Motherland - Natalie Merchant
Motherland Image
Metascore
79 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.4 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 7 Ratings

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0 out of 10
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  • Summary: The singer's third solo album was produced by T-Bone Burnett.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. Spin Cycle
    100
    Track after solid track, "Motherland" is a collection of pure, soulful offerings.
  2. Billboard
    80
    She has never sounded so earthy, so bluesy, so soulful.
  3. Uncut
    80
    Natalie Merchant has made an album of elemental beauty... she's never sounded better. [Jan 2002, p.140]
    All this publication's reviews
  4. Q Magazine
    60
    At times her dark warnings about the devil and bluesy intonation sound affected, but full marks for trying out new ground. [Dec 2001, p.127]
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See all 8 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. KevinS.
    10
    Merchant produces her most ambitious album to date -- and lyrically she solidifies her place with great American women poets, including Emily Dickenson. Musically she explores uncharted territory: "Golden Boy," a song about making celebrities out of criminals, "This House is On Fire," a Middle-Eastern groove dub which eerily brings back memories of September 11th in a narrative only Merchant could produce, and "Henry Darger," an ambitious ballad recounting the life of the forgotten folk-art hero of the same name, would make any 10,000 maniacs fan and cynic of Merchant's commercially successful solo career listen twice. … Expand
  2. AmandaG
    9
    This album enchanted me easily from the first notes of the first track. Staying true to her roots, Merchant's art resonates through her compositions as she flirts with a variety of musical genres.… Expand
  3. DavidK.
    8
    Probably her best solo effort so far -- if you're a fan, don't hesitate -- you won't be disappointed. There's a new sound and ethos here, that Merchant hasn't displayed before. Her voice is aging well, showing subtle and rich nuances -- and a deft skill of song interpretation. … Expand
  4. JoeG
    7
    A good friend recommended this to me, so I felt duty bound to give it a go as I generally like female singer/songwriters. Some nice enough songs but can't fall in love with it. The first track makes for a particularly uninspiring start.… Expand

See all 6 User Reviews

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