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Mr. Hollywood, Jr. 1947 - Michael Penn
Mr. Hollywood, Jr. 1947 Image
Metascore
74 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.5 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 18 Ratings

Your Score
10 out of 10
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  • Summary: The Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter's first outing in five years is a loose concept album set in the year 1947.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. Blender
    80
    Happily, this structure is as mercifully loose as Penn's melodies are tight. [Aug 2005, p.113]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. Paste Magazine
    80
    Hollywood's fractured tale is underwritten by melancholy music that splits the difference between Mann's Bachelor #2 and Penn's MP4. [Oct/Nov 2005, p.138]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. PopMatters
    50
    As elegantly constructed as it may be, something's missing on Mr. Hollywood, Jr.

See all 10 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 13
  3. Negative: 2 out of 13
  1. RandyC
    10
    May take a few listens to get one's head around some of the sophistocated rhyme schemes and the period theme, but Penn's typically brilliant melodic structure and hooky chord patterns captivate relatively quickly. Fascinating imagery and meticulous production makes it more than just another example of great Beatlesque pop, but it's that, too! Another masterpiece of "literate, thinking person's pop" from one of the leaders of that sub-genre; easily one of the top 5 albums of 2005.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  2. KenH
    4
    I applaud Penn's ambition in creating a concept album in an era where such things are scorned or misunderstood; however, the songcraft of this effort misses the mark based on the high pop standards set by his previous efforts. I've always respected Penn's cerebral lyrical style but these songs are too heady and gloomy for my taste.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  3. WX
    3
    I'm sorry... was I snoring? MP has a way of slicking me to sleep with that wash of gloss he puts over his moldering style and rusted-out concepts. Thanks for the nap.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes

See all 13 User Reviews

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