Standing at the Sky's Edge
by Richard Hawley
  • Record Label: Mute
  • Release Date: Aug 28, 2012
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 15 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. pkindieboy
    Aug 29, 2012
    8
    Hawley cranks it up on this one, layering lots and accentuating guitars. The writing is strong and Hawley's deep tenor suits the electric backdrop surprisingly well. The album is very cohesive as well, making for an enjoyable front to back experience.
  2. Ricko
    Mar 1, 2013
    7
    After a series of truly beautiful albums, RH returns here having taken a sharp turn in direction with probably his most psychedelic record. It's got what sounds like layers of dark, swirling guitars. The music is distorted but the unmistakable voice is still there above it all. For the most part, the songs are quite strong but for me, there are noticably fewer moments of genius that wereAfter a series of truly beautiful albums, RH returns here having taken a sharp turn in direction with probably his most psychedelic record. It's got what sounds like layers of dark, swirling guitars. The music is distorted but the unmistakable voice is still there above it all. For the most part, the songs are quite strong but for me, there are noticably fewer moments of genius that were to be found at his previous efforts. Still pretty good though.… Expand
  3. mac-the-mouth
    Nov 2, 2012
    8
    This one took a few listens to connect, but now that it has, I can say it's another strong Hawley effort. He just doesn't make bad albums. Criminally underrated songwriter here in the States. Drenched in reverb and sprawling guitar, it's a departure from most of his solo stuff, but I think it's a welcome change. Good to see him back exploring his range as a musician and writer.

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. Magnet
    Oct 1, 2012
    60
    It's difficult to accept him as an angry rocker. He's so great as a lovelorn crooner - heard here on "Seek It," one of the album's few moments of tenderness - that it's hard not to be nostalgic for the old Hawley. [No.91, p.55]
  2. Dusted Magazine
    Sep 5, 2012
    50
    Standing at the Sky's Edge is Hawley's first major misstep.
    Read full review
  3. The Boston Phoenix
    Sep 4, 2012
    100
    This may be the most uncharacteristic of his albums, but by venturing outside his comfort zone, Hawley has in turn made his best.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »