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. Uncut
    80
    Wainwright’s vocals imbue the material with a mixture of world-weariness, compassion and delight, qualities that didn’t loom large in the emotional lexicon of his younger self.
  2. Rolling Stone
    70
    Wainwright's voice sounds better than ever, adding the weight of history to songs that were poignant to begin with.
  3. Under The Radar
    70
    Re-recording the spare material with musical strongmen Greg Leisz, Patrick Warren, David Piltch, and Jay Bellerose replaces some of the lo-fi grain of the originals with a stately grace. [Fall 2008, p.85]
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  5. Paste Magazine
    75
    With the help of producer Joe Henry, Loudon Wainwright III has been excavating his own past, and he’s disgorged some hibernating gems from his first four albums, revisiting ghosts that haunted him 35 years ago.

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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