The Scene Of The Crime
by Bettye LaVette
  • Record Label: Anti
  • Release Date: Sep 25, 2007
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. 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.
  2. Spin
    60
    The indie Tina Turner follows up her tightly wound 2005 comeback, "I've Got My Own Hell to Raise," in the company of Drive-By Truckers and Muscle Shoals vets, whose mannered blues shuffles unfortunately sound like they're backing a beer commercial.
  3. The Guardian
    60
    Much as the self-righteous, take-me-as-I-am lyric suits her, it's a road she screeches down too often. Still, its magnetic moments make you glad she didn't just give up and get a day job.
  5. NOW Magazine
    40
    LaVette has little rapport with Hood, and her uneasiness interpreting his lyrics and the strange cover choices (Elton John's 'Talking Old Soldiers,' Willie Nelson's 'Somebody Pick Up My Pieces') comes through in every vocal performance.

Awards & Rankings

72
#72 Best Album of 2007

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 6 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 1 out of 6
  1. World&Music.gr
    Jan 6, 2008
    7
    It could had been better but who needs perfection when you have sensation?
  2. ChrisK
    Nov 25, 2007
    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 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.… Full Review »
  3. FredW.
    Oct 20, 2007
    10
    Astounding!
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