III/IV
by Ryan Adams
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
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  1. Uncut
    Apr 13, 2011
    60
    Alas, it often sounds like hollow noise--but improves when he warms down. [May 2011, p.92]
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  2. NOW Magazine
    Jan 18, 2011
    60
    There's plenty here to compare to his unfairly criticized Rock N Roll record: new wave influences, contemporary alt-rock. The difference is that Adams sounds comfortable rather than out to prove a point.
  3. Alternative Press
    Dec 21, 2010
    60
    III/IV is the director's cut of a moment in Ryan Adams' all-too-prolific career. It adds dimension in some areas, but may be too much information for causal fans of the singer/songwriter.
  5. PopMatters
    Dec 16, 2010
    60
    Cardinals III & IV is not a bad album. If you are willing to put a little bit of time and effort into the listening experience, it might be better than not bad.
  6. Prefix Magazine
    Jan 4, 2011
    50
    Until he learns to translate the raw, confessional edge of his music to his work in the genre, the results will always be as unsatisfying as III/IV.
  7. Under The Radar
    Jan 28, 2011
    40
    While it's fun to hear some new (old) material from Ryan Adams and his fantastic band, The Cardinals, it's pretty easy to see why this stuff wasn't released and while the jury is still out on whether or not retirement was a good idea for Adams, III/IV does indicate that it was time for an extended vacation.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 19 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 19
  3. Negative: 2 out of 19
  1. themostbrian
    Dec 17, 2010
    8
    This has been criticized as an album of throwaways and B-sides left over from the 'Easy Tiger' sessions. However, with the way Ryan AdamsThis has been criticized as an album of throwaways and B-sides left over from the 'Easy Tiger' sessions. However, with the way Ryan Adams writes and records songs, his so-called 'throwaways and B-sides' are nearly as good as his regular albums.

    The first thing to note about this album is that it is very different from Easy Tiger in tone, pace and mood. It's almost as if Adams recorded two entirely distinct albums during the same session and then decided to release only one of them at that time as a proper album. This album is highly catchy, riff driven and rock influenced - far closer to Rock N Roll than Cold Roses.

    At the end of the day, there are a bunch of good-to-great songs on here that combine the catchiness of 'Gold' with the energy and passion of 'Rock N Roll'. Any long-time Ryan Adams fan will LOVE this music and those fans of Ryan Adams who weren't as much into his foray into more country-ish music will see this as a triumphant return to pre-Cardinals form.. yes, even though it is with the Cardinals.

    No music fan will mistake this for a country record. It's a rock record with a bunch of catchy hooks and addictive riffs.    … Full Review »
  2. TheDaveHimself
    Jul 16, 2011
    4
    After Easy Tiger, I was worried what he was going to pop out next. I never got into Cardinology and after that, I knew it wouldn't be good. IAfter Easy Tiger, I was worried what he was going to pop out next. I never got into Cardinology and after that, I knew it wouldn't be good. I wonder if this release was out of laziness. Only a couple songs on here worth listening to.… Full Review »
  3. Macface
    Feb 21, 2011
    8
    Like Elvis Costello's "Get Happy" album, Ryan Adams has released a great pop-rock cd with majority of the songs coming in under 3 minutes. ILike Elvis Costello's "Get Happy" album, Ryan Adams has released a great pop-rock cd with majority of the songs coming in under 3 minutes. I love a good guitar solo, but happy that Ryan has left a lot of noodling out of these songs, except for the one track "Kill the lights" which if you have heard the live version of Easy Plateau will hear the similarities. You can hear why these songs were left of Easy Tiger, where Easy Tiger at times almost had that easy listening feel, this album rocks out and gets to the chorus fast and easy. I went with my gut on this purchase and it's paid off.… Full Review »
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