Modern Blues
by The Waterboys
  • Record Label: Kobalt
  • Release Date: Jan 19, 2015
Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
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  1. The Telegraph (UK)
    Jan 20, 2015
    100
    The results rate with his best work, by turns reflective and attacking, on which lyrics sparkle and music breathes and flows with a sure touch.
  2. American Songwriter
    Apr 9, 2015
    80
    He sounds completely rejuvenated here. It makes Modern Blues one of his most compelling releases and a potent example of how a change of scenery can unexpectedly yet effectively revitalize a career.
  3. Mojo
    Feb 2, 2015
    80
    The best Waterboys record since 1988's Fisherman's Blues. [Feb 2015, p.88]
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  5. Boston Globe
    Apr 7, 2015
    70
    He sometimes sounds like the poet who spent too much time scribbling verses at the end of the bar (“the sleep motes gathered in the dust bowls of her eye”), but when he channels his inner Beat (the grand “Long Strange Golden Road”), he finds transcendence.
  6. Uncut
    Jan 14, 2015
    70
    The sound is monumental, the lyrics discursive. [Feb 2015, p.87]
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  7. The Observer (UK)
    Jan 20, 2015
    60
    Their 11th album, recorded in Nashville, finds Mike Scott and co evolving once again, adding southern soul to fiery blues with mixed results.
  8. Q Magazine
    Jan 14, 2015
    60
    As always, Scott overdoes it--and frequently--but when Modern Blues is good, it's very good indeed. [Feb 2015, p.117]
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  9. Record Collector
    Jan 14, 2015
    60
    His ever more exaggerated diction adds an unexpectedly acrimonious character to some lyrics so that while Modern Blues is far from disagreeable musically, the words will have long-time followers speculating where he’s at.
  10. musicOMH.com
    Jan 21, 2015
    40
    As it is, Modern Blues is probably one for the fans only.
  11. Drowned In Sound
    Jan 14, 2015
    40
    It has flashes (man this is writing itself), but they are like good new Simpsons episodes: few and far between.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 6 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. Hackskeptic
    May 28, 2015
    8
    The Nashville influence may not be glaringly obvious, but recording an album in the city has given Mike Scott a revitalizing lift that allowsThe Nashville influence may not be glaringly obvious, but recording an album in the city has given Mike Scott a revitalizing lift that allows the songs a rare passion and articulacy of sound, style and delivery. Simple human emotions from an old man who still has the romantic notions of an eager teen.… Full Review »
  2. GuillemTM
    Apr 1, 2015
    8
    Surprisingly, one of the most consistent as a whole and complete albums of the band. Good rythm'n blues and some inspired songs perfectlySurprisingly, one of the most consistent as a whole and complete albums of the band. Good rythm'n blues and some inspired songs perfectly performed. Really interesting.… Full Review »
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