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Jacksonville City Nights
by
Jacksonville City Nights Image
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 54 Ratings

  • Summary: Norah Jones guests on the second (and most straight-ahead country) of a planned three 2005 releases for Adams, who is once again backed by The Cardinals. Tom Schic produced.

Top Track

Dear John
Got a house full of walls And utility bills, every Monday the company calls Got a nice bed to sleep on And a chest of drawers where I keep those... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. Spin
    83
    This completely non-shitty '70s-Nashville country record reminds you why Adams was once a big deal. [Nov 2005, p.101]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. Uncut
    80
    Musically at least, [Jacksonville] confirms Adams' restoration to rude health. [Oct 2005, p.106]
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  3. ShakingThrough.net
    78
    There aren’t as many memorable cuts as on Adams' stellar solo debut, Heartbreaker, but Jacksonville City Nights reveals an older, more seasoned performer.
  4. Tiny Mix Tapes
    70
    As with most Adams records, the fact that some of the songs made the cut is perplexing.
  5. Paste Magazine
    70
    For the most part, Jacksonville City Nights is well paced, with enough uptempo songs spread throughout to balance the sluggish, pensive balladry that bogged down the too-long Cold Roses.
  6. PopMatters
    60
    Adams still hasn't made the solo record that everyone feels he's capable of, but Jacksonville City Nights ranks with his most solid records.
  7. Mojo
    40
    Frustratingly, Adams' insistence on releasing his every whim means that for each wonderful My Heart Is Broken or Pa, there's a rather ordinary The Hardest Part, dreary Silver Bullets or simply stinking Dear John. [Oct 2005, p.112]
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See all 17 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 33
  3. Negative: 5 out of 33
  1. BrentF
    Oct 17, 2005
    10
    A fine country album that'll rattle your nerves.....obviously.
  2. DickA
    Nov 16, 2005
    10
    "The End" is pure genious, and probably Adam's strongest tune to date. I would strongly encourage listening to a live performance of "The End" is pure genious, and probably Adam's strongest tune to date. I would strongly encourage listening to a live performance of this song as well. Also, when you mix this album with its Bonus Tracks (Always On My Mind, Jeane, I Still Miss Someone, September/Alternate, What Sin) it really does rank as his best accomplishment yet.… Expand
  4. DustyG
    Sep 28, 2006
    10
    Perfect example of mult-genre talent. Perfect voice that puts the album over the top. It does what all good art should do, makes your self Perfect example of mult-genre talent. Perfect voice that puts the album over the top. It does what all good art should do, makes your self reflect. Through the good and the bad. The perfect stepping stone after cold roses. It makes sense.… Expand
  5. TimmyD
    Oct 5, 2005
    9
    Another stellar release from the prolific and gifted Adams. People keep complaining about his quantity but like Dylan in the 60s this is Another stellar release from the prolific and gifted Adams. People keep complaining about his quantity but like Dylan in the 60s this is unhampered by studio gimmickery - just unadulterated, pure, good gawd honky skronk. Many will never get past Ryan the image, but hey! That's there problem. For me, this is another essential release.… Expand
  6. DavidB
    Oct 19, 2005
    8
    I was tempted just to give it a 10 to balance out the other reviews... I can't help but shake my head at Mojo mag -- I think I was tempted just to give it a 10 to balance out the other reviews... I can't help but shake my head at Mojo mag -- I think they're critical of anything that doesn't sound like the last Manic Street Preachers last record. Dear John is a great recording, as there are many on this little LP. Unlike Cold Roses, there's really little to fill, unless you consider the track "Pa" (sorry Mojo) something worthy of an Adams record. Ryan has always had a bit of the melodramatic gene, but it's hard to knock a man and his craft. This is Adams' best record yet -- they get better with age, ya know.… Expand
  7. TheDaveHimself
    Aug 6, 2011
    7
    Like Cold Roses, some of Ryan Adam's best songs are mixed with a few sub par. Doesn't take away too badly, but it's noticeable. The countryLike Cold Roses, some of Ryan Adam's best songs are mixed with a few sub par. Doesn't take away too badly, but it's noticeable. The country western angle fits him perfectly though. "Dear John" will be a country staple for decades to come.… Collapse
  8. MattE
    Sep 30, 2005
    0
    This record seems contrived and forced.

See all 33 User Reviews

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