Hometowns
by The Rural Alberta Advantage
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. Uncut
    60
    The RAA's narratives are as expansive as the prarie where singer-songwriter and guitarist Nils Edenloff grew up, but they're also full of resonnant, intimate detail. [Aug 2010, p.94]
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  2. AllMusic
    60
    All too often, that energy is lost when a talented young band like this enters the studio, and RAA do their best to transcend the limitations of their home recorded calling card, but that energy eating reaper follows Hometowns around like a cop car on a Saturday night.
  3. Under The Radar
    60
    Hometowns deftly hurls the civic pride of Sufjan Stevens and the unshorn shuffle of Deer Tick like a bale of alfalfa into a farm-bound pickup. The trio ultimately lacks the breadth or lyrical thrust of the premier artists on their R.I.Y.L list. [Summer 2009, p.82]
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  5. Delusions of Adequacy
    60
    Hometowns may not be the amazing album some had hoped for but it is an honest debut on many levels: sometimes great, most of the time decent and a good while just being there.
  6. PopMatters
    60
    The scope of Hometowns feels a little too narrow for such a dynamic sound. Still, the album is endlessly listenable and solid throughout.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 28 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 28
  3. Negative: 1 out of 28
  1. db0928
    Oct 15, 2010
    10
    Easily the best album of 2008/2009 (depends on which release you consider to be "official"; regardless, it would win either year). There isEasily the best album of 2008/2009 (depends on which release you consider to be "official"; regardless, it would win either year). There is not one weak track on an album filled with passionate, driving tunes about nostalgia, youth, lost relationships and lost homes. The drumwork on display is among the finest I've heard in a long time, and the Nils Edenloff's Mangum-esque vocals only serve to hammer home the pain, joy, heartbreak, and memory that is so pervasive throughout this album. In short, this is THE definitive summer album of the past few years, possibly the best summer album since Wilco's Summerteeth. Do your self a favor and pick up this under-appreciated gem.
    (Standout tracks: "Rush Apart", "The Deathbridge in Lethbridge", "Don't Haunt this Place", "Frank AB", "Four Night Rider", "Edmonton", "In the Summertime")    … Full Review »
  2. ZacharyMatson
    Nov 12, 2011
    10
    Never have I heard an album that grew on me as quickly as Hometowns. The RAA is easily one of my favorite musical groups and that is very muchNever have I heard an album that grew on me as quickly as Hometowns. The RAA is easily one of my favorite musical groups and that is very much because of this album. The album starts off with a mellow, extraordinary track and from there takes you on a ride of fun and excellent indie rock.… Full Review »
  3. Mark
    Aug 2, 2009
    10
    This thing is great. The drummer is amazing, the songwriting is solid and the album is cohesive. What more can you ask for?
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