Music Details
Artist
Label
Genre
More details
See more music reviews

Wincing the Night Away (by The Shins, Indie Rock)

common sense media says

Poetic indie rock that's smart and unobtrusive.

parents & educators say
See all 8 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that the Shins don't produce harsh music or inappropriate themes on their third album, but they do radiate wisdom beyond pre-pubescent years as a band, as noted by the angst-ridden title of the album. This is smart, mellow indie rock that belongs in a college dorm room just as much as it belongs in a junior high student's gym locker next to his first-ever deodorant.

Positive messages: The obscure "Phantom Limb" is rumored to be about two young lesbians.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Wincing the Night Away

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about how lyrics can take on the brilliance of poetry as a form of art. Sometimes they make sense in a straightforward way; sometimes words gush out in stream-of-consciousness, and sometimes they seem to have no pinpointed starting place or anchor. What are the benefits of expressing yourself this way? How does it impact a song to have such abstract lyrics? Kids can try writing some of their own conceptual words. How does it feel to write lyrics that are intangible?

What's the story?

What's the story?
In a highly anticipated third album, WINCING THE NIGHT AWAY, the Shins prove they are a stable mainstay of indie rock, vacillating between upbeat and daydreamy ditties that promise to sweep any kid away on a whimsical la-la-la musical journey. The Shins' sound is in full command of spacey sunshine pop with nuggets of head-rocking riffs shining through. Complex, abstract themes leak out of the Shins' lyrics, and happily create a free-flowing, meditative ambiance. "Spilt Needles" is a manifesto about growing up ("We'll set you up with some odd convictions / because you're finally golden, boy"). Surreal and slow-going about self-deceit and baseless faith, one excerpt from "A Comet Appears" croons "I'm barely a vapor/ they shone a chlorine light on / a host of individual sins / let's carve my aging face off / fetch us a knife/ start with my eyes down."

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Basic melodies hold steady on this CD -- with soaring vocals, silly synths, light percussion, some strings, flutes, and an occasional electric guitar. Subtle twists come into play, like a few quips of hip-hop beats in "Sea Legs," skipping electronica in "Sleeping Lessons," and random surf rock in "Pam Berry." But most of the album's merit stems from curious wordplay that creates their mellow presence. The band's emotionally honest lyrics are never brutal, but are blameless and always inspiring.

Music themes & details

Music Details
Released on: January 23, 2007
Label: Sub Pop
Genre: Indie Rock
This review was written by Karen Fu
 
 

Review It

 

Review Wincing the Night Away

Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.
 

What parents & educators say

2

Most useful reviews by all members

martimusic123
teen, 17 years old
 
really great
I had to listen to this album a couple of times before i could have a realistic opinion on it. By the time i was used to the songs, i could listen to them over and over again. Compared to the other stuff i listen to this is pretty easy going. The songs are just overall great. I can seriously belt it out in the car listening to this. The songs are so wholesome that it feels like a 4 year old kid could listen to it AND enjoy it, but it also has a really indie/alternative style to it. go buy it!!!
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (3) | had useful details (1) | read my mind (4)
xevilascambriax
adult
 
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (2) | had useful details (4) | read my mind (1)
laurenxlame
adult
2
 
perfect for everyone ever. amazing.
Okay this is the most amazing band I've ever heard. Their music is perfect for every age and I intend to play it for my kids someday in the future. It's ridiculously inspiring and helps me through rough times. The thing about the lesbians.. WOW. okay. first off i'm not a supporter of gay or lesbianism at all. i'm a christian, but i've gotta say in this situation.. if the music were talking about two young boyfriend and girlfriend it would NOT be an issue.. it's a song.. why should 'lesbianism' matter..? seriously? and also that message is so vague and "possible" that anyone who cares shouldn't worry. it's not like you'd know it had anything to do with lesbianism unless you googled it.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (2) | had useful details (3) | read my mind (1)
C Indications
adult
 
Coolio
Well, I thought the album was quite good, the only problem was at the end of the main review it said listerners would like cold play. EEW, why? Cold play is horrible. Back to the shins, pretty cool.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (2) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (2)
onura46
adult
 
Keep it Simple, Stupid. Simple and toned for kids.
The Shins incorperate both the imaginative and the traditional in this album. It finds them with their best album yet and, at the same time, pretty much clean.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (2) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (2)
musichead
teen, 16 years old
 
Great...but different
The Shins are a great band. I have listened to a few songs before Wincing The Night Away...and I have to say this album is awesome. It took a few listens to start to really like it, but it's AMAZING.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (1) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (2)
Brando804
teen, 16 years old
12
 
Their Best Album
This is the Shins' album with the most variety and range of sound. From electric to classic rock sounds.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (1) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (1)
bonesxprt13
teen, 16 years old
 
Incredible, but iffy as the same time.
This album is Incredibly amazing, but it's also wrong at times because they hint about lesbianism.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (1) | had useful details | read my mind (1)

More reviews ...

An independent voice for families
Age-appropriate reviews
Advice on the big issues
 

vote now

Will you add Wincing the Night Away to your playlist?

Absolutely
Maybe
No way

Already listened to it? What do you think?

I recommend it
It's a pass
 

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors

Browse more music
About our rating system
ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age
Our child development rating guidelines