Paper Airplane
by Alison Krauss & Union Station
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
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  1. AllMusic
    Dec 7, 2011
    80
    Paper Airplane is very polished -- pristine, even -- but there isn't an extra thing on it. It feels organic and authentic, allowing plenty of room for the emotional power in these songs to come forth.
  2. Uncut
    Apr 12, 2011
    80
    Yes, Paper Airplanes is mindful of the past. But it's never held back by it. [May 2011, p.92]
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  3. Mojo
    May 18, 2011
    80
    A craftsman-tough album about decision times. [May 2011, p.106]
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  5. Q Magazine
    May 31, 2011
    80
    A soul-warming treat. [Jun 2011, p.116]
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  6. Rolling Stone
    Apr 11, 2011
    70
    As usual, the virtuoso music shines without flashiness.
  7. musicOMH.com
    Apr 11, 2011
    80
    There are no secrets, just affecting music. Paper Airplanes is another breath of fresh air from a now legendary band.
  8. Under The Radar
    Jun 8, 2011
    70
    Paper Airplane is Alison Krauss & union Station at its absolute best. [May 2011, p.88]
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  9. Paste Magazine
    Apr 12, 2011
    90
    Paper Airplanes features a stellar set of songs that should continue to expand upon Alison Krauss' already-great reputation.
  10. Entertainment Weekly
    Apr 12, 2011
    75
    Exactingly performed and lushly produced, Paper Airplane exudes a bone-deep tranquility.
  11. The Independent (UK)
    Apr 11, 2011
    80
    The first Union Station album since 2004 is, as usual, something to treasure.
  12. Boston Globe
    Apr 11, 2011
    80
    As usual, Krauss and Union Station have produced another gem.
  13. The New York Times
    Apr 19, 2011
    80
    It's an album full of leave-takings and tearful, solitary longing, both in older songs--like Richard Thompson's "Dimming of the Day," set to pristinely tolling guitars--and recent ones, like Aiofe O'Donovan's "Lay My Burden Down," which welcomes death, and the Angel Snow-Viktor Krauss song "Lie Awake," a breakup song with a deep paranoid undercurrent.
  14. BBC Music
    Apr 12, 2011
    80
    Bluegrass superstar's new album is a fine addition to her impressive catalogue.
  15. American Songwriter
    Apr 12, 2011
    70
    In the end there are no real surprises here; this is just another solid recording from AKUS which the band's fans will no doubt enjoy.
  16. Los Angeles Times
    Apr 12, 2011
    88
    Most contemporary country musicians steadfastly bypass the dark territory Krauss and her mates mine here, missing out on the deep emotion lurking within it. The loss is theirs.
  17. The Telegraph (UK)
    Apr 12, 2011
    80
    Alison Krauss and Union Station have a marvellous chemistry as a band - and it's as impressive as ever on Paper Airplane, their first album together since 2004.
  18. Billboard.com
    Apr 15, 2011
    77
    Austere and melancholy, dealing mostly with heartbreaks and farewells with a modicum of hope, new album "Paper Airplane" still conveys the rich and understated beauty that's always been the group's trademark.
  19. The Independent on Sunday (UK)
    Apr 18, 2011
    80
    Fans of Raising Sand and O Brother...will find much to love. As – more surprising this – will fans of classic-era Fleetwood Mac.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- 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
  1. SauloVictor
    Apr 23, 2013
    10
    This album is so intimate and mysterious, that you will caught yourself thinking of this album from time to time. And when the last note isThis album is so intimate and mysterious, that you will caught yourself thinking of this album from time to time. And when the last note is reached at the last song, it's a completely awe. Amazing. One of the best country albums I've ever had the pleasure to listen. Long live to Alison Krauss & Union Station!!… Full Review »
  2. RoboWarner
    Sep 3, 2011
    3
    Alison is the greatest singer of Bluegrass that exists today. I pride myself
    as being her #1 fan, I adore her and her voice. Her "Paper    Alison is the greatest singer of Bluegrass that exists today. I pride myself
    as being her #1 fan, I adore her and her voice. Her "Paper Airplanes" CD
    was sadly a big disappointment. It didn't do justice to anything she
    has produced before. Nothing special about any of her songs on
    this CD. 3 out of 10
    Robert    … Full Review »
  3. RogRev
    May 14, 2011
    10
    Alison Krauss and her colleagues in Union Station are all consummate professionals and their music is impeccable. Alisonâ
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