The Beast in Its Tracks - Josh Ritter
The Beast in Its Tracks Image
Metascore
78 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.0 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 5 Ratings

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  • Summary: The seventh full-length studio release from the singer-songwriter was written after his divorce from his wife, singer Dawn Landes.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. Absolute Punk (Staff reviews)
    Mar 20, 2013
    85
    The Beast in Its Tracks wouldn’t be a Josh Ritter album without at least a few home-runs, and luckily, the hits here are plentiful.
  2. American Songwriter
    Apr 3, 2013
    80
    The Beast In Its Tracks is a gracious, relentlessly honest, post-breakup record.
  3. Q Magazine
    Apr 10, 2013
    80
    Ritter's seventh album may not be quite the same league as Dylan's masterpiece, but post his own divorce it does contain all the same edgy recrimination and pain. [May 2013, p.109]
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  4. Under The Radar
    Mar 22, 2013
    55
    Despite the minimal aura throughout, luminous field recordings of Ritter's current girlfriend and concrete scene setting keep this LP from devolving into a series of narrow-minded, scribbled diary entries. [Mar-Apr 2013, p.106]
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User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. triplebogey
    8
    As a long time Josh Ritter fan, I really enjoy this album. It is clearly the most personal of any previous album and anyone who has experienced heartbreak will relate. An easy listen from start to finish which gets better every time through; "Hopeful" stood out as the track I will keep coming back for, but the rest also remind me why I anticipate all of Josh's offerings.… Collapse
  2. BKM
    8
    Josh Ritter's latest album is easily his most personal to date as he uses the 13 tracks here to mull over the end of old relationships and the beginnings of new ones. The material isn't quite as emotionally wrenching as expected given the source material (Ritter's divorce) but the lyrics are still vivid and poetic and his ear for melodies remains as strong as ever.… Expand
  3. Djorchid
    6
    Wonderful album. It makes me wonder how anyone couldn't enjoy his music. This album is more classic Ritter than his last two albums. Josh demonstrates his world class song writing ability coupled with vocals that are therapy for the ears.… Expand

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