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Mission Bell
by
Mission Bell Image
Metascore
65

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 8 Ratings

  • Summary: The fourth album for the singer-songwriter features appearances by Priscilla Ahn, Pieta Brown, James Gadson, Willie Nelson, Lucinda Williams, Iron & Wine's Sam Beam, and Calexico.

Top Track

Windows Are Rolled Down
Look up child, the world is born Shoe's untied, and your soles are worn Windows are rolled down Sun is setting high Windows are rolled down I'm... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. Mojo
    Apr 4, 2011
    80
    Lee is so commanding that guests Lucinda Williams and Willie Nelson are drawn into top-of-the-range duets and still don't take over. [Feb 2011, p.96]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. The A.V. Club
    Feb 2, 2011
    75
    It's a new feel and direction for Lee, and not an unrewarding one, but it's his collaboration with Beam on "Violin" that captures a sound at which Lee truly excels.
  3. The New York Times
    Feb 2, 2011
    70
    Mission Bell, his fourth album on Blue Note, sharpens the payoff.
  4. Paste Magazine
    Feb 2, 2011
    60
    "Violin," the lone track which seems to bare a hint of Calexico influence, is unsurprisingly the album's clear highlight: a swelling, sweeping slow-burner with wide-screen atmosphere, angelic harmonies and pedal steel aching over modest acoustic strums. More of this ilk and Mission Bell would have been a stunner.
  5. Rolling Stone
    Feb 7, 2011
    60
    Like his labelmate Norah Jones, Lee is a great foil, and the standouts on his chart-topping fourth album--cut with cowboy-mystic indie rockers Calexico providing moody backup--are the cameo tracks.
  6. AllMusic
    Feb 2, 2011
    60
    There is a lot to admire here and maybe that's the main problem....he often favors rambling, low-key country numbers that get you to quietly consider the bittersweet nature of our existence rather than lose yourself in the song.
  7. NOW Magazine
    Feb 11, 2011
    40
    While a couple of catchy turns of phrase compensate for some elementary rhymes, there aren't enough hooks to make the songs memorable.

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User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. Bilchak
    Apr 22, 2011
    10
    One of the best albums I've heard this year. Totally underrated. I don't understand why the critics don't rate this album higher, maybeOne of the best albums I've heard this year. Totally underrated. I don't understand why the critics don't rate this album higher, maybe because Amos has changed his sound? Don't know, but I sure like it. Take a listen today!!!… Expand
  2. m3in99
    Jun 22, 2015
    10
    I fully agree with the other reviewer. While I have loved some older Lee songs, and not loved some, Mission Bell, with only 1 or 2I fully agree with the other reviewer. While I have loved some older Lee songs, and not loved some, Mission Bell, with only 1 or 2 exceptions, is a consistently well crafted album, displaying soulful songs, Lee's superb voice, and of course, Willie at the end, who adds to the excellence of this release.… Expand

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