Dressed Up For The Letdown
by Richard Swift
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. Pitchfork
    75
    Swift's merry melodies and uninhibited sensitivity draw equally on the immaculate piano pop of Carole King's Tapestry and the strummy self-awareness of Jackson Browne's early Asylum Records releases, but it's his noticeable theatricality that sets him apart.
  2. Uncut
    80
    In his own way, Swift is as vivid a newcomer as Joanna Newsom or early Rufus Wainwright. [Mar 2007, p.84]
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  3. PopMatters
    60
    Swift’s clever and insightful lyrics immediately grab those who pay attention.
  5. Mojo
    80
    Vividly of-the-moment, rich in melody and wry optimism. [Mar 2007, p.104]
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  6. Q Magazine
    80
    He might be a man out of time, but his music's timeless. [Mar 2007, p.114]
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  7. New Musical Express (NME)
    80
    Prepare to lose your heart to him.
  8. Under The Radar
    70
    Coming across as the alt-rock Randy Newman has its perils, but Swift justifies and even makes palatable such a classification. [#16, p.94]
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  9. The Guardian
    60
    Thankfully, another character sidles between the layers of these songs, and even shuffles into the limelight elsewhere - someone more shady and strange, who loves circus rhythms and giddy trumpet riffs, the glimmer of broken glass and crackle of static. If only this odd chap dominated proceedings.
  10. Spin
    70
    Hypnotic and strangely thrilling. [Feb 2007, p.86]
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  11. Paste Magazine
    60
    At root, the gritty, back-to-the-garage drive of these pop tunes adds a layer of grease that makes them stick. [Apr 2007, p.58]
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  12. Tiny Mix Tapes
    80
    Although his rough-around-the-edges production and label affiliation suggest he is a folkie or New Weird American, his songwriting harkens back more to Tin Pan Alley than The Incredible String Band.
  13. Austin Chronicle
    89
    If Richard Swift isn't on your radar yet, time to adjust the antenna.
  14. Filter
    86
    His lyrics are alternately introspective and celebratory, melancholy, and the most hopeful words you'll hear in the place--sometimes all in the same song. [#24, p.102]
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  15. Dot Music
    70
    While "Dressed Up For The Letdown" is a classy, clever record, it is not one you can imagine yourself revisiting that often.
  16. Urb
    70
    Swift is likely to turn some more heads with this one. [Mar 2007, p.101]
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  17. Hartford Courant
    80
    Swift makes good on his promise with 10 soulful new songs loaded with heart and smarts.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 8 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 8
  3. Negative: 2 out of 8
  1. ChristopherG
    Mar 21, 2007
    8
    Nicely melodic, a Randy Newman-like vocal style (I think), Brian Wilsony piano....a winner...worth taking a chance on if you are into melody Nicely melodic, a Randy Newman-like vocal style (I think), Brian Wilsony piano....a winner...worth taking a chance on if you are into melody and nice pop/rock songs. Definately recommended.… Full Review »
  2. BrettC
    Mar 15, 2007
    10
    A top ten record for 2007 for sure. Great album.
  3. HowardJ
    Feb 23, 2007
    10
    Quite possibly the best record of 2007.
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