Jukebox
by Cat Power
  • Record Label: Matador
  • Release Date: Jan 22, 2008
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 38 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 38
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 38
  3. Negative: 0 out of 38
  1. Alternative Press
    60
    Frustratingly, Jukebox takes a more soft-focus tack. [Feb 2008, p.114]
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  2. Austin Chronicle
    50
    Jukebox follows the soulful turn of 2006's "The Greatest," cueing up an uneven sequel to the hushed acoustics of 2000's "The Covers Record."
  3. Blender
    60
    But there’s a fine line between subtlety and listlessness, and while Marshall’s purr excels at postcoital melancholy or numb disaffection, other times it’s just a bore. Her blues aren’t nearly as vibrant when they’re drenched in gray.
  5. Magnet
    40
    Marshall’s second album of covers, mostly continues the cleaned-up, virtually lobotomized aesthetic of 2006’s unfortunately heralded "The Greatest."
  6. New Musical Express (NME)
    60
    Good, but not "The Greatest."
  7. NOW Magazine
    60
    Naturally, the interpretations go beyond mere homage as Marshall uses her mysterious Cat Power skills to channel the spirits of the singers who inspired her, with mixed results.
  8. Observer Music Monthly
    60
    Minor mis-steps are a fair trade-off for an album that doesn't simply doff its cap in tribute.
  9. Pitchfork
    57
    A covers album like Jukebox should reveal new facets of a performer in its selection and interpretation of favorite songs. That's how (and why) "The Covers Record" worked. But eight years later, only 'Song for Bobby' tells us anything new about Chan Marshall. The rest of Jukebox doesn't even say much about Cat Power.
  10. PopMatters
    60
    As a state-of-the-career, Jukebox works. But, coming from an artist that has given us so much in the past, that just might not be enough.
  11. Q Magazine
    60
    Jukebox might not be the jewel in her crown, but it still catches the light and imagination. [Feb 2008, p.91]
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  12. Spin
    60
    The journey is less emotionally fraught than her best work, but just as revealing.
  13. Sputnikmusic
    60
    Jukebox isn’t a misstep, but it does seem like a unnecessary lull towards an album that might build on the promise of Jukebox’s best assets, the most important ones being of Chan’s own, warming design.
  14. The Guardian
    60
    Her voice remains one of the finest of our times--a languorous, heart-stopping breath, with just enough smoke to emphasise the marks of experience. But the extra layers surrounding this jewel often cloud its natural beauty.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 22 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 22
  3. Negative: 1 out of 22
  1. raviopatra
    Nov 20, 2013
    10
    From the opening "New York" followed by "Metal Heart", "Silver Stallion" to the closing "Don't Explain" and "Blue", this album delivers aFrom the opening "New York" followed by "Metal Heart", "Silver Stallion" to the closing "Don't Explain" and "Blue", this album delivers a sound that no other artist can deliver because Marshall's talent is that distinctive. You get rock, pop, folk, everything from one album. How can she ever disappoint?… Full Review »
  2. jw
    Feb 3, 2008
    9
    I found it difficult to get past the first song ("New York"). It seemed indecent not to play it again. If Old Blue Eyes were still here, he I found it difficult to get past the first song ("New York"). It seemed indecent not to play it again. If Old Blue Eyes were still here, he would have been officially schooled, as the saying goes. Most of the album is like that. If she sang the phone book, you'd think the author brilliant.… Full Review »
  3. Mr.Jackpot
    Jan 25, 2008
    9
    This album is a great way to start a day or end a night. Am I the only one who thinks "Jukebox" is better than "The Covers Record"?
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