North
by Elvis Costello
User Score
7.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 8 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 8
  3. Negative: 1 out of 8

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  1. brufrog
    Nov 5, 2020
    10
    Although not for everyone (many folks just don't like jazz) this is a fabulous album in its genre. Never before has he been more direct about love. He is my favourite singer-songwriter and this is the LP I listen to the most. Think of it as a modern day "In The Wee Small Hours." It's that good. The guest musicians are the best in the business and it shows.
  2. dariusw
    Sep 26, 2004
    10
    My fave EC record of recent years....Sam K is a fool
  3. samk
    Oct 26, 2003
    4
    A bit of a shocker. Lyrically and musically unappealing, Costello's voice is rudely exposed on this record.
  4. ChuckR
    Oct 22, 2003
    9
    Few faults to find with this. Repeated listening makes it even more endearing, like the greatest Costello records.
  5. JeanneP
    Oct 8, 2003
    8
    This is a difficult and complex work. It's akin to a ballet or a piece of artwork - at first glance, simple, but the layers of emotion and technical perfection become clearer and clearer.
  6. AndrewR
    Sep 23, 2003
    9
    Costello can hardly be accused of conforming to expectations: this subtle and quietly moving album probably represents the closest he has ever come to optimism. It takes a little time for its intricacies to take full effect, but it's definitely an album that rewards a little patience and effort. Quietly moving, in it's own, introspective way...

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
68

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 15
  3. Negative: 2 out of 15
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    100
    Feels like a mash note to autumnal Manhattan. [26 Sep 2003, p.93]
  2. Blender
    70
    It's art music first and pop second. [Oct 2003, p.115]
  3. ShakingThrough.net
    80
    North moves with an inevitable constancy, and could have perhaps benefited from one or two more upbeat tracks. But such consistency is certainly a forgivable flaw, especially when it's done as elegantly and earnestly as presented here.
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