Wilco has been a band for almost 20 years now and it seems strange that the current lineup is the longest running version of the band so far. The Whole Love is the band's 3rd studio album with these members (and 8th overall) and the best one the current incarnation has released. It's obvious that frontman Jeff Tweedy is more comfortable with the band than ever before and that comfort enables him to write in diverse styles that span the bands entire career. The opening experimental "Art of Almost" that shifts from electronic backed folk, into heavy guitar freakout over the course of it's seven minute runtime. "I Might," "Dawned on Me" "Born Alone" and "Standing O" are all exceptional guitar pop featuring memorable hooks and great guitar interplay. The baroque style of "Capitol City" is a fine take on "Sgt. Pepper's" era Beatles while the title tack is folk rock done right. "Sunloathe," "Black Moon," "Open Mind" and "Rising Red Lung" showcase Tweedy's softer folk/country side effectively. It's also a credit to the comfort level of the band that they can pull off the 12 minute acoustic closer "One Sunday Morning (Song For Jane Smiley's Boyfriend)" while having it only slightly meander. The Whole Love is Wilco hitting on all cylinders with an album that's diverse, interesting and comfortable in it's own skin. It will be on many year end best of lists.
Grade: B+
Track Listing:
1. "Art of Almost" (7:17)
2. "I Might" (4:01)
3. "Sunloathe" (3:20)
4. "Dawned on Me" (3:43)
5. "Black Moon" (3:56)
6. "Born Alone" (3:56)
7. "Open Mind" (3:40)
8. "Capitol City" (4:04)
9. "Standing O" (3:29)
10. "Rising Red Lung" (3:10)
11. "Whole Love" (3:50)
12. "One Sunday Morning (Song For Jane Smiley's Boyfriend) (12:04)
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