Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 16
  2. Negative: 1 out of 16
  1. 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.
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 21 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 21
  2. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. Sep 5, 2011
    9
    A spectacular display of raw emotion, particularly in the album's creme de la creme, 'Avlanche' and 'The Shadowlands'. Adams coversA spectacular display of raw emotion, particularly in the album's creme de la creme, 'Avlanche' and 'The Shadowlands'. Adams covers 'Wonderwall' beautifully, to an extent that I can bear to listen to the meaning behind it as he gives it a meaning. So mellow, yet so powerful in what it delivers on quality of sound and the enigmatic yet decipherable messages of passion, beauty in nature, and, perhaps the most significant, the hope of a bright future - this truly is his crowning glory. Full Review »
  2. ZachJ
    May 16, 2006
    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 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. Full Review »
  3. NastyR
    Feb 3, 2006
    9
    Heartland rock, so charming and impassioned that i always shake like a milk. His best album (with second part together) and one of the best Heartland rock, so charming and impassioned that i always shake like a milk. His best album (with second part together) and one of the best of new century Full Review »