American Songwriter's Scores

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For 1,819 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 50% higher than the average critic
  • 5% same as the average critic
  • 45% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 0.7 points higher than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Music review score: 74
Highest review score: 100 Rockstar
Lowest review score: 20 Dancing Backward in High Heels
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,462 out of 1819
  2. Mixed: 353 out of 1819
  3. Negative: 4 out of 1819
1819 music reviews
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    • 70 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    George Fest: A Night to Celebrate the Music of George Harrison [Live]
    Some performers are more impressive on CD where their on-stage antics aren’t visible (we’re talking to you “Weird Al”) but the dedication to, and love for, Harrison’s music is infused in every track. That makes this a fitting testament to his music, a thoroughly enjoyable experience (in either its video or audio forms), and a splendid, at times superior, companion piece to its well-regarded predecessor.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Dig in Deep
    Between the quality of the songs (five written or co-penned by Raitt, an unusually high number), the relaxed yet taut performances and Bonnie’s characteristic smooth whisky drawl, the appropriately titled Dig In Deep is another distinguished and near perfect entry into a classy, bulging catalog that has seen few missteps.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Ladies & Gentlemen
    The end product feels natural, unforced and even at times humble, making this appropriately titled sixth Stringdusters album yet another successful effort that moves the act beyond its string roots while keeping their collective feet planted in them.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Side Pony
    It may take a leap of faith, and it’s hard to imagine how convincingly Lake Street Dive can pull off this slick, immaculately produced studio album on stage, but once you let yourself go with the disc’s flow, it’s tough not be engaged by the sheer vivacity and likeability of a set that sounds like it was plucked out of a time capsule.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Down to My Last Bad Habit
    If Gill maintained the rawness displayed on a few tracks and added more upbeat tunes, this would have been an edgier return to form.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    My Wild West
    Sometimes, as on “Shroud,” the introspective songwriting isn’t strong enough to sustain the bold attack and the seriousness can feel confining.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Hold On!
    The ten taut songs sashay by in just over a half hour ensuring nothing overstays its welcome and everyone leaves with a smile as goofy and frisky as Austin Powers looking for a shag.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Scheherazade
    Longtime fans who have patiently waited for this resurgence will be thrilled with results that gently tug at the boundaries of their established sound. But even listeners new to the Freakwater experience can start here and work backwards through a rich catalog dedicated to the darker roots of Americana.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    The Psychedelic Swamp
    Much of this revamped version of Psychedelic Swamp is vastly more conventional--even normal--than the record that inspired it, which is as much a selling point as it is a slight source of disappointment.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Cayamo Sessions at Sea
    It’s hard to shake the nagging notion that this hews too closely to a classy, not-so-subtle advertisement enticing more customers onto future trips. Despite those reservations (pun intended), there is enough wonderful music here for even landlubbing Americana fans to enjoy.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Jura
    The album exudes the salty air of the conditions it was recorded in, which makes it a success on that level. How much your tastes lean towards undiluted, traditional Brit folk will gauge your enjoyment for this batch of unadulterated music in that genre, played and conceived with the purest of intentions.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    You're Dreaming
    Don’t slot these guys into an Everly Brothers pigeonhole because not only is no one else releasing music like this, but the refined songwriting and flawless performances push these tunes into near classic territory.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Pond Scum
    This is clearly for existing fans; those new to Oldham’s expansive, often confusing catalog are advised to start elsewhere. But if you are already converted to his stridently uncommercial musings, these once difficult to find performances make a wonderful addition to what is likely your already extensive Oldham collection.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    In the Magic Hour
    It’s a haunting, generally melancholy 40 minutes that cries out for repeated playings to best capture the fleeting melodies, atmospheric performances and the singer’s delicate concepts.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Cautionary Tale
    LeBlanc has found firm footing with the help of fellow Muscle Shoals musicians John Paul White and Ben Tanner, who have helped the Shreveport, Louisiana native flesh out his musical strengths and make the most mature, cohesive record in his still-fresh career.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Goin' Your Way [Live]
    Despite its many highlights though, it nonetheless falls short of accomplishing its goal with a performance that is highly professional, yet generally too measured and safe.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Dying Surfer Meets His Maker
    They just make music that pleases them and in doing that also created one of the most adventurous, least predictable albums of the year.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Blackstar
    Lyrically, Bowie it at his best here when he dives fully into off-kilter impressionism and ponders the uncertain present and apocalyptic future.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The Southern Surreal
    This is the Shack Shakers as we know them with every sweaty, caffeinated concert and rollicking disc bringing the group closer to the “legendary” status flaunted even before their first release.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    The Ties That Bind: The River Collection [Box Set]
    Such is the bounty contained on The Ties That Bind that it might make you question Bruce Springsteen’s judgment even as you marvel at his ridiculous talent.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Bluenote Cafe [Live]
    Even diehard Neil Young fans may not fully appreciate this offshoot in his bulging catalog. But this remarkably vibrant and immediate live compilation shows that Young took this side road very seriously and it was more than just a forgettable, momentary quirk in his diverse and winding career.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    25
    25 can seem like 11 singles instead of an album at times; all the big-name producers and co-songwriters muscling their way in doesn’t allow for too much restraint.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    First Comes the Night
    This is another in a long line of quality Chris Isaak releases that optimizes his well-established vocal and songwriting strengths, brings a bit of retro, rootsy cool, and ends up a solid entry into an already impressive catalog.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Alone in the Universe
    A perfectly pleasant, largely successful return to form that’s a delight for existing fans yet ultimately missing a bit of the “je ne sais quoi” that made the best ELO music so timeless and classic.
    • 99 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    The Bootleg Series, Vol. 12: The Cutting Edge 1965-1966
    The 65-66 era of his career occupies rarefied space in the annals of rock; The Cutting Edge somehow demystifies it and makes it seem more impressive all at once. For a guy who once warned us not to look back, Bob Dylan keeps giving us irresistible reasons to do exactly that.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It's Great to Be Alive! [Live]
    Collectively, they reflect the life’s work of a tight, hardworking/hard traveling act that plays by its own rules. And, judging from the almost three and a half hours of music here, one that continues to improve with age.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    American Man
    The Yawpers never fall into cliché or dumb down their creativity, which makes American Man a success on every level.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Joy of Living: A Tribute to Ewan Maccoll
    Unlike Bruce Springsteen’s similarly rootsy and far peppier tribute to Pete Seeger, this fine ballad heavy collection probably won’t attract the attention its compilers are hoping for and garner the posthumous stateside appreciation MacColl deserves.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Perfectamundo
    Even non-ZZ Top fans will appreciate the vitality and exuberance that jumps out of every track and those who have followed Gibbons’ 45 (and counting) year career should be delighted with this energetic if temporary change in direction.
    • 57 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Another Country
    Another Country has far too many moments that will have them lurching for the track-forward button while admitting this once talented songwriter needs someone to tell him when his reach exceeds his grasp.
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