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Hearts That Strain Image
Metascore
66

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 27 Ratings

  • Summary: The fourth full-length release for the British singer-songwriter was recorded in Nashville and features guest appearances from Dan Auerbach (on guitar) and Noah Cyrus.
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Top Track

Waiting
[Verse 1: Jake Bugg & Noah Cyrus] All the time before I knew you Seems now so long And I cannot explain Even if I try No, you never make it easy Know... See the rest of the song lyrics
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 9
  2. Negative: 1 out of 9
  1. Sep 21, 2017
    90
    The album never comes off as a slavish museum piece. It feels instead as if they somehow rediscovered this sound, like an old coat picked out of the attic that looks as perfect with a modern ensemble as it did in its own heyday.
  2. 80
    The most impressive item here is the deep-soul duet with Miley’s sister Noah Cyrus, “Waiting”, in which Bugg’s aching delivery is perfectly tempered by her fragile sweetness, like vocal salted caramel.
  3. Uncut
    Aug 31, 2017
    70
    After "Waiting," a disarmingly soulful duet with Noah Cyrus, the LP gets darker and more resonant. [Oct 2017, p.24]
  4. Q Magazine
    Aug 31, 2017
    60
    This one has it's moments, but somehow never quite catches fire. [Oct 2017, p.106]
  5. Aug 31, 2017
    60
    Although he has, mercifully, put hip-hop to one side, this lacks the authenticity of a real raconteur.
  6. Mojo
    Aug 31, 2017
    60
    The sumptuous How Soon The Dawn and gently rcok'n'rolling I Can Burn shine. [Oct 2017, p.98]
  7. Sep 1, 2017
    30
    All in all, the album is unremarkable, showing only rare flashes of lyrical prowess, and melodically unadventurous. Bugg fails to push boundaries and flounders outside his recent comfort zone, resulting in a record that fails to impress, delivered without vigour.

See all 9 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 2
  2. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. 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. Expand
  2. 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. Expand