Yankee Hotel Foxtrot Review: Americana Turned Inside-Out
9/10 — Wilco - Yankee Hotel Foxtrot (2002)
Pros
- 'Jesus, Etc.'
- Inventive textures
- Strong songwriting
Cons
- A few indulgent experiments
Yankee Hotel Foxtrot was dropped by Wilco’s label, Reprise, and streamed online before being released by another label. Jim O’Rourke’s mixing and Jeff Tweedy’s songwriting create a hazy, beautiful record.
What works
‘Jesus, Etc.’ is tender and gorgeous, ‘I Am Trying to Break Your Heart’ mixes static and melody, and ‘Heavy Metal Drummer’ is breezy and fun. The textures are inventive, and the songs have heart.
Where it falters
Some of the experiments, like the noise on ‘Poor Places’, can feel indulgent.
Verdict
A rich, adventurous album with enduring songs.
