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Jake Bugg Image
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 123 Ratings

  • Summary: The Nottingham artist was only 18 when this debut album was released.
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Top Track

Someone Told Me
Am I crazy or am I half blind Someone told me I'm out my mind oh oh oh Someone told me a girl I like Fell in love and all I did was cry oh oh... See the rest of the song lyrics
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 19
  2. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. 90
    The album's more subdued moments--like the disarmingly sweet navel-gaze of 'Simple As This', or the folksy arm-around-the-shoulder reassurance of 'Note To Self'--are its most remarkable ones, where Bugg's voice, usually accompanied by little more than an acoustic guitar, takes on a preternatural wisdom.
  2. Mojo
    Oct 18, 2012
    80
    The teen delivers poetic social realism. [Nov 2012, p.90]
  3. 80
    There's a world-weariness to some of his songs that's as attractive now as ever.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Oct 30, 2012
    70
    All in all, though Bugg's debut may not share the wordy precociousness of Conor Oberst's formative steps or the political astuteness of Willy Mason on Where the Humans Eat, it's his sheer earnestness and rare gift for writing simple, hook-filled tunes that ultimately charms the listener.
  7. Oct 11, 2012
    60
    There's an attractive openness to the album, with no sense of contrivance: he's singing about what he knows. Once he knows a little more, you get the sense he might manage something truly memorable.

See all 19 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 25
  3. Negative: 4 out of 25
  1. 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,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
  2. Jul 21, 2014
    10
    Simplicity is best as always. Jake Bugg has his own style. You know who he is if you listen to his music. He doesn't camouflage his musicSimplicity is best as always. Jake Bugg has his own style. You know who he is if you listen to his music. He doesn't camouflage his music behind a business persona. He is his music and that's all you can ask for from a musician. He delivers personal messages in his lyrics and the beats are catchy and well in tune with his vocals. You can feel bits of Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley singing the blues, Muddy Waters, etc. All in all, this album is well worth it. Expand
  3. 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 mostA 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
  4. Oct 30, 2020
    10
    Esto es perfecto como Jake Bugg, nada más tengo para decir, desde el inicio hasta el final.
  5. Jul 22, 2014
    9
    The most talented songwriter of it's generation. Jake Bugg crafted an album so diverse, fun, great and catchy that it may rank as one of theThe most talented songwriter of it's generation. Jake Bugg crafted an album so diverse, fun, great and catchy that it may rank as one of the best albums of 2012. Expand
  6. Jan 18, 2014
    8
    Feels like listening to Bob Dylan. His voice is totally captivating, the lyrics are mature, and the music - while simple - does a great job toFeels like listening to Bob Dylan. His voice is totally captivating, the lyrics are mature, and the music - while simple - does a great job to fit the overall album mood and his singing style.

    For a 19 year old, this is pretty beautiful. I read that his second album wasn't appreciated as his debut, but i'm checking it out anyway.
    Expand

See all 25 User Reviews

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