I’m just going to go out on a limb and say it:

“Lifted” is the best thing that Connor Oberst has ever released under any name. Somehow I’ve recently found myself humming or singing random parts of the album recently and today I decided to throw it on for the first time in a year or so.

It marks the high point in Oberst’s ambition as well as his excess, and it pays off. Of course, for people who don’t like full-on angsty Oberst, there is plenty not to like: Over extension of his limited vocal capabilities, a couple tracks near 10 minutes in length, more instruments than many would deem necessary, excessively emotional lyrics.

Whatever. It all comes together perfectly. Lifted matches the passion of its predecessor “Fevers and Mirrors” and raises it with greater lyrical and musical sophistication. Arguably, its successor, “I’m Wide Awake It’s Morning” has more solid and consistent songwriting, but it just doesn’t carry the same weight that Lifted has to offer.

Even the weak points (Read: Lover I Don’t Have To Love) have their merit.

Basically, this is one of my favorite albums ever. Feel free to discuss, disagree or just straight up make fun of me for liking Bright Eyes.