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  • Release Date:
Cobblestone Runway Image
Metascore
84

Universal acclaim - based on 9 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 10 Ratings

  • Summary: The Canadian singer-songwriter's fifth album finds Sexsmith experimenting with electronica for the first time.
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 9
  2. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    100
    His encouraging lyrics are creatively conceived and cliche-free, while his music has a folky, redemptive grace. [11 Oct 2002, p.83]
  2. It's a gorgeous, life-affirming gem for those willing to seek it out.
  3. With Cobblestone Runway, he proves once again he's one of the best songwriters out there, and easily the best Canadian songwriter working today.
  4. The perfect combination of restrained production and sparkling tunes.
  5. Q Magazine
    80
    Despite the odd bump Sexsmith could be in business at last. [Dec 2002, p.111]
  6. Uncut
    70
    His melancholic optimism is uplifting and his melodies surprisingly plush. [Dec 2002, p.140]
  7. Blender
    60
    Sensitivity in excess. [#11, p.142]

See all 9 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. AmandaE.
    Oct 22, 2002
    10
    This is an amazing album. If you've never heard of Ron before, this is a great intro. If you are a big fan already, CR will even exceed This is an amazing album. If you've never heard of Ron before, this is a great intro. If you are a big fan already, CR will even exceed your expectations. Buy this right now! Expand
  2. JoseRamonR.
    Oct 14, 2002
    10
    songwriter´s album of the year bar none!!!! songs like gold in them hills, former glory or god loves everyone are like jewels. Like songwriter´s album of the year bar none!!!! songs like gold in them hills, former glory or god loves everyone are like jewels. Like "reason to believe", "forever young" or "time has told me". Believe me please. for the sake of the song... Expand
  3. matta
    Jul 13, 2005
    10
    Besides Ron, I can only think of two other artists this decade that have made two flawless albums: Sufjan Stevens(MIchigan and Illinois) and Besides Ron, I can only think of two other artists this decade that have made two flawless albums: Sufjan Stevens(MIchigan and Illinois) and Joe Pernice(The World is NOt Enough and Yours, MIne, Ours). This album, along with Retriever, is why Ron Sexsmith and his music is absolutely essential for anyone interested in thought-provoking music. Collapse
  4. KaiW
    Nov 18, 2002
    10
    Perfect songwriting, if the Beatles were around today, this is what they might have put out on a mellow day.
  5. eileeno
    Sep 12, 2003
    10
    I could listen to this CD over and over - and I do. I love it. Pure gold.
  6. EricG
    Mar 4, 2006
    10
    Like all the greatest song writers, Ron Sexsmith manages to flip the familiar on its head, exposing unfamiliar textures and possibilities not Like all the greatest song writers, Ron Sexsmith manages to flip the familiar on its head, exposing unfamiliar textures and possibilities not available to those of us who lack the genius to see them unaided. This is may favorite of all of his wonderful albums. Ron has some distinguished fans: Paul McCartney and Elvis Costello, to name just two. Get this. Expand
  7. BjörnJ.
    Oct 22, 2002
    9
    A harmonic piece of work by maybe the best song-writer in the world. Simple but great songs with intelligent lyrics!

See all 8 User Reviews