Gathering
by Josh Ritter
User Score
7.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 6 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 1 out of 6
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  1. 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 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 onTo 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
  2. 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" 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. RitterJust 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

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
88

Universal acclaim - based on 4 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. 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]
  2. PopMatters
    Sep 28, 2017
    90
    It’s never derivative and always manages to sound fresh and new.
    Read full review
  3. 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.
    Read full review
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