Advanced Search Beta »
Basic Search Fields
Harps And Angels - Randy Newman
Harps And Angels Image
Metascore
86 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 25 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.2 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 12 Ratings

Your Score
10 out of 10
Rate this:
  • Summary: The first studio album for the singer-songwriter since 1999's "Bad Love" was produced by Mitchell Froom and Lenny Waronker.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 25
  3. Negative: 0 out of 25
  1. Observer Music Monthly
    100
    It remains extraordinary this ability to jump from Tom Lehrer to early Tom Waits.
  2. Hot Press
    100
    Sharp, incisive, funny and at times even heart-rending in the context of some beautifully-judged rag/country/Dixie-land songs.
  3. The Guardian
    60
    Anyone who doesn't actually live for updates from Iowan caucuses can safely skip the whole ragtime politicking middle section and, instead, enjoy the work of a true master of popular song.

See all 25 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. MichaelE.
    9
    More than in his past, the new album reveals autobiographical moments. Not, because Randy Newman has a message to be delivered (apart from his biting comments on current politics), but because of the disturbing moments and the angst that make the "ego" a vulnerable thing when growing older and older. On the other hand, the sound palette he makes use of (from orchestral to intimate chamber atmosphere) is brilliant and always serving the songs!… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  2. JoeB.
    8
    Randy Newman continues to be one of the most important artists out there, right alongside Tom Waits, Neil Young, Radiohead, Bruce Springsteen etc. His words sear the listener and force them to take inventory of what's going on around them. His sardonic wit is matched equally by his song craft. His arrangements are edited so precisely, his notes and words chosen so meticulously, it is moments like this in music that truly remind me of how small all of us other practitioners really are. Mr. Newman constantly poses challenges for himself and is apparently not afraid to ruffle a few feathers in the process. Kudos! Music should be dangerous, it should provoke thought and controversy, it should force people to take responsibility for their actions. Unfortunately, the reality is that most of these sentiments will be lost as I'm sure, nobody really cares about this kind of stuff anymore except maybe a small few of us. Thanks Randy, you always remind me that I'm not alone.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  3. ChrisC.
    5
    Too much whining that some people have more money than others. Newman's old stuff was sardonically opinionated while seeming vaguely informed. This just sounds like a lot of angry whining trying to be funny, but only in the 'Everyone else is stupid' way.… Expand
    • 0 of 1 users said yes

Recommended Products

  1. Little Match Girl Passion - David Lang

    • Release Date: Jun 9, 2009
    Little Match Girl Passion Image

  2. Pull Up Some Dust and Sit Down - Ry Cooder

    • Release Date: Aug 29, 2011
    Pull Up Some Dust and Sit Down Image

  3. Lost In The Sound Of Separation - Underoath

    • Release Date: Sep 2, 2008
    Lost In The Sound Of Separation Image

Current Music Releases

Full List »
  1. Tago Mago [40th Anniversary Edition] - Can
    Metascore: 99
  2. Live in Europe 1967: Best of the Bootleg, Vol. 1 - Miles Davis
    Metascore: 99
  3. Siamese Dream [Deluxe Edition] - Smashing Pumpkins
    Metascore: 96
  4. The SMiLE Sessions - The Beach Boys
    Metascore: 96
  5. National Treasures: The Complete Singles - Manic Street Preachers
    Metascore: 95
  6. Achtung Baby [Super Deluxe] - U2
    Metascore: 93
  7. Some Girls [Deluxe Edition] - The Rolling Stones
    Metascore: 93
  8. Pull Up Some Dust and Sit Down - Ry Cooder
    Metascore: 92
  9. Unto the Locust - Machine Head
    Metascore: 91
  10. Quadrophenia [The Director's Cut] - The Who
    Metascore: 90
  11. Rio [Live] - Keith Jarrett
    Metascore: 90
  12. What Were You Hoping For? - Van Hunt
    Metascore: 90
  13. Bitch Magnet - Bitch Magnet
    Metascore: 90
  14. Charity Starts at Home - Phonte
    Metascore: 89
  15. Nevermind [20th Anniversary Edition] - Nirvana
    Metascore: 89
  16. Young Man In America - Anais Mitchell
    Metascore: 88
  17. Journey of the Deep Sea Dweller, Vol. 1 - Drexciya
    Metascore: 88
  18. Bad as Me - Tom Waits
    Metascore: 88
  19. The Singles - Goldfrapp
    Metascore: 88
  20. Undun - The Roots
    Metascore: 88
All Current Music »