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Springtime Can Kill You Image
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 15 Ratings

  • Summary: This is the second studio solo set for the folk singer-songwriter who also performs with the Be Good Tanyas.
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 18
  2. Negative: 1 out of 18
  1. 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]
  2. Whether she's writing original material or covering traditional tunes... the effect is the same. It's intimate, like a secret told readily.
  3. There's a resonant bearing to the set as a whole.
  4. 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.
  5. 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]
  6. Every element on Springtime-- the relaxed tempos, fluid arrangements, dark moods, unobtrusive instrumentation-- is deployed in service to Holland's decidedly eccentric voice.
  7. Everything moves in slow motion, as if that lent profundity to the proceedings, and even then the vocals rarely keep time. Perhaps Holland believes that singing off the beat creates tension, but it merely diffuses what little energy these songs possess.

See all 18 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 7
  2. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. helenl
    Jun 9, 2006
    10
    one of the best albums of this or any other year...exceptionally beautiful, melodic and evocative songs that take the listener on a one of the best albums of this or any other year...exceptionally beautiful, melodic and evocative songs that take the listener on a mysterious journey through a tender and lyrical dreamscape...Most amazing song on the album: "Nothing to do but Dream". The apparent simplicity of the track is deceptive; the complexity of both the melody and the lyrics reveal themselves to the careful listener after several playings An astonishingly fine album. Expand
  2. 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. Expand
  3. PepoB
    Jun 12, 2006
    9
    really sensual voice
  4. 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. Expand
  5. MattD.
    May 24, 2006
    8
    Pretty stuff, but it sounds like she's trying too hard to create a timeless sound. And Sonya Kitchell, at 17, has a better voice than Pretty stuff, but it sounds like she's trying too hard to create a timeless sound. And Sonya Kitchell, at 17, has a better voice than Holland does. Has neatly quirky lyrics. Expand
  6. Gus
    May 12, 2006
    7
    A good listen. Good song writing. A little monochromatic.
  7. 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. Expand