The River In Reverse
by Elvis Costello & Allen Toussaint
Metascore
78

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. musicOMH.com
    60
    It's good to see this album released, but whether the meeting between Costello and Toussaint has produced anything of greater note that their individual achievements, I'm not convinced.
  2. New Musical Express (NME)
    60
    A good album, in a well-produced way, but it's not as good or as important as it thinks it is. [24 Jun 2006, p.43]
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  3. Slant Magazine
    60
    The River In Reverse is a dark, passionate work that channels its rage toward redemptive joy.
  5. The New York Times
    60
    Mr. Toussaint's florid yet precise New Orleans piano, the way he can make a horn section laugh or sigh, and the stubborn idealism and canny humor of his songs temper Mr. Costello's convoluted earnestness.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 7 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. JedZep
    Aug 31, 2006
    9
    What a great pairing at any time but certainly sounds right and righteous in light of Katrina. Bears repeated listening all the way through. What a great pairing at any time but certainly sounds right and righteous in light of Katrina. Bears repeated listening all the way through. It covers a lot of musical ground while not straying far from New Orleans.… Full Review »
  2. MattK
    Jul 5, 2006
    10
    What a great collaboration. Top it off with a live performance and you've got the very best that music can offer. Costello's vocals What a great collaboration. Top it off with a live performance and you've got the very best that music can offer. Costello's vocals and Toussaints arrangements will live a long time.… Full Review »
  3. ImanL
    Jun 16, 2006
    8
    I dont know squat about Toussaint but Costello's best in years and years and years maybe since "For the Stars" (another collaboration: I dont know squat about Toussaint but Costello's best in years and years and years maybe since "For the Stars" (another collaboration: hmmmmmmmm). "Brother" is just plain great, title track masterful, and the playing livly and fun.… Full Review »
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