Children Running Through
by Patty Griffin
  • Record Label: ATO
  • Release Date: Feb 6, 2007
Metascore
87

Universal acclaim - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. AllMusic
    90
    Children Running Through is Patty Griffin's masterpiece thus far.
  2. PopMatters
    70
    The production and arrangements truly shine, showcasing Griffin in a new way, one that discards the easy (and limiting) concept of Griffin as a songwriter’s songwriter, and which places the spotlight back on her ability to perform.
  3. Uncut
    80
    Her songwriting here... demonstrates a depth and majesty previously absent in her work. [Mar 2007, p.82]
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  5. Q Magazine
    80
    Sorrowful and stately, Griffin's voice is a startlingly expressive instrument. [May 2007, p.125]
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  6. The A.V. Club
    91
    For the most part, Children Running Through is Griffin at her most complete, using elements from her favorite genres to support simple songs that follow the up-sloping contours of her phenomenal voice.
  7. Paste Magazine
    80
    Fancy up her surroundings all you want, but like another transcendent, intuitive singer-Van Morrison, in whose company she belongs-it's the way she sings... that defines her greatness, as lonely as it might be.
  8. Entertainment Weekly
    91
    It's the showcase of a confident singer successfully diversifying. [9 Feb 2007, p.72]
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  9. Slant Magazine
    90
    An astonishing piece of work.
  10. Boston Globe
    90
    Suffice to say that if you have enjoyed Griffin's repertoire of considered and emotionally precise songs -- as fans from the Dixie Chicks to Solomon Burke to Jessica Simpson have -- you will find your life enriched by "Children Running Through."
  11. Blender
    70
    [She] displays the true grit of a younger Bonnie Raitt.
  12. Billboard
    90
    Overall, this dynamic collection has something unexpected at every turn. [10 Feb 2007]
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  13. Hartford Courant
    80
    She has blossomed into one of contemporary folk's most enchanting voices.
  14. Amazon.com
    80
    Her most musically diverse and accessible album yet.

Awards & Rankings

9
#9 Best Album of 2007

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 46 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 39 out of 46
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 46
  3. Negative: 2 out of 46
  1. [Anonymous]
    Dec 4, 2009
    5
    Big Patty fan, didn't care for this album. Of course, I long for the Living With Ghosts/Flaming Red era. Alas, this album is (agreed) Big Patty fan, didn't care for this album. Of course, I long for the Living With Ghosts/Flaming Red era. Alas, this album is (agreed) short on melody and more sparse in its lyrics, unlike most Patty Griffin albums which are very relatable.… Full Review »
  2. jyotirmayaDas
    Jan 25, 2008
    7
    "Childredn Running Through" is a beautiful album with subtle exquisite melodies and somber lyrics....It would even pass for a chamber-goth "Childredn Running Through" is a beautiful album with subtle exquisite melodies and somber lyrics....It would even pass for a chamber-goth album if it weren't for Ms. Griffin's slight country twang. I listened to it lying down quietly, and there are so many things to absorb in the album. It needs maybe one or possibly two stronger songs, but that is just nit-picking. It is a lovely, beautiful record that would hold its own in anyone's CD or record collection.… Full Review »
  3. ChrisP.
    Jan 14, 2008
    7
    Listening to this record reminded me of Neko Case's "Fox Confessor Brings the Flood". I felt both of the albums create a very private Listening to this record reminded me of Neko Case's "Fox Confessor Brings the Flood". I felt both of the albums create a very private atmosphere, but Case for me captures it so gracefully. I still enjoy this album very much. First time listener.… Full Review »
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