Born Again In The USA
by Loose Fur
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. The Guardian
    60
    It's certainly a mixed bag but one that fans of all-American rock won't be disappointed with.
  2. Prefix Magazine
    60
    Other than on "Answers to Your Questions," it's not real pretty when O'Rourke steps to the microphone. Most of his songs stab at a Tom Waits-style balladry but end up sounding more like schmaltzy Steely Dan castoffs.
  3. Dot Music
    60
    Thematically, "Born Again In The USA" is a bold album that tries hard - perhaps too hard - to bind together the inter-related twines of culture, politics, history and entertainment.
  5. New Musical Express (NME)
    60
    [It] takes some persistance. [18 Mar 2006, p.35]
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  6. Slant Magazine
    50
    What ultimately makes the album something of a chore is its one-joke premise, a preaching-to-the-choir broadside against the Evangelical right's ongoing assault on individual liberties and rational thought.
  7. Magnet
    50
    A mixed bag. [#71, p.102]
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  8. Dusted Magazine
    40
    While a well-concocted snotty attitude may be a decisive factor in any number of great rock albums, Born Again in the USA feels lazy without any particular agenda. It’s good for a laugh and a couple of listens, but ultimately does not resonate.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 9 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. AlexanderK.
    May 24, 2006
    9
    This album almost felt like a collection of songs that never made it on to a Wilco or O'Rourke album, but were nonetheless sexy and This album almost felt like a collection of songs that never made it on to a Wilco or O'Rourke album, but were nonetheless sexy and seductive enough to attract listeners. One song, however, tops every Wilco song i have heardl; "Wreckroom." Its so dense with cooleness I love it so much...the build up and fall which is common in so many Wilco songs, but this song feels homey and grandiose at the same time. Gold… Full Review »
  2. DanH
    May 6, 2006
    9
    Better than I expected! Let me just say if you are a Wilco/Phish/retro rock fan, you will like this album, which goes between pop and fun, Better than I expected! Let me just say if you are a Wilco/Phish/retro rock fan, you will like this album, which goes between pop and fun, quirky rock. Plus, it will increase your vocabulary.… Full Review »
  3. DonM
    Apr 16, 2006
    8
    A really solid bunch of songs. This album rips all over 'a ghost is born', and is easily equal to the bands original release. A really solid bunch of songs. This album rips all over 'a ghost is born', and is easily equal to the bands original release. Excellent arrangements, nicely played, and always intersting!… Full Review »
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