Election Special
by Ry Cooder
  • Record Label: Nonesuch
  • Release Date: Aug 21, 2012
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
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  1. Q Magazine
    Aug 20, 2012
    40
    While his message is clear, the means of conveying it comes up wanting. [Sep 2012, p.98]
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  2. musicOMH.com
    Aug 16, 2012
    40
    [Election Special] is a Texas-sized strikeout.
  3. Slant Magazine
    Aug 14, 2012
    40
    Though Cooder's clearly singing and playing from his bleeding heart on Election Special, the results make one wish that he'd pass both his mic and his guitar back to his brain.

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User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. LeftwingFrankie
    Oct 18, 2012
    10
    Just as Bruce Springsteen's Wrecking Ball is a tribute to the 99%. the same can be said for Ry Cooder's Election Special with songs such asJust as Bruce Springsteen's Wrecking Ball is a tribute to the 99%. the same can be said for Ry Cooder's Election Special with songs such as Mutt Romney Blues, The Wall Street Part of Town, Going to Tampa, Kool-Aid, and The 90 and the 9.… Full Review »
  2. Musicalsage2
    Sep 7, 2012
    9
    Ry Cooder goes on the offensive against the Republican Party in a protest album that provides a powerful combination of vehement anti-rightRy Cooder goes on the offensive against the Republican Party in a protest album that provides a powerful combination of vehement anti-right lyrics to his typically excellent blues musicianship. Like Neil Young with 'Living with War' it appears that the best protest albums are being made by rock's older generation. More immediate than its esteemed predecessor I would heartily recommend this album to anyone with a love of bluesy R&B and a sneaking suspicion that the USA are once again on the verge of voting in another knucklehead like GWB!

    Being a long-term fan of Ry Cooder I find it interesting that he has found such a powerful lyrical voice so late in his career rather than being an exemplary coverer of other people's tunes. It has certainly been worth the wait.    … Full Review »
  3. A7sus4
    Aug 23, 2012
    4
    The man is blinded by party label. He may be right he may be wrong, but he's a man talking with no grounds for believability. He has no ideaThe man is blinded by party label. He may be right he may be wrong, but he's a man talking with no grounds for believability. He has no idea what the constitution or bill of rights is or what their about save what he's been told second hand. It's a shame, because the pretense of understanding or respecting those documents coupled with his total economic ignorance is just as destructive as the politicians he good heartedly seeks to deride. Critics love it because they're poor or hate their lives and love the idea of government handouts. Kudos to Slant Magazine for calling it.… Full Review »