Year Of Meteors
by Laura Veirs
  • Record Label: Nonesuch
  • Release Date: Aug 23, 2005
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. E! Online
    100
    With soft electronic rhythms and tape loops bubbling under, her impassive voice lays out rich lyrics as melodies build and explode around standout tracks like "Galaxies" and "Parisian Dreams."
  2. Neumu.net
    95
    The songs don't float off into space; the strumming guitars and subtle electronic effects give the fantastic lyrics an earthy feel, rather than lifting them into the air.
  3. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    A rare combo: thoughtful and hummable. [9 Sep 2005, p.145]
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  5. Q Magazine
    80
    Showcases her luminous vocals, rich lyrics and subtle arrangements. [Sep 2005, p.120]
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  6. Mojo
    80
    Through it all, Veirs' voice remains intimate but deadpan -- a la Suzanne Vega. [Sep 2005, p.96]
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  7. The New York Times
    80
    It can suggest Suzanne Vega's studio work, Neil Young's Crazy Horse or the latter-day Wilco. [22 Aug 2005]
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  8. Uncut
    80
    Year Of Meteors is no flat-out masterpiece.... Still, Veirs is clearly moving in the right direction. [Sep 2005, p.102]
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  9. Splendid
    80
    Year of Meteors isn't the sound of ground being broken; it's an artist growing ever more confident, but never overly comfortable, in her style.
  10. Prefix Magazine
    80
    Veirs hasn’t given us anything strikingly original with Year Of Meteors, but there’s something to be said for working within the confines of a given genre and excelling at what that entails.
  11. Pitchfork
    79
    Veirs is maybe the gazillionth iteration of the quiet voice and plucked guitar, but she serves as a potent reminder how variable and compelling that combination can be.
  12. Stylus Magazine
    75
    Where this release stands out is in overall sound and songwriting.
  13. Tiny Mix Tapes
    70
    Deep meaning and well-crafted pop.
  14. PopMatters
    70
    Even if it's more consistently very good rather than sporadically startlingly excellent, there are lines to treasure in every song.
  15. New Musical Express (NME)
    70
    Sounds like a collection of songs poised to steal the heart of anyone with a bruised soul. [17 Sep 2005, p.58]
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  16. Rolling Stone
    70
    A folk-schooled reverie with a dark undercurrent.
  17. Paste Magazine
    70
    The record's strengths are mostly atmospheric. [Oct/Nov 2005, p.144]
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  18. The Guardian
    60
    Sometimes this more expansive, substantial sound works to very good effect.... Where it doesn't is when it messes with two of Veirs' greatest assets: her haunted lyrics and haunting, Cat-Power-trapped-in-a-deep-well voice.

Awards & Rankings

75
#75 Best Album of 2005

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 20 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 20
  3. Negative: 3 out of 20
  1. JeremyF
    May 7, 2007
    9
    This is definitely a captivating, enchanting, magically pictured album. Veirs' "okay" voice is in fact what makes it so enjoyable. She This is definitely a captivating, enchanting, magically pictured album. Veirs' "okay" voice is in fact what makes it so enjoyable. She proves that with great instrumental work, and some beautiful lyrics (many including nature-scenes and scopes) you can get by without a perfect voice. However, despite the beautiful imagery and the whole porcelain-fragile gorgeousness, this album is NOT better than it's 2-time predecessor "Troubled By The Fire." That record captured each song in a beautiful cocoon that just let you gaze blinded-by-beauty. The guitar work was excellent there, and it is no exception here, but i think Veris is a TINY bit more capable than this.… Full Review »
  2. madsl
    Mar 13, 2007
    6
    this effort is nowhere near as captivating as the stunningly beautiful predecessor, Carbon Glacier. that album had a haunting quality to it this effort is nowhere near as captivating as the stunningly beautiful predecessor, Carbon Glacier. that album had a haunting quality to it and a cool elegance - this new album is more laid back, warm-sounding and band oriented. it kind of smoothes the edges off of veirs' brilliant songwriting ability.… Full Review »
  3. AdrianoC
    Jun 26, 2006
    10
    The more I listen to this album, the better it gets. It takes me to beaches and to the backstage of a concert; dream pop indeed. "Year of The more I listen to this album, the better it gets. It takes me to beaches and to the backstage of a concert; dream pop indeed. "Year of meteors" is damn perfect.… Full Review »
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