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

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  1. BobN
    Mar 2, 2007
    10
    An incredible voice singing incredible songs.
  2. PatrickO
    Mar 6, 2007
    2
    Really sorta bland...
  3. LeslieS.
    Aug 18, 2007
    1
    She is dreadful..saw her w John Prine last night..she screeched and was so horribly ill prepared as to both the one duet with Prine..too stoned to remember the words...real downer..what is he thinking? CD fair with superior production to compensate for a grating, nails on chalkboard voice...ugh.
  4. JonS
    Feb 14, 2007
    10
    This is the best record yet from a truly great artist. It's got all the bases covered - from the sneering rock of "Getting Ready" to the quiet folk of "Crying Over", from the bluesy "Stay On the Ride" to the soulful "Heavenly Day", from the countryish rock of "No Bad News" to the gospelly "Up on the Mountain", Patty does it all, and as great as she's been in the past, each style This is the best record yet from a truly great artist. It's got all the bases covered - from the sneering rock of "Getting Ready" to the quiet folk of "Crying Over", from the bluesy "Stay On the Ride" to the soulful "Heavenly Day", from the countryish rock of "No Bad News" to the gospelly "Up on the Mountain", Patty does it all, and as great as she's been in the past, each style surpasses her previous efforts.… Expand
  5. aprilk
    Feb 15, 2007
    10
    A woman with an amazing voice singing great songs. I hope lots of people will hear her.
  6. randyg
    Mar 13, 2007
    9
    I saw Patty perform the day before the album release in Charleston West Va (Mountain Stage)..Such a dynamic voice and truly an inspirational song writer. A very good CD is Children Running Through. As with ever Patty release you really have to listen to it many times---meanings change as you absorb the lyrics....not too many song writers have this "dilema".....
  7. PatrickM
    Mar 20, 2007
    10
    I never heard of her before but after reading some good things I decided to listen to a few of clips of hers on I-tunes. They sounded pretty good, so I took a gamble and purchased her CD. Man, did that bet ever pay off! She is amazing! What a voice! She could sing one, two buckle shoe and she would still mesmerize. I'm hooked, and you will be too. Purchase this CD!
  8. PamD
    Mar 22, 2007
    10
    Patty defines passion in the form of musical talent. This album only strengthens that definition.
  9. MattD.
    Mar 7, 2007
    10
    Patty Griffin has written great songs that others covered, but really has never had a clear artistic vision for herself. With Children Running Through, she brings a little from each of her albums into a cohesive whole. And she holds her own with Emmylou Harris on Trapeze. Her other albums were good, but this one should really make her career take off.
  10. CharlesC
    Mar 7, 2007
    8
    This is, without a doubt, the best album the Beatles have put out in a long time....
  11. HarrisS.
    Dec 13, 2007
    10
    Best album of 2007 and Patty's best ever! Getting Ready just knocks my socks off.
  12. Freedy
    Feb 23, 2007
    10
    Anyone who gave this album a 6 needs to have their head examined. There is not a weak link on this album. Judging this as Patty's weakest album is like judging Van Gogh on his weakest painting. Even if this were the case, that the album was mediocre, it would be mediocre by Patty's standards, which, to say, means the disc is light years ahead of 99% of everything else out there. Anyone who gave this album a 6 needs to have their head examined. There is not a weak link on this album. Judging this as Patty's weakest album is like judging Van Gogh on his weakest painting. Even if this were the case, that the album was mediocre, it would be mediocre by Patty's standards, which, to say, means the disc is light years ahead of 99% of everything else out there. And this album ain't mediocre by a longshot. It gets a 10 pretty easily.… Expand
  13. BlarkinS
    Feb 23, 2007
    5
    It sucks. The worst CD Patty has put out ever.....Silver Bell was MUCH better than this. "Staying on the ride" is a candidate for the worst song she has ever done but "Up to the Mountain" ranks down there as well. I do not get this album. Patty is playing someone else. She should just be happy playing Patty. She aint. They never are...until they flub, like this, and then come back the It sucks. The worst CD Patty has put out ever.....Silver Bell was MUCH better than this. "Staying on the ride" is a candidate for the worst song she has ever done but "Up to the Mountain" ranks down there as well. I do not get this album. Patty is playing someone else. She should just be happy playing Patty. She aint. They never are...until they flub, like this, and then come back the next cd. Long wait in-between..Dust off my "Silver Bell"… Expand
  14. JolynnB
    Feb 25, 2007
    10
    Patty does it again! She is simply the BEST!
  15. Zoe
    Feb 27, 2007
    8
    Not her best, but Patty Griffin's "not her best" is still awesom to behold. If there's a better, more accessible singer/songwriter in our times, I haven't heard him or her yet. With a couple of exceptions, these songs are less personal and more commercial than past efforts. For long time fans, that will be a disappointment. For the uninitiated, however, this may be the best Not her best, but Patty Griffin's "not her best" is still awesom to behold. If there's a better, more accessible singer/songwriter in our times, I haven't heard him or her yet. With a couple of exceptions, these songs are less personal and more commercial than past efforts. For long time fans, that will be a disappointment. For the uninitiated, however, this may be the best CD they'll hear this year.… Expand
  16. Scot
    Mar 10, 2007
    10
    First album I've heard from her....and an album I would recommend to anyone. Anyone rating it less than an "8" is eith nuts or an obsessive fan who "knew of her before she became popular". And I think she probably deserves a little more popularity...a great voice.
  17. DavidC
    Apr 25, 2007
    10
    Just amazing
  18. Blair
    May 27, 2007
    10
    Amazing album. Her voice penetrates. Absolutely beautiful!
  19. 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 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 "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.… Collapse
  20. ChuckM.
    Jan 6, 2008
    9
    Griffin's best synthesis so far of her varied talents. She still has a masterpiece in her, but this will do until the next one.
  21. ChrisH.
    Jan 7, 2008
    10
    This album means a lot to me - the first ten tracks are a revelation and the rest still ranks among the best songs I heard this year.
  22. [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) short on melody and more sparse in its lyrics, unlike most Patty Griffin albums which are very relatable.
  23. Michael
    Feb 13, 2007
    9
    An eclectic mix from one of the best song writers. Her voice is mesmerizing and she brings warmth and meaning to each song. From start to finish, the album works to convey the changing nature we all go through in life.
  24. Charl
    Feb 14, 2007
    10
    The songs on this album are spectacular, sweeping and grand, Patty's stories can by turn entertain, amuse and absolutely break your heart. Combine that with the most beautiful and plaintive voice that finds and releases every subtle nuance in the songs and you have the makings of a masterpiece... Dare I say that this is what this album is? I think so!
  25. BrandonS
    Feb 16, 2007
    9
    While I don't think this is her masterpiece, or her best album, it is nevertheless excellent and a worthy addition to her already stellar catalog. When looking back at this years down the line, I'm sure it'll be viewed as an essential album made by one of our time's finest performers in her prime.
  26. StevenC
    Feb 17, 2007
    6
    Really? Because I can't help but feel that this is Griffin's weakest album to date. Given her stated aim of doing an album of primarily formal exploration, I found the songs themselves were not only lacking in the kind person resonance and narrative depth we usually associate with her work, but formally and sonically unchallenging. There are, of course, some standout tracks, but Really? Because I can't help but feel that this is Griffin's weakest album to date. Given her stated aim of doing an album of primarily formal exploration, I found the songs themselves were not only lacking in the kind person resonance and narrative depth we usually associate with her work, but formally and sonically unchallenging. There are, of course, some standout tracks, but I felt as though in the majority her vocals lack context, and the songs, as a result become somewhat flat and, on a distressing number of occasions, downright grating.… Expand
  27. AdamB
    Feb 23, 2007
    10
    Don't question me.
  28. Marcus
    Jun 18, 2007
    5
    Am I the only one who finds this album completely melody free?
  29. 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 atmosphere, but Case for me captures it so gracefully. I still enjoy this album very much. First time listener.

Awards & Rankings

9
#9 Best Album of 2007

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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.
    Read full review
  2. Amazon.com
    80
    Her most musically diverse and accessible album yet.
    Read full review
  3. Billboard
    90
    Overall, this dynamic collection has something unexpected at every turn. [10 Feb 2007]
See all critic reviews »