A Deeper Understanding
by The War on Drugs
  • Record Label: Atlantic
  • Release Date: Aug 25, 2017
Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 33 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 33
  3. Negative: 0 out of 33
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  1. No Ripcord
    Sep 25, 2017
    60
    His lack of nuance from a lyrical standpoint is startling, to the point where it confuses one into thinking that it’s profound since everything else is so carefully considered. It comes from a genuine place, sure, but his overly labored Reagan-era balladry rekindles a musical period that still sounds entirely dated.
  2. DIY Magazine
    Aug 25, 2017
    60
    It’s still immersive music for thinking and reflecting. It might lack it’s ‘Red Eyes’ but this record is filled with enough to satisfy any existing fans.
  3. The Independent (UK)
    Aug 24, 2017
    60
    It’s all too controlled and unambitious; and just aping Dylan’s wheeze doesn’t make it any more intriguing.
  5. Clash Music
    Aug 24, 2017
    60
    However dreamy the music may be, mind, it's not all quite so heavenly. The main distraction is how overwrought it all is. This is especially prevalent in Granduciel's lyrics which he sings in whispered reverence.
  6. The Skinny
    Aug 21, 2017
    60
    While stylistically The War on Drugs have never released anything revolutionary, A Deeper Understanding lacks that spark that their previous releases had, which could well be due in part to their move to a new major label home.
  7. Slant Magazine
    Aug 10, 2017
    60
    The album's lyrics, however, can't match this same level of musical precision, and Granduciel too often repeats the same vague sentiments using threadbare imagery.
  8. Mojo
    Aug 1, 2017
    60
    A Deeper Understanding is exhilarating in places, but perhaps inevitably, give n it's long and convoluted gestation, it can at times feel like it's trying too hard. [Sep 2017, p.90]
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Awards & Rankings

76
#76 Most Discussed Album of 2017
39
#39 Most Shared Album of 2017

User Reviews

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User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 158 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 144 out of 158
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 158
  3. Negative: 9 out of 158
  1. DavidWasHere
    Aug 26, 2017
    9
    After falling in love with the outfit's last record, Lost in the Dream, I was excited for this album. And boy do they deliver. Continuing toAfter falling in love with the outfit's last record, Lost in the Dream, I was excited for this album. And boy do they deliver. Continuing to build on the winning mix of krautrock, Americana, psychedelia, and 80s heartland rock styling of synthrock, A Deeper Understanding is another phenomenal rock album that, nowhere close to Lost in the Dream, builds and continues to take what made the last album great with long songs that are worth the run time with stellar guitar work and interesting textures and composition.… Full Review »
  2. thelittlecoon
    Aug 26, 2017
    8
    Really spacey album by the War on Drugs. If you like Lost in the Dream, this is much more of the same and you'll probably enjoy it. That beingReally spacey album by the War on Drugs. If you like Lost in the Dream, this is much more of the same and you'll probably enjoy it. That being said it is a slower burn and some songs can get pretty loud and hectic with the guitar at points, more so than any of their previous albums. Still a great listen and definitely one of the top albums of the summer.… Full Review »
  3. StevenX
    Jul 22, 2023
    7
    For the most part, consistency is a good thing (unless you consistenly suck, of course). Musically it can be limiting: if the latest songsFor the most part, consistency is a good thing (unless you consistenly suck, of course). Musically it can be limiting: if the latest songs sound like they came from the last album's sessions the audience can get bored and confused by lack of growth (unless you're a Motley or Springsteen, in which case either tuneless gas-passing or hiding deep lyrics in bubbly Snoopy-dance music won't be noticed by your salivating sychophants). Adam Granduciel, thankfully, has upped the ante a bit this time out with richer, fuller production and an upped chords-per-minute quotient to balance his continued descent into romantic pessimism. The tracks are still a little too samey to work as well repeatedly at home as well as they do on the highway with the top down, though, and who can afford a convertible these days? One point lost for the new tendency toward wordless singalong sections, not Steve Perry's na-na-na-na-na bullpucky but more of an MOR moan-along-with-Mitch that might be fun at the show but harsh your buzz in headphones.… Full Review »
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