Forgiven
by Los Lonely Boys
  • Record Label: Sony
  • Release Date: Jul 1, 2008
Metascore
55

Mixed or average reviews - based on 6 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. AllMusic
    80
    All in all, Forgiven proves that Los Lonely Boys are around for the long haul, making records that separate their sound from their influences, and further establishes their identity as one of America's premier roots bands.
  2. Billboard
    60
    With expectations tempered for Forgiven, the sibling trio from Texas doesn't panic but rather retrenches, returning to the easy-grooving, harmony-laden Carlos Santana-meets-Stevie Ray Vaughan feel of its first album.
  3. Los Angeles Times
    50
    The ho-hum tunes on Forgiven won't flip your wig, but the playing-- particularly in the three cuts featuring Dr. John on the keys--oozes bone-deep feeling throughout.
  5. Paste Magazine
    50
    Forgiven has bits and pieces, like a bunch of base hits, but not even one song possessing homer status, much less a grand slam like “Heaven.”
  6. Blender
    40
    Its penitent but hopeful mood still suggests a Catholic equivalent of corporate Christian rock
  7. PopMatters
    40
    This record is an approximation of something real and true and traditionally resonant, but it ain’t anywhere near the real thing.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 11 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 11
  3. Negative: 2 out of 11
  1. CornfieldCub
    Oct 28, 2010
    3
    Good effort but sometimes that isn't enough. Like soup that lacks salt this edition could use some flavor beyond the basic recipe. You know,Good effort but sometimes that isn't enough. Like soup that lacks salt this edition could use some flavor beyond the basic recipe. You know, twist a bit harder, feel the burn as you go. Not an impact maker.… Full Review »
  2. EvyG.
    Jul 4, 2008
    10
    I agree with critic Thom Jurek's extensive review of this third release by Los Lonely Boys. When a band is creating a signature sound I agree with critic Thom Jurek's extensive review of this third release by Los Lonely Boys. When a band is creating a signature sound fusing musical genres like conjunto, rock, blues, tejano, country - some "critics" just don't get it. Here is Jurek's review- he gets it: Review by Thom Jurek San Angelo, TX'sLos Lonely Boys follow up their excellent 2006 sophomore effort, Sacred, with Forgiven. (Though they seem like they've been around forever, the Garza brothers -- Henry, Jojo, and Ringo -- have only been recording since 2003.) Produced by Steve Jordan, Forgiven doesn't sound a whole lot different than its predecessors, but that's not a bad thing. It contains the same combination of rock, blues, and soul coming together in a seamless blend of originals, offering proof that theirs is a signature sound. In fact, the more Los Lonely Boys record and tour, the deeper they cut the mark in terms of an individual sonic template. The album roars out of the gate with the Latin cum blues-rock of "Heart Won't Tell a Lie," a solid showcase for guitarist Henry Garza. In fact, it's safe to say that, after listening to this a few times, it becomes clear that Garza has forged a style of his own out his love for both Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jimi Hendrix. There is a more swinging, choppy element here in his rhythmic attack, both in his chord voicings and single-string soloing. They are fluid, electrifying, and deeply soulful. This is such an obvious opener that it should become a second single. In any case, Henry is one of the most underrated guitar players around -- his diversity is a strength, he integrates his approach, and he never waters down one thing in favor of another. On the title track, a silvery midtempo Latin-styled rock ballad, his distortion on the beautifully melodic tune contrasts with Jojo's clean bassline and Wurlitzer and the shimmering cymbal work by Ringo. Then there's the single. It feels cut from the same cloth that "Just Like Heaven" was, but what becomes apparent after just one listen is that these cats are creating their own brand of Texas bluesy soul, with gorgeous vocal harmonies; an instantly recognizable melody; the languid, relaxed pace of the groove that drips "emotion" in the vocals (think of a Latin version of the Rascals); and the good-time pulse of the rhythm section (with killer hand percussion as well as the drum kit). There is the acoustic norteño flavor in "Loving You Always," with Henry playing a nylon-string guitar, and those elaborate harmony vocals that come together as effortlessly as a backyard sing. There is a stellar cover of the Spencer Davis Group's "I'm a Man" that rivals the original's adrenaline-infused crackle and grit. The wah-wah work on Henry's guitar, the wailing hand percussion by Jordan, and the whomp of JoJo's Wurlitzer carry it into the red. Dr. John makes a guest appearance on the Hammond B-3 in "You Can't See the Light," one of the Garza brothers' finer songwriting moments with just enough of a jazzy background to undercut the Texas rock and Latin soul. All in all, Forgiven proves that Los Lonely Boys are around for the long haul, making records that separate their sound from their influences, and further establishes their identity as one of America's premier roots bands.… Full Review »
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