High Violet (Bonus Track Version)

aoty

fantano

rollingstone

The National are rousing-rock sad sacks in a time-honored tradition: Joy Division, the Cure, Nick Cave. With their fifth set, perhaps the sad-sackiest yet, they embody their own era. Singer Matt Berninger's gorgeous baritone is still the band's main selling point: Listen to the mopey sexiness of "Bloodbuzz Ohio" as he describes undressing "at the […]

pitchfork

Returning with a slightly darker and more ornate sound, the National remain masters of widescreen, emotionally engaging rock.