To The Races
by Eric Bachmann
Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. Paste Magazine
    60
    Gone is the orchestral saturation that sometimes bogged down Crooked Fingers, replaced by gnomic acoustic folk that's stark to the point of nudity. [Oct 2006, p.84]
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  2. PopMatters
    60
    The main problem is that, after about seven tracks of this stuff, it grows a bit repetitive.
  3. Spin
    50
    It's easy to miss the bright counterweight that has kept his old-soul melancholy afloat in the past. [Sep 2006, p.100]
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  5. Stylus Magazine
    42
    To the Races isn’t that bad. Bachmann’s just so much better.
  6. Under The Radar
    40
    The album simply lacks the spark of his best work. [#15]
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  7. Uncut
    40
    Bachmann's gruff uniformity is, in the end, difficult to love. [Dec 2006, p.101]
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User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 6 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. JeremyF
    Sep 14, 2007
    5
    OK. While "Man O' War" is on my top 10 songs of 2006, this album as a whole is nothing spectacular. Some very good guitar playing OK. While "Man O' War" is on my top 10 songs of 2006, this album as a whole is nothing spectacular. Some very good guitar playing throughout, and soft, easy-listening vocals are enchanting, but the songs blur into a plodding-along feel, and it can't keep my pinned for longer than two or three songs. Despite the one breathtakingly magnificent number, this album fails to capture me the way intimate acoustic records should.… Full Review »
  2. DanielL
    Oct 4, 2006
    10
    A kind of songwriting that just plain doesn't exist anymore. Half 1930's range balladeer, half somber meditation. The bare A kind of songwriting that just plain doesn't exist anymore. Half 1930's range balladeer, half somber meditation. The bare presentation is a reflection of the album's honesty, and the density of the cello, violin, and backing vocals are like an ocean, upon which you can float, feeling emotionally empowered just by listening. Truly wonderful and unique.… Full Review »
  3. StevenG
    Sep 6, 2006
    9
    This really is a powerful album.
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