The Scene Of The Crime - Bettye LaVette
The Scene Of The Crime Image
Metascore
79 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critics What's this?

User Score
9.0 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 5 Ratings

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  • Summary: LaVette's latest features the Drive-By Truckers as her backing band.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    91
    Is there a more wrenching soul singer alive than Bettye LaVette? If so, keep it to yourself, because I'm too wrung out from The Scene of the Crime's intensity to take anything more emotionally potent.
  2. Uncut
    80
    There is nevertheless a supreme revitalisation of her deep-seated powers evident here. [Oct 2007, p.96]
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  3. Mojo
    80
    A strong contender for soul album of the year. [Oct 2007, p.98]
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  4. Rolling Stone
    60
    The songs here are well chosen--particularly Willie Nelson's 'Somebody Pick Up My Pieces' and the Ray Charles-associated 'They Call It Love'--and LaVette's nuanced singing evokes prime Tina Turner with even more command.

See all 18 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. FredW.
    10
    Astounding!
  2. donl.
    10
    Simply one of the best records released in 2007. Joe Henry is tough to beat as a producer (see 2005 Hell to Raise) and Patterson Hood doesn't but so what? Bettye LaVette sings like her life is on the line, every song, every note. This is intense music and well worth the listen. Essential.… Expand
  3. ChrisK
    8
    Listen once and you're almost stunned. Listen twice and the message grabs you. Listen three times and you realize that covers are more than just some singer singing an originally performed arrangement ... it's too bad we've lost the kind of stylizing that Bettye brings to this wonderful R&B / Classic Soul record. The Drive By Truckers drive the groove to near perfection for being a rock band.… Expand
  4. World&Music.gr
    7
    It could had been better but who needs perfection when you have sensation?

See all 5 User Reviews

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