Back to Love
by Anthony Hamilton
  • Record Label: RCA
  • Release Date: Dec 13, 2011
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
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  1. The A.V. Club
    Dec 20, 2011
    91
    Where Hamilton's past albums have lured in listeners with their slow, sensual pull, Back To Love grabs them outright with the soul man's punchiest, most immediate batch of songs yet.
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    Dec 12, 2011
    91
    Back to Love is as solid as any of his previous six albums, but its high points are the three tunes ­co-produced by Babyface.
  3. Okayplayer
    Jan 12, 2012
    88
    On Back to Love, Hamilton splits the difference and delivers a carefully calculated amalgam of soulful rawness, after hours sophistication and pop sheen that feels far more organic than it has any right to.
  5. Spin
    Dec 16, 2011
    80
    Mixing stately story ballads with Cee-Lo-esque uptempo jams, Back to Love presents songwriting substance as style, and although that might not be flashy, it's mighty refreshing.
  6. Boston Globe
    Dec 13, 2011
    80
    The smooth-groove classicism here is just part of Hamilton's mature command of the form, with none of neo-soul's studied Afro-Sheen patina.
  7. The New York Times
    Dec 13, 2011
    80
    He sounds marvelous.
  8. AllMusic
    Dec 12, 2011
    80
    That Back to Love is not a major shake-up is not a bad thing. Most of the songs are instantly ingratiating in some way, with none of the lighter, upbeat numbers the least bit out of character.
  9. Los Angeles Times
    Dec 12, 2011
    75
    Hamilton neither chases trends nor makes fetish of retro sounds and influences. Instead, he finds powerful common ground between vintage influences and modern production.
  10. Rolling Stone
    Dec 22, 2011
    70
    In spartan tracks that evoke but never imitate Al Green and Teddy Pendergrass, Hamilton whispers offers of courtly behavior he says would make Oprah jealous.

Awards & Rankings

73
#73 Best Album of 2011
79
#79 Most Shared Album of 2011

User Reviews

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User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 16 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 16
  3. Negative: 1 out of 16
  1. geedup
    Jun 28, 2012
    5
    One of the most soulful sounding voices out there today, I love his style. This record was disappointing though and he lost what I used toOne of the most soulful sounding voices out there today, I love his style. This record was disappointing though and he lost what I used to love about his music. Even the singles/leaks of this album were disappointing to me-but still gave it a listen. Surely a decline from Aint Nobody Worrin and even from The Point of it All. But I am sure the ladies will like the soulful love ballads he has littered this album with.… Full Review »
  2. shayman
    Jan 9, 2012
    0
    Garbage of the highest order. The acting is poor, production sloppy and I think the casting is completely bizarre,. I would rather sit in aGarbage of the highest order. The acting is poor, production sloppy and I think the casting is completely bizarre,. I would rather sit in a dentists chair all afternoon that sit through this shameless farce.… Full Review »
  3. A7sus4
    Dec 24, 2011
    8
    I got into Anthony Hamilton with "Ain't Nobody Worryin'," which has made it difficult for follow ups, plus "Comin' From Where I'm From" toI got into Anthony Hamilton with "Ain't Nobody Worryin'," which has made it difficult for follow ups, plus "Comin' From Where I'm From" to live up, but this is an excellent new set. Stronger than "The Point of It All" this record is loaded with medium to strong hooks draped in beautiful harmonies and textures with heartfelt lyrics delivered sincerely and soulfully. Lovin' it. I recommend the Deluxe version; the four additional tracks are as strong as the strongest material on the normal version.… Full Review »
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