The Beautiful Lie
by Ed Harcourt
  • Record Label: Dovecote
  • Release Date: Jun 3, 2008
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 12 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 12
  3. Negative: 2 out of 12

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  1. RJ
    Oct 24, 2006
    10
    Absolutely amazing album...new listeners might take some time to warm up to Harcourt's brooding style, but the songs on this album display his sincerity and dramatic flair that has become sort of trademarks of his. This is Harcourt's most complete album to date. Buy it. Listen to it.
  2. MattA.
    Jul 13, 2006
    9
    I have never gotten the critics lukewarm reaction to Harcourt's albums. While his lyrics haven't always been the best, his music and melodies have always been innovative and beautiful. This album is no different, and it is lyrically his best album to date. This guy deserves better than the so-called critics are giving him.
  3. SamR
    Jul 11, 2006
    9
    Ignore the mixed reviews and get this album. beautiful voice, beautiful harmonies, beautiful songs. 'revolution in my heart' is worth the cover charge alone.
  4. RennieM
    Jul 13, 2006
    9
    More 8.5, but a very very strong album... The end of "you always call me when your drunk" is a little unnecessary, but besides that its a stronger album then here be Monsters and right up there with From Every Sphere... With more listens it could possibly be his best. Ignore the critics!!

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
67

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 15
  3. Negative: 1 out of 15
  1. Dot Music
    50
    "The Beautiful Lie" isn't without its merits but their appearances are few and far between.
    Read full review
  2. Drowned In Sound
    60
    Despite all of the ingredients for a great album being present, it just doesn’t ignite, perhaps due to the unmoving, maudlin stance from which it is all delivered.
    Read full review
  3. Mojo
    80
    Marvellous. [Jul 2006, p.106]
See all critic reviews »