The Old Magic
by Nick Lowe
  • Record Label: Yep Roc
  • Release Date: Sep 13, 2011
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
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  1. Rolling Stone
    Oct 25, 2011
    70
    Lowe's lyrical winks magnify his central truths. He's a cynical eye attached to a big heart.
  2. BBC Music
    Sep 28, 2011
    70
    On much of The Old Magic, he's Richard Hawley unplugged.
  3. Q Magazine
    Sep 21, 2011
    80
    Nicholas Drain Lowe, now 62, remains sweetly lethal with a tune. [Oct 2011, p.124]
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  5. PopMatters
    Sep 20, 2011
    80
    While some things may change, The Old Magic shows that not only does Lowe possess an acidic pen, he still has the ability to craft memorable, hummable tunes. For that, fans both old and new, should feel blessed.
  6. The A.V. Club
    Sep 20, 2011
    75
    The Old Magic doesn't burn with invention like Jesus Of Cool or Labour Of Lust, but it's a cheery reminder that the pilot light is still on for one of the brightest songwriters of the '70s.
  7. Blurt Magazine
    Sep 15, 2011
    100
    He's a modern master.
  8. Uncut
    Sep 14, 2011
    80
    The Old Magic won't do his reputation any harm. [Oct 2011, p.91]
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  9. Paste Magazine
    Sep 14, 2011
    85
    At 61 years of age-a time in life when many people begin to consider retirement-Nick Lowe has put out his best album in many years and more than three decades into his career, the British tunesmith may be just beginning to hit his stride.
  10. AllMusic
    Sep 14, 2011
    70
    Nick would benefit from getting his feathers a little ruffled -- just a smidgeon of the lean country-rock of The Impossible Bird would go a long way -- yet there's still plenty of charm in the old crooner.
  11. American Songwriter
    Sep 12, 2011
    70
    Nick Lowe continues to age gracefully and for those still yearning for the Basher of yesteryear, there's always the Labour of Lust reissue that came out earlier this year.
  12. musicOMH.com
    Sep 12, 2011
    80
    This series of albums has strongly suggested that Lowe is able to make the music he wishes to make, without any pressure of expectation or commercial improvement. Sometimes the old ones are the best.
  13. The Telegraph (UK)
    Sep 12, 2011
    80
    Nick Lowe is pop's master of pastiche, and this delightful collection of country bar-room and lounge ballads sounds like a game of spot the musical references.
  14. Spin
    Sep 12, 2011
    80
    Lowe's sexagenarian years have real sparkle.
  15. The Independent on Sunday (UK)
    Sep 12, 2011
    70
    The music treads a gingerly path between the lighter textures of honky-tonk and a sort of indie lounge-pop. Charming.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 5 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. gunther23
    Sep 20, 2011
    10
    Nick Lowe makes another great, interesting record. I enjoy everything from the production to the stories in the songs. While certainly in theNick Lowe makes another great, interesting record. I enjoy everything from the production to the stories in the songs. While certainly in the same space as The Convincer and At My Age, it's a welcome release in an era where crafting a record has become a lost art.… Full Review »
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