How to Become Clairvoyant
by Robbie Robertson
Metascore
67

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
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  1. Billboard.com
    Apr 15, 2011
    82
    The set is an enveloping mix of melody, mood and texture that speaks to Robertson's triple-threat virtues as a performer, composer and producer.
  2. American Songwriter
    Apr 7, 2011
    80
    Robertson recruited heavyweights such as Steve Winwood, bassist Pino Palladino and co-producer Marius de Vries to record twelve tracks that wade in soulful atmospheric moods and personal lyrical introspection on this generally inspired comeback.
  3. Rolling Stone
    Apr 4, 2011
    80
    How to Become Clairvoyant is Robertson's first record in more than a decade and a return to the ambitious aural cinema and textural explorations of 1987's Robbie Robertson and 1991's Storyville.
  5. The A.V. Club
    Apr 5, 2011
    75
    That said, 1987's Robbie Robertson was much better than the dreary albums that followed, because its songs had memorable melodies and evocative lyrics, and the same is true of How To Become Clairvoyant.
  6. Entertainment Weekly
    Apr 4, 2011
    75
    Robertson's first solo album in more than 10 years is down-the-middle slickness 'n' cynicism: Steely Dan meets Warren Zevon in limbo.
  7. BBC Music
    Apr 6, 2011
    70
    While there's much to marvel at, not everything convinces.
  8. Austin Chronicle
    May 19, 2011
    67
    The Clairvoyant's long-simmered songcraft rarely tarnishes.
  9. Paste Magazine
    Apr 5, 2011
    65
    With Peter Wolf and Robert Plant out making records that push the needle in the revered oldster lane, Robertson and his famous friends could easily have taken more names.
  10. Mojo
    May 18, 2011
    60
    Robertson sings each with a parched intimacy that seems unaffected by the passing of time. [May 2011, p.111]
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  11. Uncut
    Apr 13, 2011
    60
    Much of the rest, alas, suggests a gift not for clairvoyance but invisibility. [May 2011, p.94]
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  12. PopMatters
    Apr 8, 2011
    60
    At times, Robertson can sound fresh and current while, other times, he can sound predictably dated.
  13. AllMusic
    Apr 5, 2011
    60
    Ultimately, it feels as much like an exercise in self-justification as it does in personal revelation.
  14. The Independent (UK)
    Apr 4, 2011
    60
    On his first album in 13 years, Robbie Robertson resumes his fascination with the great American mythos.
  15. Q Magazine
    May 31, 2011
    40
    Tasteful and muted, it's one for the connoisseur, not the casual fan. [Jun 2011, p.120]
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User Score
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No user score yet- Awaiting 2 more ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. mickmac
    Apr 30, 2011
    8
    I can't believe that a month after its release, I'm the first to review this album. I'll simply say this â
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