Album Review: Iron and Wine - "The Shepard's Dog

Grade A
This is easily my favorite Iron & Wine album to date. No question. Unlike Sam Beam’s previous effort, Our Endless Numbered Days, every single song is completely solid, and no less than four are absolutely stellar. (owlandbear)

Rating: 8.6
The Shepherd's Dog is Iron & Wine's most diverse and progressive album yet, a deft transition to a very different sound that explores new territory while preserving the best aspects of Beam's earlier recordings. It's the kind of record that just keeps pulling you back with its dreamlike flow and attention to detail: The first time I listened to it, I played it straight though again when it ended, and I can't think of a higher compliment than that. (Pitchfork)

The Shepherd’s Dog is a step forward for Iron and Wine in many ways. The only moments where it falters are where the tonal characteristics gesture toward the past. When it shines, however, The Shepherd’s Dog’s clever songwriting and creative instrumentation makes for the most complete record Beam has ever recorded. (DustedMagazine)

4 and 1/2 Stars
Sam Beam is one of the most vital new American folksingers recording today, and The Shepherd’s Dog is a brave shift away from the unembellished minimalism of his debut. Some may crucify Beam for ditching the nakedness of his earlier work, but his latest effort is just as vulnerable (and just as lovely), teeming with delicate metaphors, gut-churning guitars and moments of perfect clarity. Because as centuries of grand American songwriters can attest, there’s more than one way to sing a folksong. (PasteMagazine)

Recommended: Those who loved Iron and Wine for the lo-fi simplicity of their early work may be startled by the rich layers of sound on The Shepherd’s Dog. But nothing feels overproduced here. The album shows off a band successfully expanding its possibilities. (NewMusicNation)