scope but for me it's a little short of their best work. YHF is an album that starts off in a curious manner and certainly sparks your interest but as often is the case with Wilco, too often the band miss the right time to move a songIt's good but I just don't think its as good as some people say. YHF is definitely the bands most ambitious album and arguably their broadest in terms of scope but for me it's a little short of their best work. YHF is an album that starts off in a curious manner and certainly sparks your interest but as often is the case with Wilco, too often the band miss the right time to move a song forward or develop an idea which sometimes leaves the record with a self-indulgent feel. Plenty of good songs and interesting ideas but not enough material that you could class as truly great. You could do worse with your time than check this out but there are better records out there.… Expand
  9. AJ_antipop
    Apr 15, 2014
    10
    Perfect albums are not too easy to come by at all, and it's debatable that such flawlessness even exists, yet Wilco have simply crafted a masterpiece of American indie rock. Jesus Etc. might even be one of the greatest songs ever written.
  10. j30
    Sep 22, 2011
    10
    An important, thought-provoking album by a the genre changing band. This is their greatest achievement. Watching the documentary 'I Am Trying to Break Your Heart' gives you an idea of what kind of problems they had trying to put this album out. YHF hit me like a ton of bricks, just like an OK Computer or Sea Change.
  11. Boosemo12
    Jul 10, 2011
    10
    A flawless album, everything in it is balanced perfectly. At the end it feels like a record that you can dig as deep as you'd like, yet at the same time one with which it is perfectly comfortable to stay on the surface.
  12. TheDaveHimself
    Jun 30, 2011
    10
    Rolling Stone said it best when they called it "an American masterpiece." Upon it's release, it quite frankly, changed everything. They created a sound that has been done and redone ever since 2002. And I believe history will eventually place this up there with Sgt. Peppers & Blonde On Blonde. "Ashes of American Flags" is a highlight on an album of highlights. To further dive into theRolling Stone said it best when they called it "an American masterpiece." Upon it's release, it quite frankly, changed everything. They created a sound that has been done and redone ever since 2002. And I believe history will eventually place this up there with Sgt. Peppers & Blonde On Blonde. "Ashes of American Flags" is a highlight on an album of highlights. To further dive into the making of this record, check out the documentary I Am Trying To Break Your Heart. Another classic in it's own realm.… Expand
  13. Vampire25
    Jan 8, 2011
    9
    Yankee Hotel Foxtrot is a great album. It has soft melodies that just stick in your mind. It's simply amazing. "Jesus, Etc" is one of the best songs I've ever heard. All In All, Wilco has made a fantastic album that gets better with multiple listens. A-
  14. mbagely
    Jan 3, 2011
    10
    I agree completely with Pitchfork, this album is amazing.
    I mean it was great on thre first couple of listens but as I've spent more time with it I notice the subtleties and warm to those songs that I didn't like too much at first.
  15. JUIKER
    Oct 1, 2010
    10
    Awesome, music from the rock and roll angels! Great songs jammed out to their max, along with slow and thoughtful sing-alongs. Instantly and unilaterally establishes the Tweedy legend.
  16. mhmusicnmovies
    Sep 8, 2010
    9
    A.M. was basically an extension of Uncle Tupelo; with Being There, Wilco moved from country to a kind of alternative country and have slowly swayed from their roots with each album. However, they manage to change styles without losing their appeal. Not a real catchy group of songs but a solid one nonetheless.
  17. michaeljcovel
    Sep 5, 2010
    9
    I still cover 2 of these songs professionally: Jesus etc. and Pot Kettle Black
    (for those that feel there are no pop hooks)
    On my worst review I give it a 6; on my best a 9-something.... there are songs I still skip over (heavy metal drummer, kamera, radio cure) songs I still play (jesus etc., pot kettle black) song I'm indifferent (reservations, war on war, I'm the Man....) and song I    I still cover 2 of these songs professionally: Jesus etc. and Pot Kettle Black
    (for those that feel there are no pop hooks)
    On my worst review I give it a 6; on my best a 9-something....
    there are songs I still skip over (heavy metal drummer, kamera, radio cure)
    songs I still play (jesus etc., pot kettle black)
    song I'm indifferent (reservations, war on war, I'm the Man....)
    and song I still am intrigued by (poor places, I am trying..., ashes--esp the outlying guitar part)
    did they hype it? probably but why not hype what you've put a lot of work into?
    and I never actually bought any of it so I give them a 9 overall    … Expand
  18. KevinD.
    Mar 17, 2008
    4
    One of the most overrated albums of the new millennium period. There are four good songs on this album, and that's the nicest thing that can be said about it. Experimental? Yes, but something new? No, adding computer sounds and fuzz is experimental for this band, but it's an old trick. Good folk rock has two defining characteristics, melody and lyrics. The melodies on this album One of the most overrated albums of the new millennium period. There are four good songs on this album, and that's the nicest thing that can be said about it. Experimental? Yes, but something new? No, adding computer sounds and fuzz is experimental for this band, but it's an old trick. Good folk rock has two defining characteristics, melody and lyrics. The melodies on this album are mostly the same and wear out after the first four tracks. So then the lyrics... decent, but certainly not world class. For example, "Jesus, etc." is a gorgeous song with great lyrics, but "I am the man who loves you" has thin melodies and lyrics that are just boring. It's background music, something that puts me to sleep every time I listen to it, and I've listened to it several times, each time thinking, "maybe this time it'll be interesting." It never is.… Expand
  19. Hein
    Dec 30, 2007
    10
    The Wire is deaf. Beautiful voice, brilliant songwriting and subtle experimenting. Perfect & timeless!
  20. ScottH.
    Dec 24, 2007
    10
    Superb. Certainly one of the best albums of this decade (so far).
  21. WittN
    Jul 25, 2007
    10
    An excellent album that balances obscrue insturments and melodies with equally interesting lyrics and song progression; a must listen.
  22. CharlieP
    Mar 23, 2007
    10
    Easily Wilco's most defining album. From the relaxing Violins is Jesus, ect, to the tearing guitar solo in I'm The Man Who Loves You, this album does it all. A Masterpiece.
  23. TobyI
    Dec 26, 2006
    10
    phenomenal album. it is one of those albums that i could listen to over and over again, even though i already know the whole thing by heart. although some tracks are not as great as others, they lyrics are consistantly unbelievable, and it has gotten me hooked to the band and jeff tweedy. clearly, im a huge fan, and i could not have asked for a better album
  24. GrayD
    Jul 22, 2006
    10
    This album is among my favourites and it has nothing to do with the 'giving a big fuck you to those coporate assholes' or anything like that. It's because the songs are masterful, delicate, played well and carries a atmosphere of hopeful melocholy with it.
  25. Mr.Hankey
    Jul 9, 2006
    10
    Yankee Hotel Foxtrot could be considered a triumph for Wilco because it showed that they didn't need Corporate America to make the album that they wanted to make. Even through all the chaos and struggle the band came out with one of the best albums of the millenium. The album is melodic and soft because of the guitar and voice of Jeff Tweedy but also the noise that propels into the Yankee Hotel Foxtrot could be considered a triumph for Wilco because it showed that they didn't need Corporate America to make the album that they wanted to make. Even through all the chaos and struggle the band came out with one of the best albums of the millenium. The album is melodic and soft because of the guitar and voice of Jeff Tweedy but also the noise that propels into the song brings out what the album was meant for. Now I am a fan of Wilco because they make smart music that is at times a riot of a mess and at times an orchestral triumph. You will find that this album is one of their bests and will remain that way because it is one of the high rated albums that deserves it and in 2006 is still listenable and better than anything that has come out this year.… Expand
  26. RobertS
    Jun 13, 2006
    10
    The final exclamation point of alternative rock. Demanding of the listener but well worth the dozen plays required to "get there." The best recording to date of this young century. And all of this from someone who has been listening to "rock' in all its variations and aberrations for over 40 years.
  27. BrianMcC
    Mar 5, 2006
    6
    Inconsistent effort. Some songs will move the listener, some songs will put one to sleep. It is as if the musicians fought with each other over musical direction and they each won a section of the recording. Disappointing!
  28. RyanL
    Mar 5, 2006
    10
    It's a classic from the first clicks and buzzes of the opening track.
  29. PaulL
    Jan 9, 2006
    5
    dull dull dull dull dull. I'm reviewing this in early 2006 After having some perspective, I think this record was carried by sheer hype. I remember the songs clearly and how smug I felt listening to it (take that corporate fools!), but now I can not even will myself to put it in the cd player. The mere thought of this album can induce a coma.
  30. SeamusS
    Jan 6, 2006
    10
    Though Not the most immediatly accesable album from the band, it remains one of their greatest, truley turning a corner in alternative country and giving a big fuck you to the rest of the shity music world. If you're smart and not so full of yourself as to have to dislike it because alot of people do, you'll love it. remember kids there's a reason to why some albums are popular
prev
Page:

Awards & Rankings

5
#5 Best Album of 2002
10
#10 Most Discussed Album of 2002
14
#14 Most Shared Album of 2002

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
87

Universal acclaim - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 26
  3. Negative: 1 out of 26
  1. Almost Cool
    90
    I'm not sure if it's the work by O'Rourke or the progression of the group (or a little of both), but this disc is so multi-layered that it's easy to hear new things many many times after the first listen.
    Read full review
  2. Mojo
    100
    A masterpiece, exactly the sort of record that your average sentient pop genius should make in 2002. [May 2002, p.99]
  3. AllMusic
    80
    While their songs still maintain the loose intimacy that was apparent on their debut AM, the music has matured to reveal a complexity that is rare in pop music, yet showcased perfectly on Yankee Hotel Foxtrot.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »