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3 Pears
by
3 Pears Image
Metascore
86

Universal acclaim - based on 7 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 10 Ratings

  • Summary: The first studio album in seven years for the country singer-songwriter features two songs produced by Beck and a song co-written with Robert Ritchie (aka Kid Rock).
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  • Record Label: Warner Bros.
  • Genre(s): Country, Pop/Rock, Contemporary Country, New Traditionalist, Neo-Traditionalist Country
  • More Details and Credits »

Top Track

Dim Lights, Thick Smoke
Dim lights, thick smoke and loud, loud music Is the only kind of life you'll ever understand Dim lights, thick smoke and loud, loud music You'll... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. 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]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. AllMusic
    Sep 18, 2012
    90
    It's as fresh as any music he's ever made, and one of his very best albums.
  3. Country Weekly
    Sep 18, 2012
    80
    Though he's capable of being playfully satisfied, Dwight is at his best when he's consumed by yearning.
  4. The New York Times
    Sep 18, 2012
    80
    The record draws closer to where he started: this music is entirely referential, but doesn't want to be contained. It's got some freelance cool, some autonomous energy.
  5. Boston Globe
    Sep 25, 2012
    80
    It's nothing more--or less--than the latest chapter in his extraordinary, funhouse-mirror version of honky-tonk traditionalism.
  6. Paste Magazine
    Sep 18, 2012
    79
    Emerging from California's punk/roots scene, championed by the Blasters and sharing stages with X, he kept it true, while mining the tempest of a formidable rejectionist movement. 3 Pears follows the same map.
  7. Consequence
    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.

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. brian13mc
    Sep 19, 2012
    10
    Classic Dwight Yoakam. His introspective and intelligent lyrics combine with his uncategorizable style to produce a great sound that leavesClassic Dwight Yoakam. His introspective and intelligent lyrics combine with his uncategorizable style to produce a great sound that leaves the listener constantly wanting more.… Expand
  2. DaGuruDette
    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 oneDat 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.… Expand
  4. Migs
    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 theRanks 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.… Expand
  5. jyo_tirmaya
    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 hasI 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!… Collapse
  6. hyland_john
    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 aOne 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    … Expand
  7. Brummagem
    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 ofA 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

20
#20 Best Album of 2012