Love Is Hell, Part 1 [EP] - Ryan Adams
Love Is Hell, Part 1 [EP] Image
Metascore
74 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.6 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 17 Ratings

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  • Summary: Love Is Hell, Part 1 is one-half of the planned 'Love Is Hell' full-length that Adams had intended as his official follow-up to 2001's 'Gold' until Lost Highway refused to release it intact (instead encouraging the singer to record a more upbeat LP, 'Rock n Roll'). John Porter (The Smiths) produces.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 16
  3. Negative: 1 out of 16
  1. Mojo
    100
    Some of the best songs he's written since Heartbreaker. [Jan 2004, p.98]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. Q Magazine
    80
    Part 1's eight deluxe country rock essays all impress. [Feb 2004, p.98]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. All Music Guide
    60
    If Love Is Hell, Pt. 1 has the edge over Rock n Roll, it's because it's more carefully considered in its production and writing, and he manages to hide his allusions better than he does on Rock, where every title and chord progression plays like an homage.
  4. Pitchfork
    31
    A collection of preposterously cheerless (and charmless) songs that try much too hard to achieve a poignancy-- or anything, really-- that might hide their complete insignificance.

See all 16 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. ZachJ
    10
    Wow, the Pitchfork review Of Love is Hell (parts I&2) is by far, their most misguided effort yet. This is not only Adams' best album, as a whole, but is also one of the few albums in general that I consider "perfect... Not "perfect" as in flawless, but perfect in its current state where I wouldn't change the perceived flaws. Adams eschews the alt-country and rock labels on his previous albums and conquers the 80's brit-popish, delightfully depressing vibe. Yes, it does take a few spins to fully appreciate, but man oh man, is the payoff great... Tough to even list favorite songs as the album plays best from start to finish.… Expand
  2. J
    10
    Best cd of the year, best Ryan Adam's cd and best of the 2 parts of Love is hell! Astonidhing Can't believe that this cd only has an overall of 71, it's even better than Elliott Smith postume album… Expand
  3. BrianM
    8
    This one takes a few listens before the good songs shine through. The album is more personal than Rock N Roll and has a lot more depth. It�39;s more enjoyable and fulfilling than Rock N' Roll.… Expand
  4. BenJ
    7
    A considerable improvement on the uneven "Rock and Roll", this record offers the nearest Adams' has come to matching "Heartbreaker". Love Is Hell Part 2 is equally enjoyable, and gives a glimpse as to what might have happened if Adams had been able to release this as a single album...the question is though, which songs would he had left off?!… Expand

See all 10 User Reviews

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