Barton Hollow - The Civil Wars
Metascore
71 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 15
  2. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. Mar 5, 2012
    90
    Delicate duets, bluegrass string strumming and some of the most genuinely emotive lyrics you'll hear all year combine to produce an album of rare and beautiful quality.
User Score

Universal acclaim- based on 16 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. 8
    One of the best debuts in years, The Civil Wars are branded as country, but that
  2. The Civil Wars build off of Allison Kraus and The Swell Season in a very effective way. The ballads are lovely and carefully crafted. In today's music, it is very refreshing to hear a girl/guy duo sing together with such great songwriting. We need more of these collaborations in today's music. Full Review »
  3. The best new group on the music scene today. Joy Williams breaks away from her pop-rock background and turns in a stunning performance as a sensitive romantic lover. She was heading in this direction in 2009 with "Speaking a Dead Language" only to discover the perfect compliment in John Paul White, whose the voice and body frames her masterfully. As good as this album is they are even better live where the harmony of their entire selves shines through. Their remake of "Dance Me to the End of Love is better than the original. Their musical style is likely too niche to achieve mainstream success but they will go on to build a devoted (even rabid) fan base. Count me as being on the bandwagon, right now. Full Review »