Jake Bugg - Jake Bugg
User Score
7.7 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 33 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 33
  3. Negative: 6 out of 33

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  1. rhipkin
    Jan 1, 2013
    2
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. His music reminds me of George Fornby somewhat - especially the "washing windows" song! For those who don't like nasal singers with twangy guitars, stay away!… Expand
  2. AGiam9
    Apr 10, 2013
    10
    By taking elements of the 1970s singer-songwriter folk-rock of Bob Dylan, Cat Stevens, and Don McLean, giving them a more upbeat-indie sound, and writing lyrics that are more relevant to today, Jake Bugg succeeds in capturing a sound that both traditional and new day folk-rock enthusiasts will enjoy. The album provides a look at the full range of Jake Bugg's capabilities, with some upbeat rock tunes like Lightning Bolt and Trouble Town as well as some slower, deeper songs such as Ballad of Mr. Jones and Note to Self. Needless to say, I am looking forward to the next album and am expecting his fledgling career to take flight soon.… Expand
  3. Falling_Hammer
    May 2, 2013
    10
    Excellent album! Such masterpiece is rare in this raw new world but Bugg manages and delivers this, this, this brilliant piece of art. A must hear, recommended!
  4. Heartsoulx
    Nov 23, 2012
    10
    Great album.Poetic social realism .With a distinctive sound that's certain to have mass appeal, this teen troubadour is set to smash it.Bugg's voice, usually accompanied by little more than an acoustic guitar, takes on a preternatural wisdom.
  5. rockmusic1423
    Feb 17, 2013
    10
    A beautiful album that blew me away right from the powerful, rocking beginning. Jake Bugg writes with wisdom that just isn't seen in most teenage musicians. His songs are, for the most part, well-written and well-sung. Some songs are disappointingly average when compared to the rest of this brilliant album (Fire, Note To Self), but at the same time, some songs are probably my favourites of all the tracks I listened to last year (Simple As This, Seen It All, Two Fingers). Despite the few disappointing songs, this album still remains one of my most played albums. It was released about 4 months ago, and I still haven't even come close to tiring of it. It's just that good and that addictive.… Expand
  6. JackDimes
    Jan 7, 2013
    9
    In the way "Definitely Maybe" opened with "Rock and Roll Star" an instant classic, "Jake Bugg" opens with "Lightning Bolt" an instantly memorable debut track. It also serves as an indication of the quality of the young, fresh and talented songwriter's caliber. Throughout the album you will hear a shocking degree of maturity in Bugg's lyrics and music, tempered by the cheekiness that can only come with youth; as the singer-songwriter is only 18, he is in no shortage of that. The influence of Bob Dylan, Donovan and Britpop bleeds from the album in a unique, breath of fresh air on what, among many is believed to be a dwindling music scene in regards to youth and the domination of popular music. Jake Bugg and his self titled debut album serves as a dose of hope as this album stands out as one of the greatest debut albums since "Definitely Maybe" and "Razorlight". With this debut album, Jake Bugg has kicked off on the right foot and has exploded on the scene, ironically like a "Lightning Bolt". This album indicates great things to come from the young, singer-songwriter.… Expand
  7. sfknight
    Apr 4, 2013
    10
    Jake Bugg's debut combines folksy purity with gritty urban storytelling. His music mirrors his many influences Don McLean, Donovan, Bob Dylan, The Beatles while sounding fresh and vibrant.
  8. Wadeless
    May 3, 2013
    10
    Classic album; 14 songs and the range from ballads to folksy feet stompin toons. Stripped back folk music is the best way to describe. Truly minimalistic in today's music scene. This guy is 2 parts Dylan 1 part Hotel Yorba. Will keep listening for Jake's new stuff.

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
80 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. Rolling Stone
    Apr 15, 2013
    80
    For a teenager's debut, Jake Bugg shows an artist who is crazy fully formed, stepping into a journey that should be worth following.
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  2. Blurt Magazine
    Apr 10, 2013
    60
    Growing up in the Nottingham projects may have given Bugg enough life experience to get away with penning “Seen It All,” but it’s his sonic aesthetic that give his tales truth.
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  3. Filter
    Apr 10, 2013
    78
    The 19-year-old’s sound combines retro folk with elements of Britpop that’s as raw as it is original, which equals one of the more exciting debuts in some time.
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