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A Blessing And A Curse
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A Blessing And A Curse Image
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 19 Ratings

  • Summary: The southern rockers have no overarching concept this time out, but they still boast three singers and guitarists in Patterson Hood, Mike Cooley and Jason Isbell.

Top Track

Gravity's Gone
I went stumbling through the fog Trying to find a reason for the things I told her She woke up sunny side down And I was still thinking I was too... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    91
    Finds [Drive-By Truckers] turing from the social concerns of 2004's Dirty South to the more personal with career-best results. [21 Apr 2006, p.75]
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  2. Magnet
    90
    Cement[s] the Truckers' status as one of the best rock 'n' roll bands going. [#71, p.93]
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  3. Uncut
    80
    A Blessing... is perhaps a more personal and introspective record than usual. But truly there's still a lot to marvel at. [Apr 2006, p.112]
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  4. Rolling Stone
    70
    [A Blessing] isn't as detail-rich as 2004's The Dirty South, but it's another engaging variation on old-school Southern rock.
  5. Amazon.com
    70
    All in all, this is a calmer Truckers set, less ragged and more polished.
  6. Prefix Magazine
    70
    It showcases an artistic range that had been up to this point unexplored.
  7. New Musical Express (NME)
    50
    Workmanlike. [18 Mar 2006, p.33]
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See all 24 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. Filazafera
    Apr 20, 2006
    10
    I am a fan, first of all. This record did not grab me right away like some of the others, but after a few listens I think it is as good as I am a fan, first of all. This record did not grab me right away like some of the others, but after a few listens I think it is as good as anything they have ever done. Everything they do is gold. I listen to a lot of different bands and I think the Truckers are the best band on the planet right now. See them live and you will be a beliver.… Expand
  2. AaronH
    Apr 19, 2006
    10
    I own all the DBT albums from Southern Rock Opera and I think Blessing and a Curse is DBT's second best album next to SRO. Im not sure I own all the DBT albums from Southern Rock Opera and I think Blessing and a Curse is DBT's second best album next to SRO. Im not sure how you could rate this album above SRO but I think its more accessible and better overall than Decoration Day or the Dirty South. I really enjoy the grooves on all of these tracks but especially Aftermath USA, which for some reason reminds me of the Rolling Stones' Exile on Main St. All and all I love this band and this record.… Expand
  4. AndrewD
    Apr 23, 2006
    9
    Great album! Only reason I am not giving it a 10 is becasue I would reserve that rating for The Dirty South and Decoration Day. If you love Great album! Only reason I am not giving it a 10 is becasue I would reserve that rating for The Dirty South and Decoration Day. If you love the truckers, this album wont dissapoint.… Collapse
  5. BaronL
    Apr 20, 2006
    8
    The Southern mythology may be replaced by personal struggles and desires but the sound is still as hot as Georgia asphalt.
  6. Ricko
    Jun 21, 2020
    8
    Arguably Drive-By Truckers best album. I think it is tied with "Decoration Day" as my favourite because it is their best attempt at blendingArguably Drive-By Truckers best album. I think it is tied with "Decoration Day" as my favourite because it is their best attempt at blending their different styles of songwriting without ever letting the quality levels drop. Unlike "Decoration Day", this is their most focused album. It's 11 tracks with most in an around the 4 minute mark. A downside I find even with their best work is that songs and albums are overly long. This can be a blessing but often is a curse ;-0 . On this album the balance is perfect. At times it veers towards one of my favourite genres, indie folk, but its essentially classic country rock. The more I listen to this album the more I'm hearing the lyrics properly too which are top class. Excellent stuff.… Expand
  7. LawrenxceP
    Aug 7, 2006
    8
    Still the best and most solid honest country-rock band around..."world of hurt" is one of their very best and most heartbreaking tunes.
  8. stetsonk
    Jun 28, 2006
    5
    After 10 years and 2 absolutely belting albums - in SRO and Dirty South - the Truckers were busting to burst into the mainstream with this After 10 years and 2 absolutely belting albums - in SRO and Dirty South - the Truckers were busting to burst into the mainstream with this record. Like one of the loser jocks populating their best tunes, they blew it. It almost feels deliberate.… Expand

See all 10 User Reviews