AWmusic

This album got a lot of different reviews; half bad, half good. It’s definitely very different from the likes of A Ghost is Born (2004), Wilco’s last album. Sky Blue Sky (2007) is more instrumentally simplistic (compared to A Ghost Was Born where there was a huge use of pedal effects), which were Tweedy’s intentions, anyway. It’s very mellow and has more of an adult contemporary feel compared to Wilco’s previous albums. Not that it’s a bad thing; certainly there are some notable tracks—“Either Way,” “Sky Blue Sky,” and “On and On and On” to name a couple. This album features more simplistic, melodious guitar parts with fewer backing instruments, and the vocals are sweet, as usual. This album can definitely be liked by the mainstream, as “Impossible Germany” has proven (since I hear it on the radio all the time). I think the only reason why this album wouldn’t be likable is if the listener was a die-hard fan of the previous albums (and maybe the fact that Wilco became sell-outs for Volkswagen…*dun dun dun*). The general style of the two previous albums (which were, in my opinion, Wilco’s defining albums) are different—it’s hard to get used to if you’re a fan pre-Sky Blue Sky. It’s very easy to listen to, however; the guitar playing is sweet and melodious; the lyrics are reminiscent of Yankee Hotel Foxtrot (2002)—light-hearted and feel-good.

Personally, I like this album a lot for its simplicity and sweetness. However, I must admit it was hard getting the idea that Wilco’s music could substitute grocery store music. Not too shabby, though! Definitely worthwhile to listen to.

Wilco – Sky Blue Sky

Wilco – Impossible Germany

Wilco – On and On and On

Buy this CD on Insound
Buy this CD on Amazon
Buy this CD on CD Universe