Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. Leaving Songs sounds a lot like a Tindersticks album, one that eschews their more baroque offerings for mature balladry.
  2. He emerges here as a more "traditional" kind of songwriter; the tunes are more conventional in structure, but like his spiritual mentor Leonard Cohen, Staples' lyrics are rooted firmly in the terrain of love, loss, regret, passage, dissolution, and absence.
  3. Its warmth, honesty and intuitive sensitivity capture Stuart Staples firmly back to the dizzy high-quality heights of his cherishable early-career with the Tindersticks.
  4. Uncut
    80
    Stately, thoughtful balladry. [Jun 2006, p.115]
  5. If you loved Tindersticks then you will adore this.
  6. Mojo
    80
    It might have been captured anytime in the past four decades. [Jul 2006, p.114]
  7. New Musical Express (NME)
    80
    It's heady stuff, that fans of Serge Gainsbourg, Nick Cave, Scott Walker and anyone else that's ever sung miserable songs in a rumpled suit will be at home with. [10 Jun 2006, p.43]
  8. As a solo record, it's no declaration of independence, but by sticking to what he does best, Staples makes it ring with sadness and sophistication.
  9. Not surprisingly, this record sounds very much like a Tindersticks album. Or, rather, it sounds like a well-chosen compilation of that band’s more restrained and subdued material.
  10. It's a pleasure to be embraced by a record this pretty and soulful.
  11. Tindersticks fans will find very familiar, likable material on Leaving Songs.

Awards & Rankings

User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 7 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 7
  2. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. claudioe
    Apr 24, 2007
    9
    great record.
  2. AlexM
    Sep 28, 2006
    9
    intense!
  3. GuyH
    Jul 28, 2006
    8
    The last couple of albums by the Tindersticks were a bit over produced and too long considering there were some weak tracks included. Staples The last couple of albums by the Tindersticks were a bit over produced and too long considering there were some weak tracks included. Staples has stripped things right down here and it works well. 'That Leaving Feeling' and 'Already Gone' are right up there with great Tindersticks tracks like 'Travelling Light' and 'Marbles'. Full Review »