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29 Image
Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 58 Ratings

  • Summary: Ethan Johns produced the singer-songwriter's third and final release of 2005, which unlike its predecessors is a stripped-down solo affair consisting of nine lengthy story-songs each representing a year of Adams' life during his twenties.

Top Track

Strawberry Wine
Last night in the street collapsed on itself In fact, it broke right in two And I fell in The strawberry vines Into a pool of strawberry... See the rest of the song lyrics
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 22
  2. Negative: 0 out of 22
  1. Uncut
    100
    Nope, this is not easy listening, yet he's never made a more beautiful album. [Jan 2006, p.108]
  2. At last Ryan Adams has made a record every bit as good as his heroes.
  3. Adams has stripped most of '29''s tracks down to spare, brittle bones.
  4. He fails to come up with an album that keeps up the standard set here by a couple of standout tracks such as "Strawberry Wine" and "Nightbirds."
  5. Committed Adams-heads will love it; others will wonder why he commands such loyalty.
  6. Mojo
    60
    Patchier than Jacksonville. [Mar 2006, p.92]
  7. Despite the three or four keepers, 29 suggests that Adams is still struggling to nail down his musical identity.

See all 22 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 32
  2. Negative: 1 out of 32
  1. chrisa
    May 12, 2007
    10
    You can judge this album in many ways, but go lie on your bed, at 2.30 in the morning, turn off your light, and just listen. you will then You can judge this album in many ways, but go lie on your bed, at 2.30 in the morning, turn off your light, and just listen. you will then hear the brilliance Expand
  2. Jo
    Jan 1, 2006
    10
    Ryan's best release of his threefold this year. Night Birds alone is worth the admission of the cd, oen of his best songs ever... other Ryan's best release of his threefold this year. Night Birds alone is worth the admission of the cd, oen of his best songs ever... other standouts: the lyrically very strong Carolina Rain and Blue Sky Blues (what a voice!)... An intimate masterpiece, better as Cold Roses, more coherent as Jacksonville City Nights Expand
  3. Jin
    Jan 18, 2006
    10
    This is a BEAUTIFUL release. It is by far the best realease by him this year. He goes back to playing music at his best, when he is playing This is a BEAUTIFUL release. It is by far the best realease by him this year. He goes back to playing music at his best, when he is playing by himself. Him playing solo just brings out his lyrics so much more. Collapse
  4. StepehnP
    Dec 24, 2005
    9
    Rivals Cold Roses as Ryan's best album of 2005. A very intimate, personal portrayal of events within his own life, as well as very Rivals Cold Roses as Ryan's best album of 2005. A very intimate, personal portrayal of events within his own life, as well as very detailed and intriging storysongs. All describing life in his 20s. Expand
  5. MikeyD
    Sep 21, 2006
    9
    This album will put you under, but it will do it so sweetly. Great evening music when the mood is just right. Love 'Nightbirds', This album will put you under, but it will do it so sweetly. Great evening music when the mood is just right. Love 'Nightbirds', just a perfectly classy track to indulge in. I think the critics should get off his back, i own everything he's put out, and who cares if it all sounds different, if you want to hear the same thing again and again go and buy some ACDC. So light a cigar, grab some booze, and get all melancholy with 29!! Expand
  6. NastyR
    Feb 3, 2006
    8
    Why this album is underrated? It's often great music, intimate and honest, not so good as love is hell 1 & 2, but definitely close
  7. Brianm
    Dec 25, 2005
    3
    Of three of his 2005 albums; this one is by far the weakest. It is also his weakest album to date. I am a big fan of Ryan Adams music, but Of three of his 2005 albums; this one is by far the weakest. It is also his weakest album to date. I am a big fan of Ryan Adams music, but this release isn't anywhere near being good. The main fault of this album are the songs themselves. The songs keep going and going and going to nowhere in particular. It doesn't add up to anything very interesting in the end. Pass this one if you haven't got his other albums. Expand

See all 32 User Reviews