Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 11
  2. Negative: 0 out of 11
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  1. Uncut
    Jan 15, 2014
    90
    It's an extraordinary set. [Feb 2014, p.92]
  2. Jan 15, 2014
    86
    Whether you’re honing in on the brilliant lyricism or simply soaking in the aural wonders of this minimalistic folk album, there’s plenty to fall in love with about Bad Debt.
  3. Jan 17, 2014
    82
    These songs sound full and finished even in their austerity.
  4. Mojo
    Feb 11, 2014
    80
    An unadorned diamond in the rough, and his best record. [Mar 2014, p.94]
  5. Jan 27, 2014
    80
    For an album with a creation tale so bound up in contemporary history, Bad Debt is utterly ageless, like a surviving relic from time immemorial.
  6. Jan 17, 2014
    80
    Almost by accident, it seems, you can hear memory, skill and poetry converging in a lonely kitchen with a baby sleeping nearby.
  7. Jan 16, 2014
    80
    When it comes to the spiritual, Bad Debt is a worthy addition to a lineage that preaches the complicated records resonate strongest.
  8. 80
    What it lacks in crowd-pleasing polish is gained in atmosphere. Intimate doesn’t begin to cover it.
  9. Feb 4, 2014
    70
    Coupling this writing with simple and effective music, Taylor creates something memorable. It’s as likely to serve folklorists as it was to have been delivered by one.
  10. 70
    Raw, rough yet beautifully crafted, Taylor’s music is pure, honest and riveting in its unadorned simplicity.
  11. Jan 15, 2014
    60
    It’s lean music for lean times.
User Score
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No user score yet- Awaiting 2 more ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. Mar 1, 2021
    10
    This is a tragically overlooked album, full of gems. The recording sound is not great (there's a lot of "hiss") but the emotion and soulThis is a tragically overlooked album, full of gems. The recording sound is not great (there's a lot of "hiss") but the emotion and soul dripping from his voice shines through. The lyrics are introspective and crushing, and the man knows how to write a killer hook on the guitar. Honestly one of the best albums of the decade in my opinion. Enormously underrated. Some of the songs come to life with some better production in his next 2 albums, in particular the version of "serpent is kind (compared to man)" on Haw is better, but the standout track is "Jesus Shot Me in the Head" is a perfect song delivered in low-fi hushed tones. Full Review »