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Tambourine
by
Tambourine Image
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 8 Ratings

  • Summary: George Drakoulias produced this sophomore release for the singer-songwriter, who garnered praise for her 2002 debut 'Bramble Rose.' Here, she adds some Muscle Shoals-style soul to her roots and country repertoire.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    91
    Merritt's voice is a magical combination of cool reserve and effortless warmth. [20/27 Aug 2004, p.123]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. AllMusic
    90
    Tambourine is a remarkably mature, confident, and commanding release that defines then rides its groove with no low points.
  3. Billboard
    90
    Finds her pushing her already considerable talents to new heights.
  4. PopMatters
    80
    Merritt is all over the place on this album, but the songs cohere into a single artistic statement marked by consistent craftsmanship and passionate performance.
  5. Pitchfork
    73
    Merritt has a long way to go before she runs the risk of being mistaken for A-league stars like Emmylou Harris and Dusty Springfield. But that we can speculate about her one day achieving that status is itself a tremendous compliment.
  6. Rolling Stone
    70
    There's not a dud among the dozen tracks. [16 Sep 2004, p.81]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. Blender
    40
    Sturdy (and bland) anthems built on overused U2 chords and several barnstorming R&B vamps notable for thowback horn riffs and Aretha Franklin-style backing vocals. [Sep 2004, p.138]
    All this publication's reviews

See all 11 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. Bob
    Mar 8, 2005
    10
    After reading top reviews in USA Today and Time, thought I woud check what all the praise was about. What a wonderful voice and vocal After reading top reviews in USA Today and Time, thought I woud check what all the praise was about. What a wonderful voice and vocal selections. No surprise that she was up for album of the year and would have been deserving of the award.… Expand
  2. RobM
    Dec 14, 2004
    10
    Give or take Lari White's "Green Eyed Soul," this is my favourite album of the year. I'm a big fan of Maria McKee (especially her Give or take Lari White's "Green Eyed Soul," this is my favourite album of the year. I'm a big fan of Maria McKee (especially her work with Drakoulias), and I also like Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, so this represents a killer combination. Drakoulias production, Merritt's songs and vocals, Maria on backing vox, and Mike Campbell on guitars. Superb.… Expand
  4. ChrisK
    Feb 7, 2005
    10
    I love the way she puts her all into the songs. I never heard of her until they played her video (good hearted man) on CMT I love that song I love the way she puts her all into the songs. I never heard of her until they played her video (good hearted man) on CMT I love that song so much that i have my cd on repeat all the time, i thought she was country and checked with rcord shops to stores and they couldn't even find her, so i looked up her bio on CMT and found out that she's not country, but i say her songs are in every catagory, i did find her in the R&B section of walmart, her sight is not compatible with webtv so i searched and found this sight, i'll have to get her other albums, have heard them yet.… Collapse
  5. MarkE
    Sep 24, 2004
    9
    Great tunes and a welcome upstep from Bramble Rose. Developing more as a songwriter, great vocals, great muscianship. One awesome performer Great tunes and a welcome upstep from Bramble Rose. Developing more as a songwriter, great vocals, great muscianship. One awesome performer in person. Her energy, enthusiasm, and work ethic are all very well represented. She works very hard at her vocation and it is apparent in her shows. She is a stunning person in every sense of the word. Not only cute but personable and very, very talented. Don't miss her in person if you have the chance… Expand
  6. AndyS
    Feb 21, 2005
    9
    As good as this album is, it doesn't capture how good she is live. An outstanding voice, Tift shows her breadth on this one. Buy it and As good as this album is, it doesn't capture how good she is live. An outstanding voice, Tift shows her breadth on this one. Buy it and you'll be telling your friends about her too.… Expand
  7. JeffZ
    Sep 1, 2004
    8
    The Dusty in Memphis comparisons are obvious, but not misplaced. Tambourine represents a welcome branching out for Tift Merritt, who can no The Dusty in Memphis comparisons are obvious, but not misplaced. Tambourine represents a welcome branching out for Tift Merritt, who can no longer be considered just another alt country chanteuse. If you liked old Lone Justice or Maria McKee albums (Maria, incidentally, sings backup on this, and I believe used Merritt's producer as well), pick this up, you won't regret it.… Expand

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