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. Amazon.com
    70
    As a player, his bold, midrange-heavy tone complements his most nuanced vocal performances.
  3. Billboard
    80
    [It] rocks harder and is more diverse than its three predecessors. [18 Nov 2006]
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  5. 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.
  6. Los Angeles Times
    75
    At its best the music's hybrid of country roots with pop and rock strains is lively and enjoyable.
  7. 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.
  8. Stylus Magazine
    75
    His lyrics may be doggedly unspecific, but ear-worming hooks and top-shelf instrumentation largely rectify that shortcoming.
  9. The Boston Phoenix
    75
    Urban has the market wisdom to balance his artistic efforts with assembly-line Nashville pop-chart fodder.
  10. The New York Times
    70
    This is a well-made and slightly unpredictable album. [6 Nov 2006]
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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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