A Piece Of What You Need
by Teddy Thompson
Metascore
84

Universal acclaim - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. AllMusic
    80
    Teddy Thompson has taken a more user-friendly approach on A Piece of What You Need, but he hasn't sold his soul or lost what makes him special along the way, and this is a clever, adventurous, and thoroughly engaging exercise in smart pop that's as thoughtful as it is pleasurable.
  2. Hartford Courant
    80
    His melodies are subtle, but don't confuse his restraint with detachment--these songs sound deeply felt.
  3. Mojo
    80
    'Where to Here,' Slippery Slope (easier),' and 'In My Arms' are equally deadly writing, with gripping melodies and sing-out performances that seem to have benefited from listening to his pal Rufus Wainwright--and from arrangements by Wainwright's latest producer. [Sep 2008, p.112]
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  5. musicOMH.com
    80
    Richly melodic and beautifully performed, A Piece Of What You Need deserves to be a big commercial hit.
  6. Observer Music Monthly
    80
    Wry, understated and occasionally heroically sorry for itself, his fourth--and best--album mixes folk, pop, country and rock to superb effect.
  7. PopMatters
    80
    One can hear every word, every breath, and every sigh. De Vries has Thompson harmonize with the instruments so that they become expressively one voice without losing their distinctive tones.
  8. The Guardian
    80
    Thompson has emerged from his parents shadows to deliver one of this year's best.
  9. Uncut
    80
    This is where the kid really comes into his own.

Awards & Rankings

26
#26 Best Album of 2008

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 11 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 11
  3. Negative: 1 out of 11
  1. DonC
    Jun 8, 2009
    10
    Absolutely brilliant songwriting and singing, each song stronger than the one before.
  2. ScottB
    Mar 12, 2009
    9
    As an old guy, I'm a huge fan of his parents (singly and together) but Teddy is surely living up to the family legend on this one. It is As an old guy, I'm a huge fan of his parents (singly and together) but Teddy is surely living up to the family legend on this one. It is so strong, and I truly hope that it will propel him beyond cult status.… Full Review »
  3. DavidO.
    Aug 22, 2008
    9
    Fantastic, heart-felt album full of fantastic melodies and pointed insight into the human condition. One of the best albums I've Fantastic, heart-felt album full of fantastic melodies and pointed insight into the human condition. One of the best albums I've listened to in a while.… Full Review »
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