First Listen: The National, 'High Violet'

by Stephen Thompson

May 02, 201011:00 PM

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The National.

courtesy of the artist

The National.

courtesy of the artist

High Violet, The National's fifth album, roughs up the glimmering beauty of its divine 2007 predecessor, Boxer. But the new record still achieves the balance that's made the band so widely beloved: It locates the sweet spot between majesty and mopery, catharsis and wallowing, soaring grace and wounded confessionals. Hear High Violet in its entirety until its release on May 11.

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First Listen: The National, 'High Violet'