Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 18
  2. Negative: 1 out of 18
  1. Holland seems confident placing herself inside a mythology much older than her years. It’s this fact, along with her penchant for lyrics about crazy dreams and old-fashioned moonshine, that make many of her songs, though originals, sound borrowed from another era.
  2. Every element on Springtime-- the relaxed tempos, fluid arrangements, dark moods, unobtrusive instrumentation-- is deployed in service to Holland's decidedly eccentric voice.
  3. Springtime is... the unveiling of a toothier sound that better reflects both Holland’s bloodiness and booziness.
  4. It’s simply a good album with a few really great songs.
  5. Under The Radar
    80
    Beautiful, textured and earnest. [Summer 2006, p.90]
  6. Whether she's writing original material or covering traditional tunes... the effect is the same. It's intimate, like a secret told readily.
  7. Spin
    80
    Holland swings far afield from folk and country on her third album, matching her hornlike voice to cool-jazz rhythms. [Jul 2006, p.84]
  8. Uncut
    70
    [It] is such an unassuming creation that the deceptively vast scale of its ambition only becomes apparent after several listens. [Jun 2006, p.103]
  9. Holland's cry seesaws from yelp to confirmation within tunes of heartache and resilience, her songwriting poetic yet blue-collar and blending that invisible socioeconomic line between genres.
  10. Filter
    88
    She's traded in the "Morphine" and creepy, hillbilly-chic of Escondida for a sound that's a hint more melodic and just a touch less disturbed. [#20, p.104]
  11. Entertainment Weekly
    100
    Proof folk music shouldn't just conjure the past, but also sit down and have a drink with it in the present. [12 May 2006, p.82]
  12. 100
    On bluesy new tracks such as "Stubborn Beast" and "Moonshiner," she conjures a sensual, serious confidence that suggests she's ready to depose Cat Power as the queen of indie teardrop ballads.
  13. "Springtime" could very well be the singer/songwriter album against which all others are measured this year.
  14. There's a resonant bearing to the set as a whole.
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 15 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 15
  2. Negative: 1 out of 15
  1. AlexW
    Jul 25, 2006
    9
    Paste magazine needs to stop the indie-snobbery, holier-than-thou attitude, and appreciate the music for what it is. Holland is increadibly Paste magazine needs to stop the indie-snobbery, holier-than-thou attitude, and appreciate the music for what it is. Holland is increadibly unique in this era of over-produced pop divas...her voice is heavenly and her songs showcase her gift for simple melodies and lyrical creativity. I love this chick, and those who disagree and just arrogant music snobs or just plain idiots. Full Review »
  2. brendanb
    Jul 25, 2006
    5
    Sorry, don't get it. There is a kind of 'one note' feel to this. Crush in the Ghetto is very alluring but there is nothing Sorry, don't get it. There is a kind of 'one note' feel to this. Crush in the Ghetto is very alluring but there is nothing else of that standard. I bought the album on the basis of that song AND the other reviews on this site. Maybe I've missed something. Full Review »
  3. ScottY
    Jun 24, 2006
    9
    If your into pop music I would say this is not for you, however if you are looking to hear something different and can appreciate talent give If your into pop music I would say this is not for you, however if you are looking to hear something different and can appreciate talent give it a listen. Even better if you like the alblum see her live..still one the best live shows I've seen. Full Review »