Metascore
87

Universal acclaim - based on 7 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
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  1. Oct 27, 2015
    90
    Supreme musicianship cuts through a production job that is neither minimal nor ornate.
  2. Sep 17, 2015
    90
    Rawlings-Welch are so good and natural in their borrowing that Nashville Obsolete evokes familiar sepia-toned moods almost without ever sounding worn-out or dated, the only exception perhaps being "Short Haired Woman Blues," on which the tempo feels sluggish.
  3. Oct 26, 2015
    80
    Beautifully captured on tape with the mix of spontaneity and professionalism expected from a Rawlings/Welch performance, Nashville Obsolete has something of a brooding grandeur to it.
  4. Uncut
    Sep 14, 2015
    80
    There is so much on Nashville Obsolete that impresses, but what lingers longest is rare and persuasive ability to tap into the ageless mythos of true American folk. [Oct 2015, p.85]
  5. Mojo
    Sep 14, 2015
    80
    The seven songs--mostly lengthy, one epic--have (as expected) extraordinary guitar solos, fused vocal harmonies, sprightly old-time and brooding folk. [Oct 2015, p.93]
  6. Sep 14, 2015
    80
    Rawlings emerges from his usual behind-the-scenes role with considerable originality and quiet authority on an album of entirely original songs.
  7. Sep 14, 2015
    80
    The playing is, predictably, classy, but mostly it’s an album of surprises; it’s Dave’s porch and he’ll play what he chooses.

Awards & Rankings

User Score
7.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 7 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 7
  3. Negative: 2 out of 7
  1. Nov 16, 2015
    10
    Joined metacritic in order to vote on this CD...it's that good. If you like what has come to be known as "Americana" then you will without aJoined metacritic in order to vote on this CD...it's that good. If you like what has come to be known as "Americana" then you will without a doubt love this offering from Dave Rawlings and The Machine. With longtime partner Gillian Welch and his band The Machine, he has given us the very definition of Americana music played to perfection.
    If you like anything by either Rawlings or Welch (or The Band, or Dylan or..well you get it) then you owe it to yourself, and Dave's Machine, to buy this exceptional album.
    Full Review »
  2. Jan 20, 2016
    0
    Wow. In my humble opinion this is a masterpiece of American folk. Balanced , professional and very original. If anyone likes this style ofWow. In my humble opinion this is a masterpiece of American folk. Balanced , professional and very original. If anyone likes this style of music, you will not be disappointed. I'm an old fart and it reminds me of my 1st listen to "The Band" Big Pink album. I can't give any higher praise than that.
    Ella
    Full Review »