El Dorado
by Marcus King
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
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  1. American Songwriter
    Jan 17, 2020
    80
    El Dorado is an inspiring and impressive work displaying another side of King’s talents, albeit one that he has shown glimpses of in the past. It’s certainly his most expressive and arguably finest recorded moment.
  2. Mojo
    Jan 14, 2020
    80
    If the arrangements and performances are as good as retro-rock gets--with veteran drummer Gene Chrisman and keyboard player Bobby Wood among Auerbach's American Sound Studio band they would hardly be otherwise--the lyrics seldom boast a single sentiment or turn of phrase which isn't threadbare. Otherwise, never a dull moment. [Feb 2020, p.92]
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  3. Uncut
    Jan 14, 2020
    80
    [King] brings innate soulfulness to his performances on El Dorado. Each song has a distinct stylistic antecedent. [Feb 2020, p.29]
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  5. Under The Radar
    Mar 5, 2020
    70
    his songwriting and vocal performances give a picture of the coming of an important voice in the genre. Certainly one to watch.
  6. AllMusic
    Jan 29, 2020
    70
    El Dorado might not boast enough shredding for King's usual audience, but if their interest in roots music goes beyond barroom blues into vintage soul, they should find plenty to enjoy here, and he's a more capable vocalist than some would expect, making this worth a spin for listeners who enjoy modern-day soul.
  7. Exclaim
    Jan 29, 2020
    70
    Despite the glaring transition on El Dorado, there's no identity crisis to be found — King is just as commanding as a crooner as he is with his guitar wailing through a cranked-up amplifier. It's unclear where King will go next, or how much of Auerbach's influence directed the sound of El Dorado, but King certainly has the versatility to make any shift worth listening to.
  8. Rolling Stone
    Jan 14, 2020
    70
    An able soul shouter. ... At times suggesting an Allmans session at Hi Records. [Jan 2020, p.84]
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  9. Classic Rock Magazine
    Jan 14, 2020
    70
    A set of songs that sound like someone's favourite record collection. [Feb 2020, p.89]
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  10. PopMatters
    Jan 14, 2020
    70
    There is a sense of motion to the record as a whole, which would make it a good driving companion. King may be looking in the rear-view mirror as he motorizes, but this record reveals the young man is moving forward in new ways.

User Reviews

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User Score
6.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 7 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 7
  3. Negative: 1 out of 7
  1. earbus
    Jun 20, 2020
    8
    Great album still would like some heavy up tempo rock , the guy is so smooth.
  2. Xen-Masta
    Feb 28, 2020
    5
    Marcus king is an absolute virtuoso on guitar. Unfortunately he seems to have arrived at the opinion that watering down his music and makingMarcus king is an absolute virtuoso on guitar. Unfortunately he seems to have arrived at the opinion that watering down his music and making it more appealing for mass consumption is the way to go. His last two albums have been a little too generic and boring for my taste. MKB's self titled 2016 album was incredible - raw, creative, featuring high levels of musicianship. His recent efforts are extremely well produced and polished, and very bland. Nothing new or exciting to see here. I bet he made more money from them though, so I guess there's that. I was expecting big things from this kid a few years ago. :(… Full Review »
  3. buzzlight
    Jan 27, 2020
    8
    This is a response to DKStrohl. I can agree about generic, blue eyed soul blandness in most of today's iterations of blues, but, I think DanThis is a response to DKStrohl. I can agree about generic, blue eyed soul blandness in most of today's iterations of blues, but, I think Dan Aurbach's production takes these El Dorado's songs up several notches. Why does music like this still get made? Well, because it hits a sweet spot for those who want fresh, new songs in a genre of music that is classic, but still well loved. This album has touches of country, rock and soul. The songs are catchy and go down like lemonade. People always ask, why don't they make music like they use to? This album seems to strike that chord. For me, the standout songs are soul-inflected Wildflowers & Wine and One Day She's Here. Good voice and guitar.… Full Review »
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