The Confessions of St. Ace
by John Wesley Harding
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. Splendid
    90
    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. Wall of Sound
    80
    The lyricism is, as always, witty, wry, and full of cleverly deployed twists, along with literary and cultural allusions and smart metaphors...
  3. AllMusic
    80
    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. Checkout.com
    80
    His latest release pops to life with the Beatlesque piano beat of "Humble Bee" and maintains a buoyant atmosphere throughout.
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  6. Sonicnet
    70
    Harding has streamlined his lyrics and placed them in taut, soulful settings à la John Hiatt...
  7. Magnet
    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]
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  8. The A.V. Club
    70
    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.

Awards & Rankings

54
#54 Best Album of 2000
78
#78 Most Discussed Album of 2000

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 5 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 1 out of 5
  1. JeffreyH.
    Nov 28, 2001
    10
    Catchy melodies, and rhythyms... clever, ultimately open-ended lyrics invite many listenings. Bravo!
  2. Maribelle
    Oct 26, 2001
    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 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.
    Aug 23, 2001
    8
    Possibly Harding's best effort yet! Full of great hooks, and wry song writing. Harding's songwrinting has matured without becoming 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 »
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