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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.
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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.
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As a country album, a pop album, or something in between, Love, Pain, & The Whole Thing is simply bad.
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His lyrics may be doggedly unspecific, but ear-worming hooks and top-shelf instrumentation largely rectify that shortcoming.
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Like [Phil] Collins, Urban is a true pro who makes crisp, seamlessly performed, expertly produced records -- and like Collins, Urban is a bit blah.
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Billboard[It] rocks harder and is more diverse than its three predecessors. [18 Nov 2006]
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As a player, his bold, midrange-heavy tone complements his most nuanced vocal performances.
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The New York TimesThis is a well-made and slightly unpredictable album. [6 Nov 2006]
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The natural energy of his performances keeps his songs appealing, but his catchy anthems sometimes sink into formula that does not take full advantage of his musical prowess.
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Love, Pain & the Whole Crazy Thing, will certainly gain Urban new fans with its safety net of sweet ballads and radio-friendly songs, yet the album still affords him the ability to have a little fun and take a few risks on a number of the tracks.
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At its best the music's hybrid of country roots with pop and rock strains is lively and enjoyable.
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Urban has the market wisdom to balance his artistic efforts with assembly-line Nashville pop-chart fodder.
User score distribution:
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Positive: 18 out of 25
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Mixed: 3 out of 25
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Negative: 4 out of 25
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CarolynGApr 24, 2007
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NikkiRFeb 21, 2007I 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+
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JulieMDec 30, 2006Keith just never stops reaching and coming up with gold!