The Hazards Of Love (studio album) by The Decemberists

This is an album I was not expecting from the Decemberists as it is a heavy prog record which is so different to their grand sound on their other records. In my opinion this change isn't for the better as they get bogged down in the concept and in doing so create quite a few filler tracks. This doesn't mean that the record isn't pretty good as it is. The vocal performance is solid and I love the addition of the extra vocalists who really help to back up the concept and play a vital role in the sound. Instrumentally, the performances are great as well with the guitar having some fantastic solos and when the diverse instrumentation is used, such as the harpsichord and mandolin, it is phenomenal and adds so much to the depth of the music. There are also some fantastic choruses on here that keep me coming back to certain songs time and time again and the best example of this for me is The Wanting Comes In Waves/Repaid which is so infectious. However, unlike their bigger releases the soundscape can feel a little empty at times and I do prefer when they utilise the diverse instrumentation more often. The record also drags on in my opinion and feels very elongated for a 58 minute album. Also, there is a lot of filler tracks that could be cut and do nothing for the record musically. Due to the far weaker second half as well you do find yourself just waiting for the record to end by track 11. Overall, this is no way near their other work in terms of quality but it is still pretty good and has its moments of glory.

Brave as it was to release a concept album I can't help but think it held them back and this would be better as a normal or loose concept album. It's still good but could be better

Loved this album from the first listen. I also saw the animated video that went along with this album. Still holds up and I think I put it in the top 5 concept albums ever.

Rock opera? Kind of.
But with metal riffs that are way underrated.


Killer album. Need to listen to the whole thing as a single piece of music.

A concept album, one has to give them credit for trying something like that. The story is weird to say the least, but overall a very interesting listen.

From Brad1770 12/13/2017 22:35

Looking to explore deep into The Decemberist’ back catalogue I went into this album completely blind and sweet mother of god! . A Rock Opera! . A god damn Rock Opera. To say I was surprised would be an understatement. The Decemberist’ AMERICAN IDIOT. The verdict? . Yeah it’s pretty good. I agree with previous posts that you need to listen to this album in its totality, I first listened on a long drive & it was perfect. The other suggestion I’d make is after your first listen look up the Hazards Of Love WIKI and learn the convoluted story under pinning the album then go back and listen to the album a second time. Finally my favourite parts of this release were the heaviest sections but the quiter moments work ok too. Easily one of my favourite Decemberist’ albums . Highly recommended if you haven’t listened to it.

The Decemberists at their most sonically ambitious.

The concept angle to the tunes works, but too much prog for my wheelhouse. Solid album nonetheless for me. MEZ

Very good

From zdwyatt 10/18/2013 18:00

It definitely requires a taste for prog-rock, but I put this among the greatest concept albums of all time.

Probably their most theatrical and conceptual albums, which will divide listeners. Contains some of their mist powerful themes that are returned to throughout the record. Even manages to sound like Hendrix in places. I love it.