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Children Running Through
by Patty Griffin

Patty Griffin reviews
Critic Score
Metascore: 87 Metascore out of 100
User Score  
8.6 out of 10
based on 13 reviews
Read critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
based on 43 votes
Read user comments
Rate this album

Mike McCarthy produced this fifth studio album for the singer-songwriter, her first in three years.

LABEL: ATO
RELEASE DATE: 06 February 2007
DISCS: 1 disc
GENRE(S): Rock, Singer-Songwriter, Adult Alternative, Folk

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

91
Entertainment Weekly
It's the showcase of a confident singer successfully diversifying. [9 Feb 2007, p.72]
91
The Onion (A.V. Club)
For the most part, Children Running Through is Griffin at her most complete, using elements from her favorite genres to support simple songs that follow the up-sloping contours of her phenomenal voice.
Read Full Review
90
Slant Magazine
An astonishing piece of work.
Read Full Review
90
All Music Guide
Children Running Through is Patty Griffin's masterpiece thus far.
Read Full Review
90
Billboard
Overall, this dynamic collection has something unexpected at every turn. [10 Feb 2007]
90
Boston Globe
Suffice to say that if you have enjoyed Griffin's repertoire of considered and emotionally precise songs -- as fans from the Dixie Chicks to Solomon Burke to Jessica Simpson have -- you will find your life enriched by "Children Running Through."
Read Full Review
80
Amazon.com
Her most musically diverse and accessible album yet.
Read Full Review
80
Hartford Courant
She has blossomed into one of contemporary folk's most enchanting voices.
Read Full Review
80
Paste Magazine
Fancy up her surroundings all you want, but like another transcendent, intuitive singer-Van Morrison, in whose company she belongs-it's the way she sings... that defines her greatness, as lonely as it might be.
Read Full Review
80
Uncut
Her songwriting here... demonstrates a depth and majesty previously absent in her work. [Mar 2007, p.82]
80
Q Magazine
Sorrowful and stately, Griffin's voice is a startlingly expressive instrument. [May 2007, p.125]
70
PopMatters
The production and arrangements truly shine, showcasing Griffin in a new way, one that discards the easy (and limiting) concept of Griffin as a songwriter’s songwriter, and which places the spotlight back on her ability to perform.
Read Full Review
70
Blender
[She] displays the true grit of a younger Bonnie Raitt.
Read Full Review

What Our Users Said

Vote Now! The average user rating for this album is 8.6 (out of 10) based on 43 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

jyotirmaya Das gave it a7:
"Childredn Running Through" is a beautiful album with subtle exquisite melodies and somber lyrics....It would even pass for a chamber-goth album if it weren't for Ms. Griffin's slight country twang. I listened to it lying down quietly, and there are so many things to absorb in the album. It needs maybe one or possibly two stronger songs, but that is just nit-picking. It is a lovely, beautiful record that would hold its own in anyone's CD or record collection.

Chris P. gave it a7:
Listening to this record reminded me of Neko Case's "Fox Confessor Brings the Flood". I felt both of the albums create a very private atmosphere, but Case for me captures it so gracefully. I still enjoy this album very much. First time listener.

Chris H. gave it a10:
This album means a lot to me - the first ten tracks are a revelation and the rest still ranks among the best songs I heard this year.

Chuck M. gave it a9:
Griffin's best synthesis so far of her varied talents. She still has a masterpiece in her, but this will do until the next one.

Harris S. gave it a10:
Best album of 2007 and Patty's best ever! Getting Ready just knocks my socks off.

Leslie S. gave it a1:
She is dreadful..saw her w John Prine last night..she screeched and was so horribly ill prepared as to both the one duet with Prine..too stoned to remember the words...real downer..what is he thinking? CD fair with superior production to compensate for a grating, nails on chalkboard voice...ugh.

Marcus gave it a5:
Am I the only one who finds this album completely melody free?

Read more user comments...

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