The Duel
by Allison Moorer
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 5 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5

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  1. charlesm
    Jan 17, 2005
    9
    This is the best I've heard of her so far, and one of the best albums of 2003. It creates an interesting world and it's hard to shake its vision once the disc stops spinning. Excellent sound, excellent voice. Wrenching, powerful stuff. Not a sour apple in the whole barrel. A 9.6!
  2. RobM
    Dec 14, 2004
    7
    I like Allison Moorer - I've got all her records, but I'm afraid I can't agree with the critics who say this is her best yet. Her best so far is her second album, "The Hardest Part," which is where new listeners should start. I love the sound of The Duel, and it's pretty good, but lacks the texture and tightness that would make it a great album. I admire her though, I like Allison Moorer - I've got all her records, but I'm afraid I can't agree with the critics who say this is her best yet. Her best so far is her second album, "The Hardest Part," which is where new listeners should start. I love the sound of The Duel, and it's pretty good, but lacks the texture and tightness that would make it a great album. I admire her though, she's a working musician with a working band just doing her thing, and I hope she gets to keep releasing records.… Expand
  3. DavidB
    May 11, 2004
    8
    There's a clutch of excellent songs on this album and any weaknesses are more than made up for by Allison's superb voice. Buy it!
  4. StormyL
    Apr 18, 2004
    10
    Best cd so far this year
  5. PatriciaB
    Apr 18, 2004
    9
    Allison takes us on an incredible journey with this album. If not one song really rips at your heart, you're dead!

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 14
  3. Negative: 1 out of 14
  1. Amazon.com
    90
    As with all great country music, exquisite execution, splendid sound, and depth of feeling combine to create a cathartic, redemptive result.
    Read full review
  2. The Guardian
    40
    The Duel finds her reversing, inexplicably, into a ponderous version of early-1970s country rock, which couldn't have been more perfectly designed to curb the potential of her wonderfully emotive voice.
    Read full review
  3. Mojo
    60
    When she opens her mouth, you get nothing but depressed. [Jun 2004, p.110]
See all critic reviews »