• Record Label: Artemis
  • Release Date: Sep 24, 2002
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 15
  2. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. 80
    The eclectic, pan-genre disc opens -- as did 2000's Transcendental Blues -- as an unabashed rocker, but this time around Earle uses the heavy artillery to underscore weightier worldly themes.
  2. His most strident work in years.
  3. Blender
    80
    If you buried Bob Dylan's Blood On The Tracks in a graveyard for 200 years and then dug it up, it would sound like this corroded, bottom-heavy music. [#11, p.134]
  4. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    Jerusalem is consciously ugly and gnarled, its characters troubled and troubling. [4 Oct 2002, p.153]
  5. Jerusalem is the work of a thinking troublemaker with a loving heart, and while more than a few people will be angered by some of his views, Earle asks too many important questions to ignore, and the album is a brave and thought-provoking work of political art.
  6. Unfortunately, for every song that pulls at the heartstrings or prompts a minor political epiphany, Earle has included muddled-headed efforts that don't pass muster.
  7. Another sterling and fearless entry in the Earle discography.
  8. Q Magazine
    80
    Most of the music here finds Earle in admirable form. [Oct 2002, p.106]
  9. One of his most memorable recordings.
  10. Earle's strongest release in some time.
  11. Mojo
    60
    While on occasion disappointingly heavy handed, the more wistful moments shine through the murk. [Nov 2002, p.105]
  12. In the tradition of Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Woody Guthrie and even Bruce Springsteen, Earle has a knack for hard-nosed poetry.
  13. Uncut
    80
    He hasn't sounded this corrosive since Copperhead Road. [Nov 2002, p.115]
  14. These tried-and-true structures can seem fried-and-false.
  15. Jerusalem is the most musically focused Steve Earle album in ages.

Awards & Rankings

User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 11 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. Oregonl
    Nov 20, 2005
    9
    Some really great songs that stand for something and in this day and age of idiot music it is refreshing!
  2. BobR
    Dec 1, 2003
    10
    it sux
  3. kevinw
    Dec 1, 2003
    10
    its great