I love this CD. The first four songs blow me away. and then three more later on. Their lead guitarist is flat out great. Very creative and he can burn when he needs to but most is just fun listening to. Some songs I just listen for his leads. But Tweedy and his new songs are fantastic. Great little melodies and their simplicity raises them even higher. But they are creative and original as anything I've heard in a while. The rest of the band fills in wonderfully with the extra guitar and bass and drums. They really hit this one out of the park. Give a listen to Impossibly Germany and you'll buy.
Andy Waits

After watching the documentary 'I Am Trying To Break Your Heart', I realize why Wilco cut ties with Jay Bennett. But I miss Jay. He was a vital part of Being There, Summerteeth, and Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. While Jeff Tweedy and Jay Bennett didn't always see eye to eye, their power struggle resulted in great music...especially on Yankee Hotel Foxtrot.
Historically speaking, turmoil and conflict has produced memorable music.

'Sky Blue Sky' is a continuation of the decline of Wilco. It's not a horrible album, but it's not a gem by any means. I cannot think of a single song that is particularly noteworthy. Honestly, can you think of any song on this album that can be compared to the greatness of 'Via Chicago', 'Sunken Treasure', 'Ashes of American Flags', or 'Shot In The Arm'? Name one. Just one.

If you study Wilco's entire catalogue of music, you will(or should) notice the lack of originality and creativity on the non-Jay Bennett albums. His production skills are also GREATLY missed. He was as important, if not more important than the founder of Wilco, Jeff Tweedy.

I'm extremely thankful that Wilco still does fantastic shows, but I think Jeff needs to make a phone call. ASAP.

Wilco-Sky Blue Sky *****

Enchanting isn't the right word, just the first one to come to mind, but it just might work. Sky Blue Sky is easily the most inspired and greatest work Wilco has ever put forth. While not the experiment that A Ghost Is Born was, it works in their favor that way. Not cluttered with what should not be. But not so minimalistic that it doesn't feel like Wilco.

Sky Blue Sky is the groups first album since vocalist, and (underrated) guitar god, Jeff Tweedy kicked his habit. Hence the title. A clearer sound than on their previous works also is a reflection of this.

'You Are My Face' is eloquent and coarse adding a texture and fresh feel to the bands sound. 'Impossible Germany' is a great idea, accompanied with one of the more subdued and better guitar solos of this decade. The title track serves as the focal point even though it is the most unmemorable track on the album. Remaining low key until you reach it than it absorbs you like nothing you have ever heard. 'Shake It Off' evokes the Grateful Dead at the height of their power before they became a parody of what made them great and original.

Tweedy's lyrical inhibitions have been set free on Sky Blue Sky making for Wilco's most personal and inspired album to date. Mikal Jourgenson becomes more than a vital part of the group on this album as he shines more than ever before with his masterful key work. His restrained approach breeds great life into the music.

Sky Blue Sky is one album that breaches genres finding a niche in every collection offering it a home. Highly Recommended.

Not being a big fan of Wilco's earlier work I am some what pestimistic when Wilco bring a new release. I have to say that since Foxtrot Hotel they just keep getting better and better. I am not going to name off great tracks on this album or put others down. It's just solid don't cherry pick the songs. Just let them play. I work in a Hair Salon and we play this album alot and every one ask who is this? No matter what age you are or what music you like this album is just good music and it speaks to you. Just buy it

After listening to Being There nonstop during my senior year at college, I fell in love with Wilco. I didn't know too much about Uncle Tupelo or even Wilco's first album, AM, but Being There was like my soundtrack that year. I saw Wilco as one of the most innovative groups (along with Radiohead and Beck) and they had plenty of good old-fashioned songs as well, which tied everythig tofether well.

When they released Summerteeth, my appreciation doubled. Not only did the album continue their innovation and songwriting mastery, the album was one of the best ever. They got a lot of acclaim and got full of themselves (see the movie, I Am Trying to Break Your Heart) and put out another masterpiece in Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, which was great, but didn't live up to all the hype with the record label ordeal. A Ghost Is Born was not their best, but showed new waves of the same tide that they had started with Summerteeth.

By 2007, they had done it all and seemingly had nowhere to go. And while Sky Blue Sky is not groundbreaking per se, it does open new doors and sits as Wilco's most complete album. With every song, there is cohesion, great melody, and awesome instrumentation highlighted by the solo guitar work. The album provides another summer soundtrack to Wilco's repertory, and the songs provide new anthems for feel-good indie-rock.

I feel in love with Sky Blue Sky one song at a time. Over the past year each song has been a favorite at least for a few days. I love this band. The US may never have produced the "great American novel" but we have several "great American song writers". Count Jeff Tweedy among them.

Down with the talkers!!

This is with out a doubt the greatest album ever recorded. The lyrics are straight from the heart and the musical arrangements are incredible! I personally feel that this album highlights Jeff Tweedy's writing ability as well as the band's ability to be comfortable "in their own skin". There are songs that are relaxing ("Either Way", "Sky Blue Sky"), songs of dispair ("You are My Face", "Please be Patient With Me"), which are my two favorites, and songs of great hope ("Impossible Germany", "What Light", and "On and On and On"). This album, believe it or not, saved our marriage. Thank you Jeff Tweedy and Wilco for putting out an album with so much heart and a long lasting message.

This is a great, great album. Why? Because among other things I love John Lennon, the Grateful Dead, Pink Floyd,, 70's fusion, and music in which melody is strong. But this is not apeing. My first Wilco album, this is where I enter the fold. Very accessible and warm, but at the same time challenging, unexpected, sophisticated with moments of frightening dissonance. Fun, easy, and subtle and dark. Great music and movies always spawn controversy; that is one of the measures. Can't wait for another Wilco album with Nels Cline on guitar! Wow. I'm 50, and it is heartening that rock music continues to grow and mature. No end in sight...makes me smile.

Not to rehash, the review by Nick is very good.......I couldn't agree more. That Poi Dog cd that he mentions is incredible as well...Chicago band..must be a midwest thing along with Wilco! Try 7 from Poi Dog when you get the Wilco Cd....you'll be glad you did !7

This is the Wilco CD that I really though should have followed the debut.....it's moody, rather dark, somber, and has that down feeling about it. Wilco are like the Stones of the Gen X generation, and will probably not really be honored like they should be until far after the fact......like the new Poi Dog Pondering '7' CD demonstrates, some of these true artists are making better records now than they did 15 years ago.........check 'em both out, you won't be disapointed

jeff tweedy is getting a little old. too bad. this album is pretty disappointing. it's not bad, but i think my expectations were too high. i'll never get my hopes up again (just kidding, i will).

Wilco, probably deserve to be the most talked about band of all contemporary bands. Derived from a Genre creating band in Uncle Tupelo (How do the Jayhawks feel about that?)the leader, Jeff Tweedy, being the other guy in the band who, when left, alone, lost and disillusioned, outgrew his former bandmate and didn't stop until he'd nearly explored everything in terms of avant garde music, illness, breakups, narcotics and especially greatness.

Wilco's first two albums were Alt Country masterpieces, then came Summerteeth, less alt country , more Avant Garde Pop brilliance until they/Tweedy, went the full whole hog with Yankee Hotel and a Ghost is Born in terms of exploration, utilisation of the best free style instrumentatlists, Nils Cline and Glen Kotche and just plain out there stuff. I love Spiders (Kidsmoke) its an all time classic but ain't Alt Country in any shape or form.

So here comes Sky Blue Sky and its like Jeff said no!, we'll do an album that is lovely, accessible and beautiful. Its almost like Jeff suddenly reached maturity and came up with the goods. The opening track is lovely Jayhawks/Byrds like jingle jangle with expressive Tweedy lyrics and on, it goes, no ego's just band created mellow crafted tunes.

Track 3 " Impossible Germany" grabs you with its tunefulness and melodics not to mention the absolutely amazing guitar by Nels Cline. The elongated guitars augmented by astonishing percussion and the support guitars of Pat Sansone are brilliant. I have no idea what the lyrics mean, i'm guessing its something to do with the 2nd World War, or aftermatch of, but its the music that kills ya on this track. Followed up with "Sky Blue Sky" & "Side with the Seeds" absolute gems. Further on the Beatles, Dylan and all other influences are trialled, and on at least three tracks towards the end (On & On & On)it could be JL singing.

My gut feel is that if this had followed Being There and the band had expanded into Ghosts and Yankee from there, everyone would have been happy, but for me this is their best album, gutsy, relevant and brilliant.

This is the first of a triumvirate of Alt Country Artist's, who have delivered masterpieces in 07/08, (Wilco, Ryan Adams, Gary Louris)hopefully bringing them all, the attention they deserve.

I have only recently been into Wilco, but I think this album is their best so far. I also think it's the best of 2007 along with In Rainbows by Radiohead. It is more mature than their previous work, and they do a better job at keeping the songs tight but complex. Nels Kline on guitar is also a great addition on the CD that the band needed badly. Look foward to seeing them live again!

Nice to see Jeff and the boys back in the saddle. I enjoyed this one.

Wilco is not your ordinary pop band. Any new Wilco album will take time to get to know.

When I first listened to Sky Blue Sky, I liked what I heard, and even picked out 3 favorite songs right off.

Now I have listened to the album at least 15 times and feel that Wilco is both branching out to new sounds and refining their old style. They have really found their niche.

This album is definately Wilco. If you liked Hotel Foxtrot, on whole, you will like this album. Give it at least 3 listens before deciding whether it is your favorite Wilco album or not.

Let me start by saying that I was a fan of Uncle Tupelo and I have followed this band from the beginning. Still and all, I am not what you would call a rabid fan. I'm really just not the rabid fan type. Some of their records are better than others. Records like Yankee Hotel Foxtrot and A Ghost is Born are works that might be called high water marks in the career of any band. That being said, I think it took a good two years before I made it all the way through AGIB. That album hurts. It's painful. Sure, that's one of it's strengths, but sometimes you just don't want to feel that bad.
Sky Blue Sky is one of those records that, for me, does a brilliant balancing act. The lyrics are amazingly depressing at times, but the music is so...hopeful. It's as if Tweedy is saying: "Yeah, I'm a mess, the world is a mess, but that's okay. We'll get through it." There is music for every sort of mood under the sun, and one of Wilco's strengths is that they have always been able to capitalize on that.
I had the same initial reaction to this record as a lot of other reviewers. I thought it was a bit boring and the guitar work was a little too noodling for my taste.
I'm sure someone else has pointed this out already, but so much about how you perceive music is based on your expectations and where you are (mentally and physically) when you hear it.
Expectations for this record were undeniably high for a lot of people. High expectations can, unfortunately, cause people to project what they want a thing to be, and tend to make it hard to appreciate things for what they actually are.
I initially stuck Sky Blue Sky in my itunes folder and forgot about it. Then one night, when I was listening to Wilco on my computer, this record started playing and something just clicked.
Now when I'm feeling beat and tired and overwhelmed, this record always puts me in a more positive mood. It feels comfortable. It is the sky blue sky that makes those bad times not so bad.
Is it their best record? Probably not. It's not as complicated as some of their other work. It doesn't demand as much of you. But I've probably spent more time with this album since it came out than any other. It definitely opens itself up to you slowly.
To me, this record seems like a natural progression. It still feels like Wilco, and by that I mean it still feels like the same band that has changed and morphed many times before (and probably will again) somehow without ever sounding like anything but themselves. I think that most people who are fans of this band will find themselves putting this on at some point and saying: "Oh, yeah. Right."
And if you don't, then you can always tell me I was wrong. I won't mind.

I've read many reviews for this album, and some of them were downright aggressively angry and bitter. This is a beguiling album, another chapter in a band that is probably the most underrated, underappreciated band working today. While grunge exploded in the 1990's and was being thrust in our faces, these guys were making really amazing music completely under the radar, and while the grunge bands have either splintered or are just former fragments of what they used to be, Wilco is still standing, getting better with each album. I find this album charming, etheral, and solidly Wilcoish. It's really beautiful, especially the single What Light and Either Way. Nels Cline's guitar work really gives this album a unique sound. Jeff Tweedy is a great band leader as well as a great songwriter/musician. He chooses his musicians with the same great care he writes his songs. I don't understand why so-called longtime fans of Wilco hate this so much. It's not Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, A Ghost is Born, A.M., Mermaid Avenue, Being There, Summerteeth, etc., etc., it's Sky Blue Sky.

Wilco seems like a band that is lost. I was eagerly anticipating this release, especially after the surprisingly good "Live In Chicago", but it seems to lack the wit and energy of their previous releases. I am probably one of the few who really liked "A Ghost Is Born" (it's like a fine wine- it gets better with age!), which had some very energetic and creative tunes ("Handshake Drugs", "Hummingbirds"), something that is sorely lacking in "Sky Blue Sky". Sadly, SBS actually put me to sleep! All the songs sound similar; none really stands out. That being said, I gave it three stars because: it's Wilco, and even a bad Wilco release is better than most everything else that is out there; the instrumentation is just wonderful, these guys actually know how to play their instruments; there are flashes of new sounds and styles, as the tone was more bluesish and jazzish. Here's hoping that this is is just an anomaly and not an indication that Wilco has slipped into mediocrity.

Plenty of good listening on this CD, with heart and melodies that keep playing in your head. Though definitely rock, this has an appealing country twang to each ballad and song.

Fantastic coordination of musical themes with the melding of old school southern rock and alternative....LOVED IT!!!

Wilco is another one of those bands that seems to be critically acclaimed and commercially ignored at the same time. At any rate, Jeff Tweedy and the rest of the band continue to deliver great stuff with Sky Blue Sky.

Standouts include smooth tracks like "What Light", "Either Way" and the title track. The band also does well with funkier songs, as evidenced by "Shake It Off" (although it's not the most accessible). And while some listeners might say that "On and On and On" is aptly titled, I think it closes the album quite nicely.

The only real misstep is "Hate It Here", which made me say just that. But Sky Blue Sky is still comforting music worth adding to your collection.

Anthony Rupert

As with everything I guess this is just a matter of taste.
Sky Blue Sky is to me a very solid album. Thats why I'm giving it 5 stars.
In this album you can hear a little of both worlds, their alter-country and more trendy edgy modern sound. Beautiful songs like side with the seeds are just full of harmony and beautifully conducted but with some spice, a great interlude!

On and On and On is also a fabulous song, very dreamy is like the perfect soundtrack for a urban theme if you get me.

My favorite song is Impossible Germany, it is about the fall of Hitler. This song is absolutely brilliant, it covers perfectly the whole idea of a song and has a killer sleek guitar solo.

One thing I guarantee you is that you wont be disappointed with his album.

It's a really good album if you are in the proper mindset for it. Mellow and laid back without being dull. The companion video is nice, too. I almost gave it 5 stars. The imagery in the lyrics are poetic without being too obtuse or pretentious. The music and words fit together quite well without feeling forced. The song structures and melodies are also fairly memorable without sounding overtly "hooky". It took a little while to grow on me, but it's become one of my favorite albums. I appreciate them not over cooking this one and keeping it a slightly raw. It's a little rough around the edges, and lacks some polish but this approach worked really well for "Sky Blue Sky" and is often far better than over-thinking and over-engineering an album.

Will Wilco disappear into Jeff Tweedy's navel? This self-indulgent noodle (navel) rock is a waste of time for one of the best bands otherwise going. Here's to hoping Wilco gets back to making music that matters at some point in the near future.

This band never fails to suprise me with each new release.
Another triumph!

I waited to review this album, because like some, i was a bit disappointed too. But i told myself i would wait and see what direction the album took me in, and i have to say, this was the perfect album for Wilco to make at this point in their career, they couldn't have done another Y.H.F. or A.G.I.B. nor did they return to their roots, it doesnt sound like their first 3 records, it sounds like a completely different band/songwriter and isn't that what we want from our musical leaders? I know i do. Anyways, i am absolutly in love with Sky Blue Sky, it really does feel like being wrapped in a blanket, it is one of the warmest sounding records i have ever heard, it truly is, i have heard people saying that before but i never truly understood it until S.B.S. The Songs are some of the best of their career and it is truly a great record for the Ages. Show me another band that can take over someone's life, has a wild/exciting back catalog, puts on a great live show, and is not concerned with being lame rockstars and i will delete my review. A+. Thank You For Your Time. Buy Wilco's Sky Blue Sky.

The reason this is different from any previous Wilco album is that it features guitar iconoclast Nels Cline and is more a collaboration between Cline and Tweedy than a Wilco album per se. Cline's guitar playing is unlike any other, totally fresh and original, completely non-derivative. That being said, there is a Beatle-esque undercurrent to Tweedy's songs and the CD sounds like something the Beatles could have released in 1977 if they had continued recording and evolving that long. Tweedy and Cline collaborating is something like Rembrandt and Salvador Dali collaborating on a painting but somehow they make it work. This is a very good CD that may take several listens to grow on you so don't give up on it if it does not hit you all at once. If you are a guitar player of any musical style, Cline's playing is not to be missed!!

I've been a fan of Wilco for years and, as of this point, own all of their albums. I've seen them in concert once (and greatly enjoyed their show.) So I will feeling a great deal of anticipation for their album. Unfortunately, I came out gravely disappointed. It is not like the songs on the album are, bad per se. Its just that they are deeply, intensely boring. I have trouble getting myself to work up the desire to listen to them, particularly when I still have access to A Ghost is Born, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, and Summer Teeth. I miss the old, experimental Wilco and hope that there next album is a return to form, rather than the boring snoozefest that is Sky Blue Sky.

I've been a semi-fan of Wilco for a while, but they never seemed to hit that emotional sweet-spot that makes you swear undying love.

Until now.

This CD showcases what happens when a band hits full maturity -- the songwriting and musicianship brim with those tasty little nuances that separate the great albums from the merely good.

Wilco has left the sonic meanderings behind and focused on fully developing each song into shiny little gems that you appreciate more with each listening.

Wilco hasn't had a bad album and this one certainly does not dissappoint. The great thing about Jeff Tweedy is his ability to continue to evolve and yet maintain the intelligence and creativity of his exceptional poetry and musical genius (unlike Ryan Adams). To truly appreciate "Sky Blue Sky" in its fullest, seek out their recent live performance on Austin City Limits. Each of the band members are masterful musicians in their own right and extremely creative and versitile. Great set of tunes. Love these guys.....the best out their in my humble oppinion.

This is a really a change of style from previous albums. I would highly recommend the album, whether a die hard Wilco fan or a new listener. There are few bands doing something unique and seems Wilco always has a way to change, yet stay the same. I also recently got really into The Everybodyfields, which is another in the alt-country genre from East TN. If you like Wilco, give these guys a listen too.

The album is safe and boring. Technically it is perfect... but the edge I love is gone. It's blue skies and puffy clouds. That's all well and good but its not something I expect from Wilco. All those festival and tour kids who followed Phish... Here's your new band. Personally, I'm gonna file this stuff away for now. I'll break it out in ten years when I have kids and I need a soundtrack to wash the dishes.

I am a Wilco fan, loving what they've done from their Uncle Tupelo origins through "A Ghost is born," but this, I believe, is their best release. I was originally disappointed its the mellowness on the first few listens, but then the bluesy 70's folk-rock caught me. I wasn't sure what to expect with the claim that this album would be a return to their roots. Did it mean a style like "Being There," or "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot" without the electronic mixing, or even a return back to Uncle Tupelo type music? But even with that, would that be like "No Depression" or "March 16-20, 1992"? This is different than any of that. It has rich layers of music with lyrics that are simple, yet poignant. Once again, they've challenged their fans to keep up with where they're headed.

Jeff Tweedy isn't much of a singer. Long ago when my wife and I were dating she said Bob Dylan can't sing. I was dumbfounded for several beats and then blurted out, that is sooo irrelevant! That may also be true about Tweedy and Wilco. It seems beside the point to even notice that the singing is mediocre, because the rest is so great. Sky Blue Sky is my first Wilco and I want more.

Sky Blue Sky was my first Wilco album. I liked it enough to venture back into Yankee Hotel Foxtrot and A Ghost Is Born. Those albums were both significantly better, so I dug deeper into their discography (Being There, Mermaid Avenue, etc.). Sky Blue Sky still remains my third favorite. It's a stylistic departure, but not a totally unwelcome one.

Occasionally the guitar riffs can go on far too long, but overall this jam-bandy album is good enough that I will listen to songs from it when they are on the radio or television, and usually when one shows up on an ipod mix. I prefer their previous electronic-influenced style, but jam band style is still far superior to their more pedestrian alt-country roots.