Advanced Search Beta »
Basic Search Fields
Lonely Avenue - Nick Hornby
Lonely Avenue Image
Metascore
63 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critics What's this?

User Score
7.4 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 5 Ratings

Your Score
10 out of 10
Rate this:
  • Summary: Singer-songwriter Ben Folds and English novelist Nick Hornby collaborate to create an album featuring the piano compositions and musical arrangements of Folds and the words of Hornby.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. BBC Music
    80
    This is an affecting and intelligent record: neither Folds nor Hornby should be shy about suggesting a sequel.
  2. musicOMH.com
    80
    It adds up to Folds' finest record yet, and while nobody would dare suggest that Nick Hornby would give up his day job, a sequel to this fascinating collaboration would be more than welcome.
  3. Under The Radar
    Oct 26, 2010
    60
    While Lonely Avenue isn't a crowning glory for either, it is yet another inspired work to add to their collection. [Fall 2010, p.67]
    All this publication's reviews

See all 15 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. jbledsoe
    8
    Never mind the often hilarious, sometimes touching lyrics by Hornby. This is the best Folds has sounded since 2001's wonderful solo effort, "Rockin' the Suburbs." It's as if having someone else write the words re-awakened Folds' musical muse. I really hope they work together again.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  2. ikolding
    8
    After a mild disappointment from Ben Fold's last record, Way to Normal, I was hoping for a redemptive record. After hearing the news that Nick Hornby (who I had never previously heard of) was writing the lyrics, my skepticism was excited. I figured that this record would be either a soaring success or an abject failure. Well, I was wrong--this is a good record with some fantastic tunes on it, but there are some definite misses. I'll get to the point: I'm digging the heartbreaking lyrics, clean, lush production, and hummable tunes on great cuts like "Claire's Ninth," "From Above," and "Doc Pomus." What I'm not digging are the luxurious, indulgent tunes like "Levi Johnston's Blues" and "Password," which are the two worst tunes on the album. They are not up to the standard that I would hold Ben Folds to. "Belinda," the other giant song on this album, rings well and contains a catchy melody that manages to emulate a hit song-in-a-song, a clever device that is used for considerable emotional punch. I happen to disagree with some of the meaner reviews that claim that Folds' music is little more than sugary, sympathetic generic '70s knockoff pop. The arrangements are dynamic, sweeping, and grand (except on "Practical Amanda," that is). Folds is perhaps one of the top ten melodists in pop, and his melodies are carried well by his competent tenor. Overall, this album is a well-produced foray that oozes musicianship. I would certainly recommend it to Folds fans, and any well-read music lover that still loves catchy melodies and complex instrumentation. Hits: Working Day, Doc Pomus, Your Dogs, Claire's Ninth, From Above Misses: Levi Johnston's Blues, Password, Practical Amanda… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  3. BKM
    5
    Considering the talent involved with this album, the result should have been more than just a merely "ok" record. "Folds' melodies are decent, but not spectacular and Hornby's lyrics are no way near as clever as he thinks they are. Songs like "Levi Johnson's Blues" and "Password" come across as just plain silly.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes

Current Music Releases

Full List »
  1. Loveless [Reissue] - My Bloody Valentine
    Metascore: 96
  2. Ram [Deluxe Edition] - Paul & Linda McCartney
    Metascore: 93
  3. L.A. Woman - The Doors
    Metascore: 93
  4. On the Impossible Past - The Menzingers
    Metascore: 93
  5. Biokinetics [Reissue] - Porter Ricks
    Metascore: 93
  6. Dopesmoker [Reissue] - Sleep
    Metascore: 92
  7. Bitch Magnet - Bitch Magnet
    Metascore: 91
  8. Reform Club - Claro Intelecto
    Metascore: 89
  9. Be Good - Gregory Porter
    Metascore: 89
  10. Crown and Treaty - Sweet Billy Pilgrim
    Metascore: 88
  11. 1992-2012 - Underworld
    Metascore: 88
  12. Undun - The Roots
    Metascore: 88
  13. Accelerando - Vijay Iyer Trio
    Metascore: 87
  14. R.A.P. Music - Killer Mike
    Metascore: 87
  15. Voices from the Lake - Voices from the Lake
    Metascore: 87
  16. The Earn - Yu
    Metascore: 86
  17. Europe - Allo Darlin'
    Metascore: 86
  18. Young Man In America - Anais Mitchell
    Metascore: 86
  19. Vee Vee [Remastered] - Archers of Loaf
    Metascore: 86
  20. Mermaid Avenue: The Complete Sessions - Billy Bragg/Wilco
    Metascore: 86
All Current Music »