Metascore
79 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 11
  2. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. An astonishing debut of cosmic country noir. [28 Aug 2004, p.57]
  2. Every so often an artist will release a debut record that has seemingly come from nowhere; you question where this person has been all your life, and how come it took so long for this to get out.
  3. Hinson's meditations on sorrow, regreat and hope are wrapped in textures upon textures of multi-instrumental feeling. [#9]
  4. 80
    The album... is one of such remarkable beauty. [Oct 2004, p.96]
  5. 80
    An ambitious but striking debut. [Sep 2004, p.108]
  6. Hinson sings with the heart-stopping world-weariness of a man at least twice his meagre 22 years, often with only the most delicate accompaniment.
  7. Musically, this debut is lovingly and exactingly orchestrated with an array of instruments-- not just the usual piano, cello, and drums, but also flute, organ, melodica, and horns-- that subtly shade the songs' emotions. Strangely, however, Hinson entertains few possibilities and seems to rely too heavily on his acoustic guitar to shape the tracks.
  8. If you were a bit let down by the last Bright Eyes album (as I was), this is a release that should get you excited again.
  9. The beautiful lap steel and accordion arrangement of Beneath The Rose, majestic duet I Still Remember and lilting waltz Stand In My Way only make the roaring violence of On My Way more startling. [Sep 2004, p.126]
  10. It's possible that 13 songs are too much for the sort of vision that Hinson is chasing, but it's a fine heartfelt effort that rewards as richly as it disappoints.
  11. Impressive despite its occasional lack of maturity.
User Score

Universal acclaim- based on 14 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. DavidW
    10
    Just brilliant.
  2. dawn
    10
    addictive album from a very personable guy,had to ration my listening to once a day so i didn't o.d
  3. ClaireW
    10
    A striking debut, beautiful, unusual...just as impressive live