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Blue Boy Image
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
6.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 5 Ratings

  • Summary: Canadian singer-songwriter Ron Sexsmith returns with his fifth album, produced by Steve Earle and Ray Kennedy.
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 11
  2. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    100
    The disc's gritter sound, courtesy of producer Steve Earle, is a perfect complement to Sexsmith's "Waterloo Sunset" croon... [6/8/2001, p.76]
  2. A very clear sounding Sexsmith singing in his Tim Hardin-quaver about the art of song, the loss of love and other intense philosophical insights that only a softspoken guy would concern himself with.
  3. Magnet
    90
    Sexsmith doesn't succumb to a single false move or note. [#51, p.112]
  4. There's more fun here than on Sexsmith's previous release, 1999's Whereabouts, and this is a definite step in the right direction.
  5. Spin
    80
    The loose arrangements nod to the American roots icons Sexsmith idealizes; there's tons of feel. [Aug 2001, p.139]
  6. 70
    Sexsmith's most underrated asset is his most obvious: that voice. The way he slides into a line, pauses, and then delivers for maximum effect… No histrionics, just truth.
  7. Ron Sexsmith actually rocks, albeit only sort of and irregularly.

See all 11 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 3
  2. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. JeffC.
    Jul 9, 2001
    10
    Ranks right up there with his previous masterpieces!
  2. matta
    Jul 13, 2005
    9
    incredible album. A great indication of where Ron was headed in giving us his next two classic albums. This one is nearly flawless as well.
  3. MikeT.
    Jul 11, 2001
    4
    No action. Steve Earle's production almost sounds like a parody -- although of what, I can't be sure. MOR drivel.