The Harrow and the Harvest - Gillian Welch
The Harrow and the Harvest Image
Metascore
85 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 28 Critics What's this?

User Score
7.5 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 15 Ratings

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0 out of 10
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  • Summary: Eight years after her last release, the country-folk singer releases new material.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 28
  3. Negative: 0 out of 28
  1. Mojo
    Nov 22, 2011
    100
    Sparely and intuitively performed, it's simply excellent. [Aug. 2011, p. 94]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. Q Magazine
    Aug 8, 2011
    80
    As a whole, The Harrow and the Harvest maintains a singular mood and sense of atmosphere -- its terrain, musically and emotionally, is stark and bleak but beautiful. [Aug. 2011, p. 118]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. cokemachineglow
    Nov 10, 2011
    80
    Its overcast may be thick like a dustbowl, but well-placed rays of light make this record an especially accomplished return.
  4. The A.V. Club
    Jun 28, 2011
    58
    Relaxed and steady-a little too much.

See all 28 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. NormII
    10
    All I can say about this album is that "Dark Turn of Mind" may be the finest country song released in the past 30 years. And it would never get played on "country" radio. Their loss! And the other songs on this album almost keep up. Which is to say they are great.… Collapse
  2. ekolite82
    10
    Love her voice in this. What a voice. And her songs on this make me drift off to a place that seems not so far away that I want to stay forever. I would love to see her live. I would say this is one of the best I have heard of her releases to my ears. Very nice work.… Expand
  3. themostbrian
    10
    A magnificent return to form for Welch and Rawlings. Those who criticize this album its minimalism and simplicity just don't get it. Welch and Rawlings have tapped into a rich vein of pastoral Americana roots that is almost NECESSARILY minimalist. 'The Harrow & The Harvest' is a brilliant amalgamation of beautifully fragile melodies, astutely sparse acoustic instrumentation and some of the best harmonies around.… Expand
  4. GagaForGhibli
    8
    This Album Is Dark And Spooky..
    Not What I Really 100% Wanted But It's Good..

See all 8 User Reviews

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