letting off the Happiness

Noisy introduction to a talented young folkie

The debut from modern folk-prodigy Oberst was a noisy, rambling, sometimes melodic wreck of an acoustic-based, whine-intensive album which often disguises a songwriting edge with harsh production accentuating grating vocals. Still, at a mere 18 years old it was no wonder that borrowed charisma and instrumental knowledge combined to turn many heads in the industry. Behind the jangly and blatant pleas for attention this Dylan upstart had forged for himself at that point (fractured, goaty vocals and dissonant, musically frustrated climaxes) lies an undeniable songwriting intelligence that shines brightest in tiny transitions while Oberst is not so determined to convince his listener he is in pain. October 4, 2007

purity

this album to me demonstrates purity at its best. yes it is raw. there isn't much studio work to it. it's honest and painful at it's most beautiful. anyone who appreciates true feeling needs to hear this. this is an album full of quoteable lines. one of my favorites is "i can't breathe with these words in my mouth." a sentiment we have all felt at one time or another. it pulls out every emotion unapologetically for the listener to feel. good and bad. pleasant or uncomfortable. December 28, 2006

Best Bright Eyes Album

Yes, in my opinion this is Conor's best release. He was pretty young when recording it, but i find every single song on it to be very enjoyable, and worth listening to. Very lo-fi but the lo-finess is what makes it so great.
It is the imperfections on this album which just in turn make it perfect. November 10, 2006

mind blowing

I am a huge Bright Eyes fan, and even though I don't think this is Oberst's best album, it is the most admirable. He was 17 and 18 when it was being recorded. I am the same age and all this makes me think is, "What am i doing with my life?" That and Conor Oberst is amazing. The ups and downs on this album are great and, as always, the lyrics are both everything you had always thought and things you had never thought of before. Definetly a good buy. November 20, 2005

Starting at the Bottom

This album is great for any Bright Eyes fan.I haven't been for a long time but well enough to know that they're awesome.The first Bright Eyes cd I ever got was the "LUA" ep.I loved Well Whiskey,and True Blue.After that I got Digital Ash in a Digital Urn and liked it. Those are the only two I had before I got "Letting off the happiness" for my birthday. I think its the peak of Bright Eyes albums.I hope you get it and enjoy it. August 23, 2005

More reviews at Amazon.com ...