Hearts That Strain
by Jake Bugg
Metascore
66

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 9
  3. Negative: 1 out of 9
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  1. The Observer (UK)
    Sep 5, 2017
    60
    Though the faster songs are largely throwaway, Bugg is inching closer to a sound that is both familiar and very much his own.
  2. The Guardian
    Aug 31, 2017
    60
    Although he has, mercifully, put hip-hop to one side, this lacks the authenticity of a real raconteur.
  3. Mojo
    Aug 31, 2017
    60
    The sumptuous How Soon The Dawn and gently rcok'n'rolling I Can Burn shine. [Oct 2017, p.98]
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  5. Q Magazine
    Aug 31, 2017
    60
    This one has it's moments, but somehow never quite catches fire. [Oct 2017, p.106]
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  6. New Musical Express (NME)
    Aug 31, 2017
    40
    It’s hard to see where Bugg goes from here: he’s either a man still in search of a niche or, more worryingly, locked into the wrong one.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 27 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 27
  3. Negative: 2 out of 27
  1. sparkshaha
    Sep 13, 2017
    9
    Great sounding and mature album from Bugg. Blissfull songs of artistic merit, despite critical attacks at Bugg for trying different musicalGreat sounding and mature album from Bugg. Blissfull songs of artistic merit, despite critical attacks at Bugg for trying different musical approaches. The pretension of critics should never dissuade you from discovering how good this music is.… Full Review »
  2. diegonelli
    Sep 16, 2017
    5
    At this point Jake's music feels so.. meh. Like, it's not bad, it feels nice, but it's not good either? I don't know, it's a weird feeling. IAt this point Jake's music feels so.. meh. Like, it's not bad, it feels nice, but it's not good either? I don't know, it's a weird feeling. I think he should try some new styles because this is getting monotonous.… Full Review »
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