Hey Ma
by James
  • Record Label: Decca
  • Release Date: Sep 16, 2008
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. Q Magazine
    60
    James has surprisingly reunited for this equally surprisingly strong comeback album. [May 2008, p.135]
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  2. The Guardian
    60
    No matter that he employs every possible cliche (and none more so than in the violin-choked Upside, in which he patronises immigrant labourers): once the guitars get rolling and Booth scrapes the sky with his tenor, you find yourself weirdly hooked.
  3. Uncut
    60
    There's still an organic, soaring bluster to the music, too, though a shortage of obvious anthems this time. [May 2008, p.100]
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  5. Spin
    60
    A clear attempt to re-create their most commerical sound--which works well on the ingrating antiwar titile track and the glistening time capsule 'Oh My Heart.' [Nov 2008, p.96]

Awards & Rankings

96
#96 Most Shared Album of 2008

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 14 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 14
  3. Negative: 2 out of 14
  1. thelistener
    Sep 19, 2008
    7
    Great to have a new James release... Doesnt come close to Laid (which would be a 10 on my scale)... but is still quite good. The album seems Great to have a new James release... Doesnt come close to Laid (which would be a 10 on my scale)... but is still quite good. The album seems to heavy on the horns at times.. Despite my score of 7, a must buy for any James fan.… Full Review »
  2. NM.
    Sep 18, 2008
    9
    A pure f*cking delight. Nothing more needs to be said. Great lyrics, great tunes, and genuinely enjoyable. The only qualm? The production is A pure f*cking delight. Nothing more needs to be said. Great lyrics, great tunes, and genuinely enjoyable. The only qualm? The production is over-compressed. I'll fault the mastering for that.… Full Review »
  3. TomB.
    Sep 18, 2008
    8
    great to have these guys back, and a welcome return to form. hopefully they have a few more albums in them, with this lineup. their 90s great to have these guys back, and a welcome return to form. hopefully they have a few more albums in them, with this lineup. their 90s output was almost second to none.… Full Review »
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