The Confessions of St. Ace - John Wesley Harding
Metascore
77 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 8
  2. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. Without a doubt the best Elvis Costello record that Costello never recorded.... wistfully irresistible pop confections filled with effervescent melodies and clever lyrical wordplay.
  2. His latest release pops to life with the Beatlesque piano beat of "Humble Bee" and maintains a buoyant atmosphere throughout.
  3. The lyricism is, as always, witty, wry, and full of cleverly deployed twists, along with literary and cultural allusions and smart metaphors...
  4. It is one of his best in years and is filled with witty, thoughtful songwriting and polished instrumentation that works together to make a seamless album, engaging the listener.
  5. Harding has streamlined his lyrics and placed them in taut, soulful settings à la John Hiatt...
  6. 70
    Through the first three songs, Confessions sounds for all the world like the masterpiece John Wesley Harding has seemed unwilling to make throughout the detours and bypasses his career has taken since his magnificent 1990 debut.... Unfortunately, he has a difficult time reaching those heights again. [#47, p.97]
  7. St. Ace is as quotable as it is catchy, with production that stays just on the safe side of lush and a sound that's eager to win the audience Harding has never quite found.
  8. Unfortunately, Harding misses more than he hits.... musically most of the tracks sound forced and untrue.
User Score

Universal acclaim- based on 4 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. JeffreyH.
    10
    Catchy melodies, and rhythyms... clever, ultimately open-ended lyrics invite many listenings. Bravo!
  2. Maribelle
    8
    This reminds me a lot of here comes the groom and the name above the title. I am more partial to his acoustic leanings, yet the more produced sound does not detract from his witty and clever revelations-(and anywayhis eloquent lyricist's side always was my favorite slice of Wes) Full Review »
  3. RobbyM.
    8
    Possibly Harding's best effort yet! Full of great hooks, and wry song writing. Harding's songwrinting has matured without becoming dull or pretensious. Full Review »