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Rain - Joe Jackson
Metascore
71 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
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  1. PopMatters
    90
    Ten very good to great songs, stamped with the signature of a musician who knows what he is about. That, kids, is what we used to call an "album", and this is a very fine one indeed.
  2. The Boston Phoenix
    88
    The recent full-band reunion "Volume 4" was a small triumph, but Rain may be even more satisfying, since it's the best work Jackson has done with a line-up that's not strict-rock-band.
  3. Slant Magazine
    80
    The winsome 'Too Tough' is the best song here. Like with the rest of the album, it's a joy to deconstruct the song's craft (woah! Nice interlude!), but more of one just to listen.
  4. Billboard
    80
    On his first release since reuniting the original Joe Jackson Band in 2004, Jackson is at the top of his game as a writer, singer and player.
  5. All Music Guide
    70
    Rain balances sophistication and edgy smarts with a winning mixture of grace and confidence.
  6. Magnet
    70
    It's a simple collection of typically melody-rich songs for piano, bass and drums (Jackson is backed by JJB alums Graham Maby and Dave Houghton) that occasionally swings ("The Uptown Train") and sometimes lurches like the good old days ("King Pleasure Time").
  7. Mojo
    60
    Most tracks are sophisticated, jazzy pop songs and ballads about relationships, but the angry young man of yore occasionally peeps over the parapet. [Feb 2008, p.102]
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  8. Uncut
    60
    The emphasis on Jackson's piano is obviously no problem, but his focus drifts from the punchy pop that characterised its predecessor. [Feb 2008, p.81]
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  9. Q Magazine
    60
    Rain revisits familiar Jackson themes of romantic disappointment and despair at the modern world with a pared-back immediacy that showcases his craftmanship to the full. [Feb 2008, p.96]
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  10. musicOMH.com
    60
    Ultimately, Rain is slightly too smooth to count as a complete success.
  11. NOW Magazine
    60
    Fans won't be let down by this latest collection of accomplished and almost too-smart songwriting that borrows from the classic sensibilities of piano-based jazz.
  12. Observer Music Monthly
    60
    Versatile but erratic, then, though Joe's emotional honesty is never in doubt.
  13. Spin
    40
    Paring down his tuneful new-wave pop to a bare-bones piano-bass-drum lineup might not been the best idea for Joe Jackson. [Feb 2008, p.94]
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User Reviews

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User Score
8.4 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 7 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. GoodBadboy
    9
    Any fan of Joe Jackson doesn't really need to read a review of the latest release. He or she knows it's going to be great. Joe just keeps writing and performing beautiful songs that never fit into any one genre neatly. Somehow, his style of being all over the place, taking from every musical culture, has become a style of its own. With each song, he gives back more than he has ever borrowed. This release contains 10 gems that are each as good as anything he has done before. Previous reviews have mentioned various songs as highlights. I really like them all, but I must declare there are three songs that I find to be Joe at his absolute best- The Uptown Train, Invisible Man, and the incredible Rush Across The Road. The cd could only be better (and get a 10 from me) if it had more songs on it! These wonderful ten songs left me yearning for more. I almost felt disappointed when the last song finished. Then I hit the repeat button.… Full Review »
  2. psychomuse
    10
    My God! How does he do it?!! Over 30 years of songwriting and his muse continues to deliver. Most artists burn out, even the great ones, after a couple of decades. Joe Jackson is the most consistent, substantial, profound, and fun songwriter/performer since.... no one else. Sorry Sir Paul, but Joe had taken the throne. If you are already a fan of Mr. Jump N Jive, you already have this album. If you are reading this review and don't have the album, you are wasting your time reading this review. Go get "Rain" now and be amazed. He is the King. And it is King Pleasure Time!!!… Full Review »
  3. JanC.
    10
    Rain is a beautiful album. I have been playing it repeatedly since I saw Joe Jackson in concert on Monday. The piano on this album is great. I am coming to love every song on the album but my favorites right now are Rush Across the Road and Uptown Train.… Full Review »
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