User Score
7.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 10 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 10
  2. Negative: 2 out of 10
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  1. Sep 19, 2012
    10
    Classic Dwight Yoakam. His introspective and intelligent lyrics combine with his uncategorizable style to produce a great sound that leaves the listener constantly wanting more.
  2. Sep 22, 2012
    9
    I thought Dwight Yoakam stopped making music for awhile there. Turns out he has been busy with this effort which is so welcome and which has so much GOOD country music on it. Dwight has been playing quality "alternative country (alt-country)" before that term ever came into existence. In comparison with this album, we can see what bad stuff is being released in the name of country musicI thought Dwight Yoakam stopped making music for awhile there. Turns out he has been busy with this effort which is so welcome and which has so much GOOD country music on it. Dwight has been playing quality "alternative country (alt-country)" before that term ever came into existence. In comparison with this album, we can see what bad stuff is being released in the name of country music these days (Rascal Flatts or Sugarland anybody?). So glad to have him back again! Expand
  3. Nov 8, 2012
    10
    Ranks with his best albums, and a good purchase for anybody who wants some upbeat and very real country in their collection. Good intro to the genre for the country-curious.
  4. Sep 20, 2012
    10
    Dat shrimp has no clue what good music is. Dwight just hit it out of the park with this one. Maybe shrimp can act like he likes this one too. Who knows? Great album to have been gone for so long.
  5. Oct 8, 2012
    9
    One of his best ever, and that's saying something. He has no peer at combining country and pop styles in an organic way - really, he's a genius and this is ample evidence of that.

    http://whenyoumotoraway.blogspot.com/2012/10/review-dwight-yoakam-three-pears.html
  6. Dec 27, 2012
    8
    A 7 year itch maybe? Is that why it's been so long since his last album? This is vintage Yoakam, especially the opening track "Take Hold of My Hand". I've loved "Dim Lights etc" since Jack Ingram recorded it and I loved this version. That's not to say that tracks such as "Waterfall" or "A Heart Like Mine" pale by comparison either. Overall, it was way too long coming but well worthA 7 year itch maybe? Is that why it's been so long since his last album? This is vintage Yoakam, especially the opening track "Take Hold of My Hand". I've loved "Dim Lights etc" since Jack Ingram recorded it and I loved this version. That's not to say that tracks such as "Waterfall" or "A Heart Like Mine" pale by comparison either. Overall, it was way too long coming but well worth the wait. Let's hope it's not another 7 years before the next! Expand

Awards & Rankings

Metascore
86

Universal acclaim - based on 7 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. Sep 26, 2012
    70
    Unshackled, Yoakam casually eschews his established sound for new ones, and although these pop experimentations won't please country music fundamentalists or single-searching radio executives, Yoakam has legitimized himself as an artist.
  2. Sep 25, 2012
    80
    It's nothing more--or less--than the latest chapter in his extraordinary, funhouse-mirror version of honky-tonk traditionalism.
  3. Entertainment Weekly
    Sep 18, 2012
    91
    Yoakam's first release in seven years is a smashing return to form. [14/21 Sep 2012, p.141]