To The Races
by Eric Bachmann
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

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  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 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 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.… Expand
  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 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.
  3. StevenG
    Sep 6, 2006
    9
    This really is a powerful album.
  4. JohnN
    Sep 1, 2006
    10
    A stellar and moody performance. Bachmann stripped away noise moving from the legendary Archers of Loaf, to the folktacular Crooked Fingers, but this album is even more minamalistic than CF. The lyrics are powerful and intimate, yet still empty. Nobody can make a cliche mean as many different things as Bachmann. Man-O-War is chilling and captivating, while the title track invokes feelings A stellar and moody performance. Bachmann stripped away noise moving from the legendary Archers of Loaf, to the folktacular Crooked Fingers, but this album is even more minamalistic than CF. The lyrics are powerful and intimate, yet still empty. Nobody can make a cliche mean as many different things as Bachmann. Man-O-War is chilling and captivating, while the title track invokes feelings of a Gypsy carnival under a barely crimson sky. A incredible journey.… Expand
  5. [Anonymous]
    Aug 27, 2006
    9
    The evolution of Eric Bachmann as one of the great songwriters in recent years continues... on par with his best work and destined to become a classic! Standout tracks include the staggeringly intense "Man O' War" and the poignant "Carrboro Woman."

Critic Reviews

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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. Filter
    92
    You want this album. [#21, p.98]
  2. NOW Magazine
    80
    With folky guitar picking, lush harmonies and sophisticated melodies, this album is a must-have for all of Bachmann's fans.
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  3. Prefix Magazine
    80
    As with Icky Mettle and then with Crooked Fingers, Bachmann once again has provided a taut and startling proper debut; his writing feels completely reenergized.
    Read full review
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