Truelove's Gutter
by Richard Hawley
  • Record Label: Mute
  • Release Date: Sep 22, 2009
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. AllMusic
    90
    It is quietly passionate, graceful, elegant, utterly moving, and unequivocally beautiful in its honesty and sophistication. He's realized an ambition here that is artful and singular.
  2. musicOMH.com
    80
    Truelove's Gutter is yet another showcase for Hawley's subtle genius. Every sound on the album, from the notes to the vocals, is warming and rich with sensations.
  3. Pitchfork
    67
    An album like this, filled with longing and a bit of resignation, may be an uneasy fit for today's mood of uncertainty and diminished opportunities. Hawley's mined a specific vein of emotion for years, and it's a testament to his skill that his hyper-local focus maintains such a broad appeal.
  5. The Guardian
    80
    Ghostly cries from the musical saw and ondes Martenot bring an element of eeriness and adventure--yet it's hard to escape a niggling feeling that Hawley is here polishing a formula, even falling back on cliche, in his continuing quest to make the local and homely sound lushly romantic.
  6. Urb
    80
    Truelove’s Gutter is a winner for his fans.
  7. Drowned In Sound
    70
    As a whole it's a musically and lyrically a beautiful reflection on the less than smooth course life can take. But it is not recommended listening if you’re going through a rough break-up or are feeling generally sad, unless weeping yourself senseless is your aim.
  8. Q Magazine
    80
    Truelove's Gutter is a beautiful album. [Oct 2009, p.113]
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  9. Dot Music
    80
    With Truelove's Gutter, Hawley stands at the other side of his beloved city's bridge, leading the charge for the welcome return of pop that demands your full attention to get the best out of it.
  10. PopMatters
    80
    From what initially seemed like a limited palette, Richard Hawley has produced a masterpiece of tonal space that demands full concentration.
  11. Filter
    80
    Truelove's Gutter ranks right up there with the rest of his vastly underrated catalog; it's as ambitious as it is simple, elegant as it is morose. [Fall 2009, p.92]
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  12. Mojo
    80
    The alien instrumentation here is systematic rather than fundamental--atmospheric colour that shows Hawley's current mindset rather than confirming some fundamental musical shift. [Oct 2009, p.94]
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  13. Under The Radar
    80
    Hawley has masterfully crafted a sparse and darker affair that proves to be his most challenging set to date. [Fall 2009, p.62]
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  14. Delusions of Adequacy
    80
    Hawley has made an exceptionally perfect album with Truelove’s Gutter: it’s endearing, uplifting and absolutely beautiful, what else could you ask for?
  15. Tiny Mix Tapes
    70
    Truelove’s Gutter abandons the lush strings and complex production of previous work for a more straightforward style, and the results bring to mind the honest, plainspoken albums that Cash and Jones recorded in the mid-70s.
  16. Prefix Magazine
    80
    The album is a crumbling beauty.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 16 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 16
  3. Negative: 1 out of 16
  1. tonyboydell
    Apr 16, 2019
    10
    Goodness but I am rather obsessed with Richard Hawley's Truelove's Gutter. Sublime, immersive, gorgeous and melancholy. With a lemon twist.Goodness but I am rather obsessed with Richard Hawley's Truelove's Gutter. Sublime, immersive, gorgeous and melancholy. With a lemon twist. How did I come to this so late?! Superb!… Full Review »
  2. Ricko
    Apr 24, 2012
    8
    The follow up to his masterpiece "Coles Corner", True Loves Gutter is as dark and sad sounding as it's title would hint. Unlike the mostlyThe follow up to his masterpiece "Coles Corner", True Loves Gutter is as dark and sad sounding as it's title would hint. Unlike the mostly short and to the point tracks on it's predecessor, the majority of the songs on here are quite long. There's not much to smile about - be warned, this isn't Monday morning music, but it is a beautiful record all the same. Fans of Hawley will appreciate it, newcomers might find Coles Corner an easier introduction.… Full Review »
  3. SigmarP
    Oct 19, 2009
    10
    His best. His classic.
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