Rabbit Fur Coat
by Jenny Lewis With The Watson Twins
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 58 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 43 out of 58
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 58
  3. Negative: 7 out of 58

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  1. acm
    Mar 15, 2006
    9
    With this record, Jenny continues to show off her stunning vocal abilities as established in her RK work, but she now has demonstrated that she can write music and lyrics consistently well. In a record, albeit brief, full of fun and intelligent sounds, the songs "Happy" and "It wasn't me" really stand out. Both are stunningly original and point towards a songwriting direction I hope With this record, Jenny continues to show off her stunning vocal abilities as established in her RK work, but she now has demonstrated that she can write music and lyrics consistently well. In a record, albeit brief, full of fun and intelligent sounds, the songs "Happy" and "It wasn't me" really stand out. Both are stunningly original and point towards a songwriting direction I hope she'll continue to pursue. She's already the most appealing and charming singer/songwriter around - now she's on her way to becoming one of the best.… Expand
  2. LHM
    Dec 20, 2006
    8
    "oh good, another hipster who thinks she's a cowgirl." How ironic that the most arrogant and elitist statement in all these comments should come from someone who ISN'T a hipster. So only people who grew up poor in rural Wyoming can make country music, now? Jesus.
  3. [Anonymous]
    Jan 25, 2006
    9
    Beautiful harmonies. Some great songwriting.
  4. WhitneyR
    Feb 3, 2006
    9
    Jim J: You shut your mouth about Jenny Lewis! She is an angel! And has the voice of one. I love her.
  5. SeanL
    Feb 4, 2006
    8
    I love Jenny Lewis, but the writing on this albulm didn't really do her justice. Don't get me wrong though, it's a great albulm and definately worth picking up.
  6. OliverK
    Apr 12, 2006
    10
    A classic
  7. davem
    Apr 5, 2006
    9
    a fabulous debut that demonstates a rare vocal talent.
  8. kaniel
    Jan 20, 2007
    6
    The music is well put together and the lyrics are very meaningful, but it is almost too depressing for my taste.
  9. JeremyF
    Jun 24, 2007
    8
    Jenny Lewis is best known for her widely loved indie band Rilo Kiley. We all know her as a sweet voiced woman with extremely incredible writing talents. Her first solo departure is just that - a departure. She gathers up a few of her friends, including sweet country gals the Watson Twins, and sits herself in a minute country envelope. It's not quite country, it's still got her Jenny Lewis is best known for her widely loved indie band Rilo Kiley. We all know her as a sweet voiced woman with extremely incredible writing talents. Her first solo departure is just that - a departure. She gathers up a few of her friends, including sweet country gals the Watson Twins, and sits herself in a minute country envelope. It's not quite country, it's still got her Lewis touch, an indie/alt-country, if you will. But it is countried up enough to be unlikeable. I hate country music. The only one, besides Lewis, that I enjoy is Neko Case, and she's alt-country as well. Lewis takes on multiple sad journeys but the lyrics are so compelling it's hard to dislike it. I like how God is mentioned a lot but each time it's kind of upsetting ("But what if God's not there? / But his name is on your dollar bill..." in The Charging Sky, or "He gives and takes... from me" in Born Secular.) I think this is a fine solo debut, with a few minimal falters. The best songs, Happy and It Wasn't Me, really stand out among the others, with their sad but I-can-feel-that lyrics. Another stand out is the title track with its "is it real or fake?" quality. I would much rather listen to Rilo Kiley, but this is a fine fine album and I think she is a beautiful musician with no reason to slow down any time soon. Magnificent woman, Lewis is.… Expand
  10. BruceR
    Nov 1, 2006
    10
    Jenny and the Twins in harmony heaven. If this isn't a contender for Record of the Year, demand a recount. Sublime!
  11. RJay
    Jan 25, 2006
    7
    I love her voice and, of course, her look. The songs are, however way too hit & miss. Can't give the album on the whole better than a 7. "one of the best of 2006 so far!!" - saddy boy Talk about faint praise, it's Jan 24th! lol
  12. LeahC
    Jan 25, 2006
    10
    Go buy this album right now....Go on GO!
  13. JimJ
    Jan 26, 2006
    3
    oh good, another hipster who thinks she's a cowgirl.
  14. DavidH
    Jan 26, 2006
    10
    excellent!
  15. MatthewC
    Jan 27, 2006
    10
    Just a terrific album all around, with the only possible misstep being the cover version of "Handle With Care" (why?). Beautiful harmonies from the Watson twins, gorgeous production, smart songwriting. More consistent than any of Rilo Kiley's albums in my opinion and Jenny Lewis' voice on top of it all.
  16. KevinD
    Jan 30, 2006
    7
    Jenny Lewis provides "like butter" vocals, and the Watson twins harmonize beautifully. Several tracks stand-out, epecially "The Big Guns", but there is nothing otherwise particularly remarkable about the album.
  17. JohnE
    Feb 10, 2006
    3
    Clearly resting on her laurels, this album is being kept afloat by a lot of fluff production and star cameos.
  18. RobertA
    Feb 15, 2006
    8
    I have to say I really enjoy this album. Most of the songs are beautifully written and performed. Very original lyrics. Jenny Lewis is one talented lady. I actually would give this album an 8.3. It has variety and a tranquil heart. I really enjoy it. Good Day!
  19. LatishaB
    Feb 2, 2006
    9
    This cd is almost perfect, I think it's Jenny Lewis at her purest, as raw as emotionally possible. Her songwriting just gets better and better, and she out does herself in this album with sheer honesty and wit. It's absolutely lovely.
  20. RickyN
    Feb 7, 2006
    4
    I guess by angel you mean a skinny Linda Ronstadt. This album's alright, but nothing special.
  21. AllanF
    Feb 9, 2006
    5
    Wow, for Jenny Lewis, this album is so mediocre. For every good song, there's one awful track that plagues it. 'The Charging Sky' is gorgeous, while 'Born Secular' is the worst song in Jenny's career. 'You Are What You Love' is splendidly beautiful, while the title track is dull and trite. 'Melt Your Heart' may do what the title suggests, Wow, for Jenny Lewis, this album is so mediocre. For every good song, there's one awful track that plagues it. 'The Charging Sky' is gorgeous, while 'Born Secular' is the worst song in Jenny's career. 'You Are What You Love' is splendidly beautiful, while the title track is dull and trite. 'Melt Your Heart' may do what the title suggests, while 'Happy' is a boring track that Lewis foolishly reprises at the end. 'Rise Up with Fists!!' is an uplifting gorgeous song, while 'Run Devil Run' is completely pointless. The rest is forgettable. The Watson Twins also add nothing to anything on this album. What a shame, Jenny. Go back to your band. Seriously.… Collapse
  22. JasonS
    Mar 24, 2006
    7
    Pleasant and mellow with some clever lyrics.
  23. AaronQ
    Apr 28, 2006
    6
    I wanted to like this so much more than I did. Totally nice, pretty songs... but also quite boring. "The Big Guns" easily the standout track.
  24. Andy
    Aug 16, 2006
    6
    Some good lyrics but a bit too country-western for my tastes.
  25. johnnya
    Jan 21, 2007
    3
    want to listen to average American lack-of-self knowledge with a facade purely ripped from an arbitrarily alien culture? have a listen!
  26. saddyboy
    Jan 24, 2006
    10
    one of the best of 2006 so far!!
  27. MichaelW
    Jan 25, 2006
    9
    Love the CD. Love Rilo Kiley. Love Jenny.
  28. RobertS
    Jan 25, 2006
    9
    Wonderful voice; poignant songs with intelligent lyrics
  29. margov
    Jan 25, 2006
    9
    amazing
  30. matta
    Jan 25, 2006
    9
    This is gorgeous stuff. The lyrics falter every once in a while, but for the most part, this is a great record, the best released in January thus far (although Catpower and The Kooks are right up there).
  31. GarretO
    Jan 27, 2006
    10
    A classic of the stone cold variety.
  32. Matt
    Jan 31, 2006
    9
    Expands on the alt-country side of Rilo Kiley very nicely. Great idea for a solo project.
  33. KatherineB
    Feb 15, 2006
    6
    "Rabbit Fur Coat" has its share of standout tracks, but it's plagued by a significant number of only mediocre songs, as well. Lewis's voice sounds as amazing as ever and the Watson twins have lovely voices, but even those great voices can't save the banal lyrics of some of the songs. Despite its problems, there are moments where the album shines and I'd suggest picking "Rabbit Fur Coat" has its share of standout tracks, but it's plagued by a significant number of only mediocre songs, as well. Lewis's voice sounds as amazing as ever and the Watson twins have lovely voices, but even those great voices can't save the banal lyrics of some of the songs. Despite its problems, there are moments where the album shines and I'd suggest picking it up anyhow.… Expand
  34. kendallh
    Feb 25, 2006
    10
    This album has been the only thing to touch my CD player since January 24. Incredible.
  35. ChrisD
    Mar 12, 2006
    9
    Jenny Lewis makes me smile. I was initially a tad underwhelmed by this album, but upon repeated listenings, I've grown more and more attached to it. Seeing her do these songs live only makes it better. At times rollicking, at times delicate and tender, but I had a smile on my face the whole time. And folks? Her unreleased tracks are something to behold. "Jack Killed Mom" absolutely Jenny Lewis makes me smile. I was initially a tad underwhelmed by this album, but upon repeated listenings, I've grown more and more attached to it. Seeing her do these songs live only makes it better. At times rollicking, at times delicate and tender, but I had a smile on my face the whole time. And folks? Her unreleased tracks are something to behold. "Jack Killed Mom" absolutely brings down the house.… Expand
  36. mikeh
    Mar 13, 2006
    5
    for someone with real talent, listen to the new Neko Case. Bunch of hype as usual over here.
  37. mike
    Apr 18, 2006
    0
    does anyone listen to this overhyped garbage other than 13 year old femaile hipsters/scenesters?
  38. MikeK
    Apr 24, 2006
    8
    To mike: Yes they do. I'm a 26 year old man and find the album quite enjoyable. Tell me, what are you listening to?
  39. BlairS
    May 24, 2006
    10
    Wow, Rilo Kiley is amazing, and sprung from that, an amazing solo record from Jenny Lewis. She has an amazing voice, and a very unique style. Love it.
  40. RobC
    Jul 19, 2006
    9
    This must be one of the bests in this year. Just 10 tracks, 10 good songs.
  41. ChrisF
    Feb 27, 2007
    9
    Really good, yes not happy songs but there's enough plastic ,smiley make beleive out there.
  42. John
    Dec 19, 2006
    8
    Good job dodging Mike K's question, mike. I take it you're a troll, then?
  43. Ricko
    Feb 2, 2012
    7
    It's a bit left of the middle, but there is no getting away from the fact that this is a folky record. It takes happy go lucky story telling folk and turns it on it's side. Conor Oberst collaborates on the cover of Handle With Care, and Jenny Lewis comes from a similar school of song writing. If you like him, you'll like this record. It's no classic or must have, but it is worth a listen.

Awards & Rankings

67
#67 Most Discussed Album of 2006

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. Uncut
    100
    A dozen remarkable tracks. [Feb 2006, p.78]
  2. Billboard
    70
    She is grappling with issues of faith, but she is charmingly skeptical. [28 Jan 2006]
  3. musicOMH.com
    90
    You know it's special from the first bars.
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