Mystery Glue
by Graham Parker & the Rumour
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
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  1. Mojo
    Jun 10, 2015
    80
    The vibe is six herberts sinking the sherbets inviting you over for banter, yarns, setting the world to rights and all of the fun of rhyme, rhythm, blues and country-rock back in the day. [Jul 2015, p.94]
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  2. Magnet
    Jun 8, 2015
    80
    Guitar player Martin Belmont and keyboard ace Bob Andrews shine throughout, adding subtle fills and accents that give plenty of sparkle to arrangements that still merge R&B and rock with hints of funk and reggae. [No. 121, p.59]
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  3. PopMatters
    May 29, 2015
    80
    This record is a whole lot of mischievous fun.
  5. Uncut
    May 28, 2015
    80
    Parker's songs still cut and slash, at times with righteous indignation, and The Rumour are focused, just within a different lens. [Jul 2015, p.79]
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  6. Q Magazine
    May 20, 2015
    80
    It's a delight. [Jun 2015, p.110]
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  7. AllMusic
    May 20, 2015
    80
    Mystery Glue isn't an album about aging gracefully so much as aging right, and this is just about perfect for a 64-year-old Graham Parker, a proud survivor who lives to gripe another day, putting him far ahead of plenty of his peers.
  8. Boston Globe
    May 20, 2015
    80
    Parker is in fine voice, and despite a few vague lyrics the songs are strong, especially when guitarist Brinsley Schwarz adds his distinctive punctuation.

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User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. Mark-in-Midtown
    Dec 3, 2020
    10
    At the age of 64, Graham Parker has done it again. "Mystery Glue" is an excellent album. Infectious, hook-laden songs from beginning to endAt the age of 64, Graham Parker has done it again. "Mystery Glue" is an excellent album. Infectious, hook-laden songs from beginning to end that are skillfully sung and incorporate a variety of genres in a seamless way. Graham Parker is both among the most consistently great artists there has ever been over a career that spans many different decades, as well as probably being the artist most deserving of commercial success who has never quite attained it. Strictly from an artistic standpoint, Graham Parker is arguably worthy of being mentioned alongside those such as Bob Dylan, John Lennon, Ray Davies, Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Stevie Wonder, Steve Earle, Lucinda Williams and just about anybody else who comes to mind when discussing the all-time great song-writers in terms of both the tunes and lyrics that accompany them. Unfortunately, so few know that. As with the excellent "Three Chords Good" album which was released in 2012, The Rumour are back again on the new album, and they provide subtle yet perfect support, on a qualitative level that probably only The Band could have surpassed, and only a few other backing bands could match.… Full Review »
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