Recovery
by Loudon Wainwright III
  • Record Label: Yep Roc
  • Release Date: Aug 19, 2008
Metascore
67

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. Observer Music Monthly
    60
    There are great finds--'Man Who Couldn't Cry'--but some bones are best unpolished.
  2. AllMusic
    60
    Recovery revisits Wainwright's back catalog and finds new meaning in the tunes he wrote as a young man.
  3. Q Magazine
    60
    Producer Joe Henry has softened the originals' raw edges without compromising their acidic content. [Oct 2008, p.152]
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  5. Mojo
    60
    It's hard to love anyone as self-absorbed as Wainwright, but it's impossible not to admire his ability to craft enduringly engaging music. [Nov 2008, p.112]
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  6. Slant Magazine
    50
    Since Wainwright is such a clever and insightful lyricist, even his weakest material is worth a listen, so Recovery is never unpleasant, but the song selection is unjustifiably uneven.

User Reviews

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User Score
5.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 9 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 9
  3. Negative: 3 out of 9
  1. cztassie
    Apr 21, 2011
    3
    The album has a few songs that are good--the rest of the album is nothing but a sad reminder that Eminem and all of hip hop is in fact deadThe album has a few songs that are good--the rest of the album is nothing but a sad reminder that Eminem and all of hip hop is in fact dead for now. a couple of songs have some of the best lyrics of his career but they do nothing to make up for the fact that the production is worthless. i try to listen, but find myself turning it off after only minutes if my ipod doesnt read "cold wind blows". not afraid and no love are catchy but they are not rap. You're never over is a good song, but I cant stand the 80's synths.… Full Review »
  2. EricC.
    Jan 10, 2009
    8
    In a world of Bob Dylan and Tom Waits, Loudon Wainwright has always had to sit just below the radar. But with his blunt and honest In a world of Bob Dylan and Tom Waits, Loudon Wainwright has always had to sit just below the radar. But with his blunt and honest songwriting paired with near flawless compositions, he deserves a place in music history as one of the greatest singer-songwriters. This reworking of some classics and personal favorites serves as a solid entry point for those that have missed out. For everyone else, there is little revelatory about this album, other than the surprising youthfulness of his voice.… Full Review »
  3. jimr.
    Aug 28, 2008
    9
    Yeah, a couple of misses, but if you are a fan it is a fine keeper.
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