Foreverly
by Billie Joe Armstrong
  • Record Label: Reprise
  • Release Date: Nov 25, 2013
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
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  1. Record Collector
    Jan 8, 2014
    80
    With minimal instrumental backing, the pair confidently locate the essence and atmosphere of the original album.
  2. Kerrang!
    Dec 18, 2013
    80
    It's a divergence from Green Day, certainly. But a good one. [23 Nov 2013, p.52]
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  3. Alternative Press
    Nov 27, 2013
    80
    The warm spirit that emanates from this loving tribute should be more than enough to keep you cozy through the cold months ahead.
  5. The Guardian
    Nov 21, 2013
    80
    These usurpers harmonise like an alt-country dream.
  6. The Telegraph (UK)
    Nov 21, 2013
    80
    It is, I suppose, all very tasteful and yet it retains the original’s inherent oddness.
  7. Paste Magazine
    Nov 26, 2013
    76
    Armstrong holds down the melodies with heart and authority, while Jones does Phil Everly right with her smoky and elegant harmonies.
  8. Pretty Much Amazing
    Nov 26, 2013
    75
    Foreverly offers many pleasures but would have been easier to swallow as a 6-song EP.
  9. Los Angeles Times
    Nov 26, 2013
    75
    Essential? Hardly. But one listen to the lovely "Who's Gonna Shoe Your Pretty Little Feet," confirms that it's also pointless to quibble with such an oft-blissful tribute to harmony and artistic curiosity.
  10. The A.V. Club
    Nov 26, 2013
    75
    As it is, Foreverly is a smart, lovely tribute LP.
  11. Entertainment Weekly
    Nov 22, 2013
    75
    The result is self-consciously stripped down, substituting delicacy for Armstrong's usual dynamism. [Nov 29 2013, p.72]
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  12. American Songwriter
    Dec 6, 2013
    70
    The performances themselves are well-arranged and played in virtually all aspects, although as a full listening experience, it gets a bit repetitive by album’s end, even at a scant 45 minutes.
  13. Boston Globe
    Nov 26, 2013
    70
    If you’re seeking Everlys hits like “Wake Up Little Susie” and “Bye Bye Love,” this ain’t the place, but if you want to hear a cache of lovingly crafted versions of great story songs by two simpatico friends, “Foreverly” is a fine gateway to the Everlys’ catalog. (Then go find the originals.)
  14. AllMusic
    Nov 25, 2013
    70
    They're a good match. Jones' suppleness sands down Armstrong's ragged voice, he gives her grit while she lends him grace and these qualities are evident throughout this lovely little gem of an album.
  15. Rolling Stone
    Nov 25, 2013
    70
    At its core, this is a faithful, touching re-creation.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 29 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 29
  3. Negative: 1 out of 29
  1. thenamelessdave
    Sep 26, 2014
    9
    One would think that the collaboration of Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong and queen of pop jazz Norah Jones would fall apart underOne would think that the collaboration of Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong and queen of pop jazz Norah Jones would fall apart under their vastly different ouvres. However, the first-time listener (and thirtieth-time, for that matter) will be surprised at the impeccable balance this album finds in quiet, understated harmony. There is no showboating, no pretense, only two musicians recreating an album they love. Do not listen to this album for Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day or Norah Jones, listen to it for Billie Joe and Norah.

    Favorite song: "Silver-Haired Daddy of Mine". Shivers, all I can say.    … Full Review »
  2. MrThistle
    Nov 28, 2013
    10
    I love this, just the raw sound of it, especially Barbara Allen. I really love Billie Joe's voice, think he has one of the best voices outI love this, just the raw sound of it, especially Barbara Allen. I really love Billie Joe's voice, think he has one of the best voices out there, and have thought so since that September Ends song way back when. Not sure if people have liked him for his voice before, but it doesn't matter. He has a great one, and same goes, obviously, for Norah. On this, their harmonies sound so much like the GREAT Everlys it makes the hair on the back of my neck prickle.

    I hope people take note of this record, especially if it introduces them to the Everly Brothers for the first time. They were part of the glorious soundtrack of my youth, and sounded so great on Top 40 AM radio.    … Full Review »
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