Pioneer
by The Band Perry
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
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  1. Country Weekly
    Apr 4, 2013
    91
    The album’s overall spirit of adventure is summed up in the gorgeous title track, written by the Perrys with fellow family trio The Henningsens. Starting sweet and delicate, it offers a message of encouragement to be bold in the face of uncertainty and doubt as it builds to a thrilling crescendo.
  2. Billboard.com
    Apr 2, 2013
    90
    The album, which is loaded with plenty of dramatic lyrics and arrangements, closes with a truly luscious ballad which leaves the listener wanting more.
  3. Entertainment Weekly
    Apr 2, 2013
    75
    [New producer,] Dann Huff, preserves their homegrown twang nicely, nixing the boring pop-crossover vibe that plagues so much mainstream country--but Kimberly's all fired up, too.
  5. The New York Times
    Apr 2, 2013
    70
    A sense of loss keeps these polished songs from being too sweet.
  6. The Guardian
    Jun 13, 2013
    60
    The album sags when the songs fall back on traditional tropes and are unable to match the performative bombast.
  7. Rolling Stone
    Apr 15, 2013
    60
    The brood is most convincing on giddier kiss-offs like "Chainsaw" (rhymes with "such a shame y'all") and the Brad Paisley co-write "Forever Mine Nevermind."
  8. AllMusic
    Apr 2, 2013
    60
    As good as the by-the-books ballads and rocking country are, the moments when the façade slips a bit make this worth hearing as an album and not a collection of singles.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 19 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 19
  3. Negative: 1 out of 19
  1. dpaniagua
    Apr 2, 2013
    10
    The Best Country Album so far in 2013! The song blend and you wont stop listening to it. Its really good and the songs are well structured andThe Best Country Album so far in 2013! The song blend and you wont stop listening to it. Its really good and the songs are well structured and its pure country at its best! :D… Full Review »
  2. Wael
    Mar 8, 2016
    9
    The Band Perry's sophomore effort will forever stand as an act-of-class classic, and as one of the best albums of 2013. It's pure genius andThe Band Perry's sophomore effort will forever stand as an act-of-class classic, and as one of the best albums of 2013. It's pure genius and so well-crafted and designed, with lyrics that anyone anywhere can relate to. The tune are what country music should be all about. The album in all isn't one to forget anytime soon (it's 2016 and I'm writing this review). Rich spectacular record. Way to go, TBP!
    Essential Tracks: literally everything, but for a headstart, listen to "Don't Let Me Be Lonely", "End of Time", and "Back to Me Without You".    … Full Review »
  3. BLeat
    Jul 12, 2013
    5
    The album was simply too loud. The Band Perry are known for good, not great lyrics (Kim is no Ashley Monroe), but most of all, the band wasThe album was simply too loud. The Band Perry are known for good, not great lyrics (Kim is no Ashley Monroe), but most of all, the band was famous for its rich, clean sound. This album, that sound was replaced by loud concert music; which may help sell tickets but is not very fun to listen to at home. "Pioneer" is the best song on the album.… Full Review »
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