The Road, Vol. 1
by UNKLE
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
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  1. Record Collector
    Oct 12, 2017
    60
    The first UNKLE album in seven years regresses towards bad old habits, its patchy pleasures often lacking the cohesive clout needed to sharpen its ambitions.
  2. The Guardian
    Aug 17, 2017
    60
    Today, the guest list--ranging from soul singer Eska to Tricky-like rapper Elliott Power--isn’t so starry, but it is effective, and Mark Lanegan delivers the strings-soaked symphonic goth of Looking for the Rain with typical aplomb.
  3. Mojo
    Aug 2, 2017
    60
    The Road Part 1 is described by Lavelle himself as having "a foot in modern London"--a link that is at best tenuous. As a melting pot of disparate ideas, however, it's frequently gorgeous. [Sep 2017, p.87]
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  5. Q Magazine
    Aug 2, 2017
    60
    In cinematic terms, not a bomb. But not a blockbuster, either. [Sep 2017, p.116]
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  6. Uncut
    Aug 2, 2017
    50
    The fifth album by the Mo Wac founder's creative collective doesn't quite cut the mustard. [Sep 2017, p.38]
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User Reviews

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User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 9 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. temptershell
    Sep 8, 2017
    7
    Beautiful songs like these from many years ago. Nostalgia with the electronic songs of various genres. It has been over 7 years and the newBeautiful songs like these from many years ago. Nostalgia with the electronic songs of various genres. It has been over 7 years and the new set of songs is a balm for my soul though not as intensely as Burn my shadow or Hold my hand songs.… Full Review »
  2. Enviro3
    Aug 20, 2017
    7
    It has been a long time since James Lavelle's UNKLE released an album, roughly 7 years. The result is a mixed bag of brilliance and boring.It has been a long time since James Lavelle's UNKLE released an album, roughly 7 years. The result is a mixed bag of brilliance and boring. Honestly, I am not sure who this album is aimed at? Is it for the electronica, rock, or ballad fans?

    The track listing shows 15 songs but really it is only 10 songs with 5 tracks having roughly 45 second spoken word. For me the highlight of the album is what I think James does better than anyone, and that is electronica. Arm's Length, Cowboys or Indians and the last half of Sonata are the glowing highlights with great beats, beautifully layered sounds and melodies, and smooth vocals with the verse and chorus. If the whole album was like this I'd give it a 10. If The Road part 1 didn't have some rock ties then it would no longer be UNKLE and more James Lavelle, I suppose. I personally love "UNKLE's" (.....really James Lavelle's) remixes of Mark Lanegan Band's "The Killing Season," London Grammar's "Hey Now," and The Duke Spirit's "Blue and Yellow Light." It's very rare that someone's remix is way, way better than the original. I suggest you check them out.

    Back the The Road Part 1, I have given the required 4 listens and I'm still bored by No Where to Run/Bandits, Stole Enough, and Sick Lullaby. I also think he picked the wrong singer for The Road. I don't think it's Eska's fault. It would be like picking Bob Dillon for Depeche Mode's Should Be Higher.

    The middle of the Road songs (no pun intended) are Sunrise, Farewell and Looking for the Rain, which are solid songs but not at the very top of my playlist.

    I am certainly looking forward to The Road's part 2 and 3 but I hope there is more electronica and less slow songs. Otherwise, I will be pining for the days when James Lavelle puts out another Global Underground.    … Full Review »
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