User Score
Universal acclaim- based on 19 Ratings
User score distribution:
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Positive: 16 out of 19
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Mixed: 1 out of 19
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Negative: 2 out of 19
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KenHSep 17, 2005I 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.
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Penn’s most unified sounding record.
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When it works, like on the rousing, sentimental opener "Walter Reed," "On Automatic" and "Mary Lynn," Penn knocks the ball into the bleachers, but there's an over-flow of mid-tempo pieces about halfway through that bring the record to a standstill.
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BlenderHappily, this structure is as mercifully loose as Penn's melodies are tight. [Aug 2005, p.113]