• 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. Negative: 0 out of 15
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  1. May 16, 2012
    5
    In short it's Richard goes psychedelic. not a bad listen but i can't help find it a little boring. His poorest effort in a while. I'm disappointed. Hopefully he can come good with the next album.
  2. 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.
  3. 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
  4. 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.
  5. Nov 13, 2014
    6
    It's an album that's generally a little patchy for me. With moments like 'Seek It' and 'Don't Stare at the Sun' feeling a little weaker and simultaneously destructive of the whole atmosphere of the album. I do like some of the songs conceptually, like for the title track and also Time Will Bring You Winter, the latter being the strongest track on the album for me, with Down in the WoodsIt's an album that's generally a little patchy for me. With moments like 'Seek It' and 'Don't Stare at the Sun' feeling a little weaker and simultaneously destructive of the whole atmosphere of the album. I do like some of the songs conceptually, like for the title track and also Time Will Bring You Winter, the latter being the strongest track on the album for me, with Down in the Woods and concluding track Before. Otherwise however, Standing at the Sky's Edge feels more a stop-gap in Hawley's career of emotional, and admittedly lovely music for which he is known rather than an album that can count as a 'step forward'. Lover's of this album may be disappointed by Hawley's back catalog, while lovers of his back catalog may not be as entirely keen on this new one. Expand
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 23
  2. 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. Sep 5, 2012
    50
    Standing at the Sky's Edge is Hawley's first major misstep.
  3. 100
    This may be the most uncharacteristic of his albums, but by venturing outside his comfort zone, Hawley has in turn made his best.