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Mr. Hollywood, Jr. 1947
by
  • Record Label:
  • Release Date:
Mr. Hollywood, Jr. 1947 Image
Metascore
74

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

User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 19 Ratings

  • 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. The A.V. Club
    80
    There's nothing as immediately or enduringly memorable as "No Myth," but it's a solid piece of work throughout.
  4. Tiny Mix Tapes
    70
    Mr. Hollywood Jr., 1947 won't win any awards for innovation and probably won't yield any radio hits, but that's perfect. This album isn't about creating the perfect pop song, but about creating a story that bridges generations.
  5. AllMusic
    70
    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.
  6. Rolling Stone
    70
    The best songs here suggest an alternate universe where Bob Dylan and George Harrison agreed to collaborate full-time.
  7. 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: 11 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 14
  3. Negative: 2 out of 14
  1. RandyC
    Oct 3, 2005
    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 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.… Collapse
  2. meg
    Sep 27, 2005
    10
    Another masterpiece from one of the best singer-songwriters around.
  4. CindyG
    Sep 27, 2005
    10
    After nearly two months of repeated listenings, this album continues to reveal itself to me. MHJ 1947 is one of the most finely crafted pop After nearly two months of repeated listenings, this album continues to reveal itself to me. MHJ 1947 is one of the most finely crafted pop albums of the year. And it's pretty darn hooky too.… Expand
  5. MikeC
    Sep 27, 2005
    9
    Michael Penn views the year 1947 as a turning point in modern history. A Google search of the year and some of the album titles will attest Michael Penn views the year 1947 as a turning point in modern history. A Google search of the year and some of the album titles will attest to this. Consequently, his obsession with this particular year has led to this deliciously melodic album that improves with each and every listen. There is even a postscript song at the end to whet our appetite for the next release! Another milestone for one of America's great singer/songwriters.… Expand
  6. GunnarW
    Nov 24, 2020
    9
    Walter Reed alone would earn this album ten. The rest is almost as good, and up till now (2020) this is the best longplayer from Michael Penn.
  7. DennisK
    Sep 27, 2005
    9
    Fantastic songs, beutiful instrumentation. My one knock on this disc is that I think Michael would benefit from an outside producer (to help Fantastic songs, beutiful instrumentation. My one knock on this disc is that I think Michael would benefit from an outside producer (to help with maybe some sonic diversity, as well as the overall mix & mastering). That's really being nitpicky though, as this is an incredible album, both lyrically and musically.… Expand
  8. BlisterfishCafe
    Aug 18, 2005
    2
    Wow! What a mess! Aside from opening track, "Walter Reed" (obviously written by his wife), the rest of this album sounds like Wow! What a mess! Aside from opening track, "Walter Reed" (obviously written by his wife), the rest of this album sounds like b-sides/outtakes from his second album. If a single word could describe this collection of songs it would be YOGURT! Bland, silly and irrelevant. You would think that since Mr. Penn is married to one of the very best song writers of our generation, some of that would have rubbed off on him. I was looking forward to this release...too bad. Download "Walter Reed" for 99 Cents and forget the rest, I already have...… Expand

See all 14 User Reviews

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