Rain
by Joe Jackson
  • Record Label: Rykodisc
  • Release Date: Jan 29, 2008
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  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. 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. 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.
  6. AllMusic
    70
    Rain balances sophistication and edgy smarts with a winning mixture of grace and confidence.
  7. 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”).

User Reviews

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User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 11 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 11
  3. Negative: 1 out of 11
  1. GoodBadboy
    Mar 19, 2008
    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 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
    Sep 18, 2011
    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, afterMy 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.
    May 3, 2008
    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. 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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