Gemstones
by Adam Green
Metascore
49

Mixed or average reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 18
  3. Negative: 5 out of 18
  1. Pitchfork
    55
    Green's self-consciously dweeby vocals hang his off-kilter lyrics like a doomed curveball.
  2. Uncut
    40
    His quirks often overwhelm him, and his shock tactics are more infantile than transgressive. [Feb 2005, p.76]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. PopMatters
    60
    He's gone for a sound that's somewhere between '50s and '60s rock and musical theatre, halfway between Buddy Holly and Broadway.
  5. Mojo
    80
    [A] queasy mix of super-sharp realism, clammy surrealism and elegant melody. [Feb 2005, p.98]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. Q Magazine
    0
    As worthless as it's possible for music to be. [Feb 2005, p.100]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. New Musical Express (NME)
    50
    'Gemstones' sees Adam go much deeper into cabaret territory. [22 Jan 2005, p.51]
    All this publication's reviews
  8. Rolling Stone
    40
    Kitschy lyrics spin out of control here.
  9. Under The Radar
    20
    Now, potty humor can be funny, but when it's 15 tracks of potty humor set to Raffi polkas, it's just annoying. [#9]
    All this publication's reviews
  10. The Guardian
    60
    His sparse, sweet acoustic songs charm more than they shock, and make you think rather than irritate.
  11. Spin
    25
    His tunes and/or jokes plop out like forced turds. [Mar 2005, p.92]
    All this publication's reviews
  12. Entertainment Weekly
    25
    His indie-circuit friends will be amused, but no one else will. [4 Mar 2005, p.73]
    All this publication's reviews
  13. Alternative Press
    70
    Consistent--and consistently funny. [Apr 2005, p.124]
    All this publication's reviews
  14. Blender
    40
    Green's cutesy Bacharach-ish chamber pop loses all novelty after a few spins. [Apr 2005, p.118]
    All this publication's reviews
  15. Dot Music
    50
    It is one thing to not take yourself to seriously but it is quite another to go to the other extreme. For all his knowing winks, Green walks the fine line between decadency and distaste.
  16. Stylus Magazine
    91
    Simply put, either you’ll love this album or not “get” it. It’s too good an album for you to not like if you understand it.
  17. Playlouder
    90
    There's a confidence and a swagger that wasn't there before, Green uncapping the band who can convert his quirky sketches into clever, swinging masterpieces.
  18. Neumu.net
    35
    Gemstones is shit. It's awful. It really, really is.
  19. Junkmedia
    40
    Over the course of Gemstone's 15 tracks, Green's heavily enunciated, lumbering delivery become more irritating than a busload of thespians on their way to an audition. Thankfully, Green's elementary-school melodies, which call to mind Jonathan Richman at his silliest, ultimately save this album from the topical hell to which it aspires.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 24 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 24
  3. Negative: 4 out of 24
  1. alistarr
    May 1, 2006
    7
    is it me or does Q magazine consistently hate albums that the reviewers i have some respect for actually like rather a lot? having just is it me or does Q magazine consistently hate albums that the reviewers i have some respect for actually like rather a lot? having just bought "jacket full of danger" i've come to re-evaluate green's entire career. there's a trajectory there. aside from all that though, this is a cool little album. unpretentious and fun and about 50% wonderful, 50% inoffensively pleasant. it's a shame some of the better songs don't go on a bit longer though - "she's a very funny girl but i love that crazy bitch, alright!" is the kind of "take it to the bridge" line that deserves a whole section of rocking out, not about 3 seconds of rock and then a sudden stop. and that's just the first song. i like it.… Full Review »
  2. gazm
    Jun 4, 2005
    8
    read stylus magazines review for all that i have to say
  3. timburton
    May 26, 2005
    9
    great as hell, fine in words
See all user reviews »