The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter
by Josh Ritter
  • Record Label: Sony
  • Release Date: Aug 21, 2007
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. Pitchfork
    57
    These songs rarely sound lived in or personable; rather, they're more like museum dioramas where he can pose figures like Calamity Jane, Casey Jones, and Casey at the Bat in stiff tableaux.
  2. Mojo
    60
    HIs essential charm flows through raise-a-glass choruses tinged with melancholy. [Oct 2007, p.91]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. New Musical Express (NME)
    60
    The urge to dislike Josh Ritter is somewhat overwhelming. But, like a diseased puppy with an adorable smile, it's just impossible to take him out back with Pa's shotgun because he still has an ear for a good tune--even if it is one of Dylan's.
  5. Under The Radar
    50
    Josh Ritter returns with a sloppier, less streamlined record. [Summer 2007, p.91]
    All this publication's reviews

Awards & Rankings

87
#87 Best Album of 2007
94
#94 Most Shared Album of 2007

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 40 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 37 out of 40
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 40
  3. Negative: 3 out of 40
  1. Dstrahs
    Apr 25, 2012
    10
    Strongest Josh Ritter album, I love every song on it. It is one of the few albums I can listen to the entire album at one and repeatedly. HisStrongest Josh Ritter album, I love every song on it. It is one of the few albums I can listen to the entire album at one and repeatedly. His use of variations on a single chord structure makes for a great musical coloration. Rapid fire lyrics on the first track are very impressive. One of the best lyricists today.… Full Review »
  2. Ricko
    Feb 2, 2012
    8
    Josh Ritters 5th studio album keeps to the high standards he's set out so far in his career. This is probably is biggest attempt at breakingJosh Ritters 5th studio album keeps to the high standards he's set out so far in his career. This is probably is biggest attempt at breaking into the mainstream radio market. A lot of the songs have been polished here and you definitely get the feeling that a record company had more of an influence here than on any other record. It has some great pop songs and overall is very good, however I'm glad that on the follow up to this - "So Runs the World Away" he went back to the more folky sound.… Full Review »
  3. TheDaveHimself
    Aug 6, 2011
    8
    There are some great songs on here. There's no denying that. As for an album, it's a little all over the place, but still.. fantastic. "TheThere are some great songs on here. There's no denying that. As for an album, it's a little all over the place, but still.. fantastic. "The Temptation of Adam" might be Ritter's best song. Ever.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »