Learn To Sing Like A Star
by Kristin Hersh
  • Record Label: Yep Roc
  • Release Date: Jan 23, 2007
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 14 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 14
  3. Negative: 2 out of 14

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  1. KurtD
    Jan 30, 2007
    10
    high-quality song-writing right here
  2. GregF
    Feb 6, 2007
    10
    Full of highly memorable and moving songs, this record easily ranks in the top three of her solo output and perhaps the top five of her entire 20-year career. Some of the songs likewise would have to rank pretty high out of all Hersh tunes. Anyone who found the middle solo records a bit unimpactful compared to the Muses material will find this much more similar to 'Limbo' and Full of highly memorable and moving songs, this record easily ranks in the top three of her solo output and perhaps the top five of her entire 20-year career. Some of the songs likewise would have to rank pretty high out of all Hersh tunes. Anyone who found the middle solo records a bit unimpactful compared to the Muses material will find this much more similar to 'Limbo' and 'Hunkpapa'. Equally those who love the whimsical bitter-sweet lyrics of the first two solo records will feel very much at home here. That makes it sound like it revisits old ideas, but actually it's quite a radical departure in other ways, largely to do with the production strategy. The relationship with the McCarricks has now matured.… Expand
  3. JoeP
    Feb 18, 2007
    9
    A million steps forward for Hersh (especially after the morose and, quite frankly, dull "The Grotto"). This is an album of lush beauty and stunning arrangements. "Winter" is the best song Hersh has written since "Spain"... and the album is worth buying just to hear its majesty.
  4. BenoitC
    Feb 2, 2007
    10
    If her status as a star is questionable, Hersh is undenyably a monument.
  5. JeremyF
    Apr 26, 2007
    9
    Hersh has released some better material before this overdue record, and this is not an absolutely necessary album (besides to die hard fans and new fans.) She's building a landmark of music. I feel when she'd done with music in say, 6 to 12 years, she'll be looked upon as one of the more influential acoustic/indie musicians.
  6. GaryM
    Jan 27, 2007
    9
    Here it is -- Kristin Hersh coming forward with a strong message and powerful voice. The music speaks clearly in this acoustic setting. For those of you new to Kirsten's music it's a great place to begin.
  7. MattD.
    Feb 22, 2007
    9
    A quirky mix of mid-90s style rock acoustic, Celtic music, and power pop. The mix really works!

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. AllMusic
    90
    Learn to Sing Like a Star was certainly worth the wait, and if fans will listen closely enough, they'll understand that Hersh's sophistication as both a singing poet and composer has grown almost immeasurably.
    Read full review
  2. Amazon.com
    70
    Hersh has made great personal strides since branching off on her own.
    Read full review
  3. Billboard
    80
    It has the ambition, enthusiasm and intensity of an artist still pushing the envelope. [27 Jan 2007]
See all critic reviews »