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Gathering
by
Gathering Image
Metascore
88

Universal acclaim - based on 4 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 6 Ratings

  • Summary: The ninth full-length studio release for the singer-songwriter features a guest appearance by Bob Weir.
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  • Record Label: Pytheas Recordings
  • Genre(s): Folk, Pop/Rock, Adult Alternative Pop/Rock, Alternative/Indie Rock, Contemporary Singer/Songwriter, Contemporary Folk
  • More Details and Credits »

Top Track

Dreams
All that I felt on the first time it happened Was the feeling of something bad coming true One day I was happy, One day I was laughing And then... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. PopMatters
    Sep 28, 2017
    90
    It’s never derivative and always manages to sound fresh and new.
  2. Slant Magazine
    Sep 28, 2017
    90
    It's as diverse as anything Ritter's done yet also focused in its exploration of joy, sorrow, and their strange intermingling. It's proof enough that Ritter is one of the true keepers of the American folk lineage--a proud traditionalist and an utter original.
  3. AllMusic
    Sep 28, 2017
    80
    What follows is one of Ritter's loosest and most rewarding outings to date, delivering a steady stream of compelling characters caught between bravado and vulnerability, constantly trying to find their emotional footing.
  4. Uncut
    Sep 28, 2017
    80
    Gathering is another collection of Dylanesque strummings, rescued as always from generic blandness by Ritter's alacrity as a lyricist and husky grin of a voice. [Nov 2017, p.36]
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User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. DimasD
    Sep 28, 2017
    10
    Just a wonderful, life album. Ritter showed all facets of his skill in his songs. All the slow songs are beautiful, and from the "Cry Sofly" IJust a wonderful, life album. Ritter showed all facets of his skill in his songs. All the slow songs are beautiful, and from the "Cry Sofly" I want to scream, so I understand this song. Lulling, resulting in slight sadness "Thunderbolt''s Goodnight" and "Myrna Loy" should render the impression. And songs like "Showboat", "Feels Like Lightning" will be remembered for a long time. Ritter goes on and with each album, his songs become more and more important. Great job.… Expand
  2. Ricko
    Mar 30, 2020
    7
    To be fair, it took 8 albums in but "Gathering" is the first Josh Ritter album that I've been left somewhat underwhelmed by. That's not to sayTo be fair, it took 8 albums in but "Gathering" is the first Josh Ritter album that I've been left somewhat underwhelmed by. That's not to say its necessarily poor, just not up to the usual high standard and so I must stress the "somewhat" here. It's the sound of a songwriter feeling comfortable and as a result, to my ears anyway, there is a lack of real purpose behind the material on "Gathering". For the most part the album has a pedestrian feel. The middle of the album is the strongest part with "Dreams" being peak Ritter. I personally would have liked a few more tracks of this ilk. Longtime fans like myself will enjoy "Gathering" but there are at least half a dozen other Ritter records you should check out first if your starting out with him. The version of the album I got had a second disk of home recordings which was well worth having, was a nice bonus and helped me appreciate the studio recording a bit more.… Expand

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