Okkervil RiverBest Okkervil River Albums Ranked

The Stage Names (Bonus Track Version)

pitchfork

8.7

“Musicians' lives don't naturally translate to compelling movies, but in the right hands, they can make for powerful albums. On Okkervil River's autobiographical fourth full-length-- their most emotionally devastating yet-- frontman Will Sheff masters both self-reflexivity and twisted confessionalism while his band ramps up to an unhinged aggressiveness that was only hinted at on previous releases.”

Away

thelineofbestfit

8.5

“Okkervil River show what can be gained from loss”

Black Sheep Boy

pitchfork

8.5

“Okkervil's newest batch of songs create a roomy and natural showcase for Will Sheff's high-wire vocals.”

The Stand Ins

pitchfork

8.0

“Life was a crummy movie on Okkervil River's breakthrough album, The Stage Names. On The Stand Ins, it's a lousy rock show. As the interchangeable titles and puzzle-piece album covers imply, this new record is an extension of its predecessor, a further untangling of themes and ideas about music, art, celebrity, love, and the folly of it all.”

I Am Very Far

pitchfork

7.9

“After a run of concept albums, Will Sheff's literate indie rock project returns with a collection of unrelated songs united by the dense production.”

In the Rainbow Rain

pastemagazine

7.8

“Ambition has never been in short supply where Okkervil River are concerned. Band leader Will Sheff has found inspiration in all manner of seemingly unrelated subjects, from the struggle with substance abuse that plagued Tim Hardin to the recollections and relationships nurtured in the tiny New Hampshire hometown where he was raised. With Sheff and his colleagues rarely appearing unwilling to take”