Love, Pain & the whole crazy thing
by Keith Urban
  • Record Label: Capitol
  • Release Date: Nov 7, 2006
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 12
  3. Negative: 1 out of 12
  1. AllMusic
    90
    The man writes honest, beautifully crafted songs that are adult enough to ponder, tough enough to rock, and tender enough to pull -- not tug -- on the heartstrings.
  2. Billboard
    80
    [It] rocks harder and is more diverse than its three predecessors. [18 Nov 2006]
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  3. Stylus Magazine
    75
    His lyrics may be doggedly unspecific, but ear-worming hooks and top-shelf instrumentation largely rectify that shortcoming.
  5. Los Angeles Times
    75
    At its best the music's hybrid of country roots with pop and rock strains is lively and enjoyable.
  6. The Boston Phoenix
    75
    Urban has the market wisdom to balance his artistic efforts with assembly-line Nashville pop-chart fodder.
  7. Amazon.com
    70
    As a player, his bold, midrange-heavy tone complements his most nuanced vocal performances.
  8. Rolling Stone
    70
    Brass-flecked tracks like "Shine" and "Faster Car" show he's best when he skips the singalong arena choruses; leaner productions like "Stupid Boy" show he's accomplished in ballads, unafraid to scuff up his smoothness.
  9. The New York Times
    70
    This is a well-made and slightly unpredictable album. [6 Nov 2006]
    All this publication's reviews
  10. Entertainment Weekly
    67
    Like [Phil] Collins, Urban is a true pro who makes crisp, seamlessly performed, expertly produced records -- and like Collins, Urban is a bit blah.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 25 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 25
  3. Negative: 4 out of 25
  1. CarolynG
    Apr 24, 2007
    10
    I love this CD, this is the very first time i have ever liked every single song on an album. It has everything u could look for in an album. I love this CD, this is the very first time i have ever liked every single song on an album. It has everything u could look for in an album. I truly believe that this is Keith Urban finest piece of work. People who don't even like country have found this enjoyable. I hope that this album will win many awards, I'm not saying this because im a HUGE Keith Urban fan, I'm saying this because it truly is a work of art.… Full Review »
  2. NikkiR
    Feb 21, 2007
    10
    I think he is a wonderful singer/sonwriter/guitarist. I don't think it sounds pop at all...if anything rock mixed with country...I give it 10+
  3. JulieM
    Dec 30, 2006
    10
    Keith just never stops reaching and coming up with gold!
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