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Heart like a Levee Image
Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 12 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 10 Ratings

  • Summary: The sixth full-length release for M.C. Taylor was self-produced with Bradley Cook.
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Top Track

Biloxi
I Was Born On The Junco River Where The Dragon Surely Dwells And Saint George Stood With A Mighty Word And Told It Well Hey Babe It's Your... See the rest of the song lyrics
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 12
  2. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. 90
    Ultimately, the only possible problem with Heart Like A Levee is that some of the cuts fade out too soon.
  2. Uncut
    Sep 29, 2016
    90
    The most prismatic Hiss Golden Messenger record to date, one that ranges confidently from the folk shuffle of "Say It Like You Mean It" to the taut rural funk off "Like A Mirror Loves A Hammer." [Nov 2016, p.22]
  3. 90
    Really it should get 10 but nobody’s perfect.
  4. Mojo
    Sep 29, 2016
    80
    This feels like Hiss Golden Messenger's overdue breakthrough album. [Nov 2016, p.89]
  5. Oct 7, 2016
    80
    Due to its bright, open production and quirky presentation, Heart Like a Levee is a watermark for Hiss Golden Messenger. Seldom have hard times sounded this uplifting.
  6. 67
    Overall, there is an unfortunate, unintended fatigue that permeates the rest of this album, likely due to the reliance of syncopated guitars to carry most of these songs.
  7. Q Magazine
    Sep 29, 2016
    60
    His earthy but frequently beautiful Americana has maintained a consistent heaviness of vibe, and album five continues down the same byway. [Nov 2016, p.107]

See all 12 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 1
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 1
  3. Negative: 0 out of 1
  1. Oct 25, 2016
    9
    A remarkably beautiful record from beginning to end. Insightful lyrics paired with some of the most memorable melodies that you are going toA remarkably beautiful record from beginning to end. Insightful lyrics paired with some of the most memorable melodies that you are going to hear all year. Expand