Chavez Ravine
by Ry Cooder
  • Record Label: Nonesuch
  • Release Date: Jun 14, 2005
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 35 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 35
  3. Negative: 1 out of 35

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  1. MattA
    Dec 9, 2005
    6
    I have to agree with David M, although I would also put Sleater-kinney in that severely overrated category as well. A decent enough listen but I think that it is getting alot of kudos just because the guy is somewhat of a legend in the world music scene. It was the same with "Smile." It was a good album, but not 97 on metacritic good, and even critics that initially gave it a really high I have to agree with David M, although I would also put Sleater-kinney in that severely overrated category as well. A decent enough listen but I think that it is getting alot of kudos just because the guy is somewhat of a legend in the world music scene. It was the same with "Smile." It was a good album, but not 97 on metacritic good, and even critics that initially gave it a really high score realized that in retrospect, as was evident by the fact that it only appeared on no more than half of the end of year lists and was number one on only a few.… Expand
  2. DavidM
    Nov 19, 2005
    6
    Right now only Lookaftering ranks ahead of it as most overrated album in Metacritic top 30... This album has been way overrated on account of it's well meaning political intentions, but as music...I am really unimpressed, and I've given it a solid 8 or 9 listens now. Only closing track is fantastic, and only one or two others (ie. Muy Fifi) memorable. Worst, all of the weakest Right now only Lookaftering ranks ahead of it as most overrated album in Metacritic top 30... This album has been way overrated on account of it's well meaning political intentions, but as music...I am really unimpressed, and I've given it a solid 8 or 9 listens now. Only closing track is fantastic, and only one or two others (ie. Muy Fifi) memorable. Worst, all of the weakest tracks are Cooders own compositions. Despite the unique ethnic and historical appeal, end result is Bland and undynamic.… Expand
  3. DanielG
    Apr 12, 2006
    4
    I'm interested to know what this sudden interest in Chavez Ravine (the place) came from, not that this story doesn't deserve the attention it's getting. First the photo book published by Chronicle Books, then the play by Culture Clash and now, the album by Ry Cooder. I was impressed with the collection of talent used for the production of this album, but hugely I'm interested to know what this sudden interest in Chavez Ravine (the place) came from, not that this story doesn't deserve the attention it's getting. First the photo book published by Chronicle Books, then the play by Culture Clash and now, the album by Ry Cooder. I was impressed with the collection of talent used for the production of this album, but hugely dissappointed when I bought it and took a listen, it's an overrated album and downright obnoxious sometimes. I agree with David M, the worst tracks are his compostions. Good intentions, bad music...… Expand

Awards & Rankings

15
#15 Best Album of 2005

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
86

Universal acclaim - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. Amazon.com
    70
    The result is an CD that sounds like it's aspiring to be something far more ambitious: a DVD, a theatrical production, even a time machine.
    Read full review
  2. The Guardian
    80
    It's a very clever album, and at times easier to admire than to simply enjoy because there is so much going on.
    Read full review
  3. Uncut
    80
    With Chavez Ravine he has performed another ethnomusicological miracle, opening a can of worms while drawing us deep into the musical heart of a lost community. [Jul 2005, p.90]
See all critic reviews »