On My Way To Absence
by Damien Jurado
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 19
  3. Negative: 1 out of 19
  1. Stylus Magazine
    91
    On On My Way To Absence Jurado provides far more satisfying moments than dubious ones, and that’s no small feat when trafficking in the kind of bottom of the barrel human emotion that Jurado has made his trademark.
  2. Mojo
    90
    There's not a single weak link on this excellent record. [Aug 2005, p.100]
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  3. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    The songs are bare as winter trees, built from brittle guitars and crackling percussion. [15 Apr 2005, p.77]
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  5. AllMusic
    80
    On My Way to Absence offers many new areas of musical exploration, suggesting a more mature arranger.
  6. Uncut
    80
    In some ways, ...Absence is his most diverse record yet, but it's at its brilliant best when spare and uncompromising. [May 2005, p.104]
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  7. musicOMH.com
    80
    Another fine release.
  8. Trouser Press
    80
    A prototypical Damien Jurado album, this is a quietly excellent, straightforward collection of songs performed without much muss or fuss but with great empathy and feeling.
  9. ShakingThrough.net
    76
    Another solid addition to Jurado’s commendable catalog.
  10. Pitchfork
    75
    Jurado is back to doing what he does best-- pairing simple, sprightly arrangements with mobile vocal melodies.
  11. Alternative Press
    70
    Arguably his most solid collection of folk-based tunes. [Apr 2005, p.116]
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  12. cokemachineglow
    70
    There was just so much I loved about Damien in Absence and so much that disappointed me.
  13. Magnet
    70
    Fans will find nothing to object to. [#67, p.102]
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  14. Q Magazine
    70
    Successfully bring[s] new features to familiar territory. [Jul 2005, p.115]
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User Reviews

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User Score
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User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. paulk
    Feb 22, 2007
    10
    There are some gorgeous songs on here. I am the Mountain, Simple Hello, Sucker and White Center are each incredible. I've been won over There are some gorgeous songs on here. I am the Mountain, Simple Hello, Sucker and White Center are each incredible. I've been won over listening to this album and Rehearsals for Departure and am a huge fan. I can't understand why he is so little appreciated, but I don't think the Nick Drake comparisons are really that helpful (although there is a great version of Pink Moon floating in the tubes of the Internet). Please do not put your faith in the views of Eurotrash. NME has been hyping Lost Prophets for years and they blow hugely. Jurado is a master songwriter in a clash with Leonard Cohen and Neil Young. I guarantee you will love this if you listen to it for a week.… Full Review »
  2. DanL
    Dec 6, 2005
    9
    great album. the critics must take a vacation.
  3. MorganK
    Apr 29, 2005
    9
    I'd call this Jurado's best since 'Ghost of David' - it follows through on what 'I Break Chairs' promised I'd call this Jurado's best since 'Ghost of David' - it follows through on what 'I Break Chairs' promised without losing the narrative sense of 'Where Shall You Take Me' - I think the big name reviewers dropped the ball on this one - one of his best and one of the best of the year so far.… Full Review »