Ashes & Fire - Ryan Adams
Ashes & Fire Image
Metascore
76 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 38 Critics What's this?

User Score
7.9 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 16 Ratings

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0 out of 10
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  • Summary: The North Carolina-born singer's 13th album was produced by Glyn Johns, and it is his first since he left the band in part to Meniere's disease in 2009.
  • Record Label: Capitol
  • Genre(s): Country, Alt-Country, Americana, Pop/Rock, Adult Alternative Pop/Rock, Alternative/Indie Rock, Contemporary Singer/Songwriter, Alternative Pop/Rock, Alternative Singer/Songwriter, Alternative Country-Rock
  • More Details and Credits »

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 38
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 38
  3. Negative: 0 out of 38
  1. The Telegraph (UK)
    Oct 17, 2011
    100
    Underneath the almost soporifically smooth old-soul and country polish, Adams's ear for a delicate melody and feel for the shadowy nuances of emotion give this latest chapter beautiful depth.
  2. The Quietus
    Oct 21, 2011
    80
    A softer collection of songs, harnessing more sincerity than his last two general-release LPs (as opposed to Orion, which was online-only), Easy Tiger and Cardinology.
  3. Q Magazine
    Nov 8, 2011
    80
    Here, at last again, is the Ryan Adams of Heartbreaker - creating a uniformly strong collection of songs, singular in mood, each articulated by a voice that, whilst more lived in, remains a lovely instrument. [Nov. 2011, p. 137]
    All this publication's reviews
  4. Mojo
    Dec 22, 2011
    60
    Despite its lulls, Ashes & Fire sounds like a new beginning. [Nov 2011, p.101]
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See all 38 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. gypsytea
    9
    This is Ryan Adams at the height of his songwriting abilities. After a brief hiatus, he has returned with an album of finely crafted, stripped down songs that showcase Adams' vocal prowess. Accompanied by only an acoustic guitar on most songs, this album is the perfect companion for relaxing afternoons and introspective evenings. Favourites include "Invisible Riverside", "Ashes & Fire", and "Dirty Rain".… Expand
  2. Billy_Bell
    9
    Fundamentally, this album is a grower. Definitely not one for newcomers as it really shines in the light of Ryan's other work. However, this is his strongest work since Cold Roses. Heartfelt, masterful and beautiful, this collection takes on all Ryan's styles and strips away any heavy instrumentation, allowing the gorgeous songs to shine through.… Expand
  3. A7sus4
    8
    This is a fantastic, beautiful album. The kind of album that satisfies on the first superficial listen, continues to improve and develop deeper meaning with repeated listens, and holds up to a ton of them. Every song is a winner, with personal highlights including: Come Home, Do I Wait, Save Me, Kindness, Lucky Now, and I Love You But... Norah Jones's piano on some tracks is a wonderful touch.… Expand
  4. zimmertosser69
    7
    I have always been a huge fan of Ryan Adams since his Whiskeytown days. He put out an amazing and prolific amount of quality music between 2000 and 2009 and did it with a wide variety of musicians and styles.

    This album is primarily a solo effort and most songs are one man ballads which is not a bad thing if you can write,play and sing like Ryan Adams.    … Expand

See all 6 User Reviews

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