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Upland Stories Image
Metascore
87

Universal acclaim - based on 12 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
4.2

Mixed or average reviews- based on 66 Ratings

  • Summary: The latest release for the singer-songwriter features contributions from Shad Cobb, Flatlanders guitarist Robbie Gjersoe, Alex Hall, Wayne Horvitz, Fats Kaplin, Todd Phillips, Jenny Scheinman, and was recorded by Steve Albini.
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In Daddy's car with three stoned friends and a fake ID, fresh out of school, not a care in the world at all, in my eighteen's summer life never was... See the rest of the song lyrics
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 12
  2. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. May 13, 2016
    100
    He may not be looking to “kill Saturday night” anymore but, with Upland Stories, Fulks has composed songs that are richer and more rewarding.
  2. Mar 30, 2016
    100
    This is a masterful album, replete with wonderful stories and fully drawn characters.
  3. May 19, 2016
    91
    With his old-timey Upland Stories, Fulks matures into an important voice.
  4. Mar 31, 2016
    80
    He understands these lessons have been learned by every generation and is part of the traditions from which we have emerged. His artistry lies in how he does it, with talent, humor, and grace.
  5. Mojo
    Apr 27, 2016
    80
    Musically it is more diverse [than Gone Away Backward] and his literary influences are to the fore. [Jun 2016, p.91]
  6. Mar 31, 2016
    80
    As spare and gently satisfying as a warm spring afternoon, Upland Stories is a reminder that the brilliance of Gone Away Backward was no fluke, and that in his mid-fifties, Robbie Fulks is only getting better, both as a songwriter and as a recording artist. Highly recommended.
  7. 60
    Robbie Fulks at 53 might be a kinder, gentler version of the rascal of old, but one who has perfected balancing touching, reflective ruminations and a sardonic outlook with effortless aplomb.

See all 12 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. Jun 4, 2016
    10
    I've been a fan of Robbie's since the late 1990s, and I have to say this is probably his best album he's ever released. He is in peak form.I've been a fan of Robbie's since the late 1990s, and I have to say this is probably his best album he's ever released. He is in peak form. It's a mature work that still shows his sly sense of humor (see: "Aunt Peg's New Old Man") and yet delves into deep themes like mortality and redemption. Excellent playing by top notch musicians throughout. Do yourself a favor and see Robbie live if you can, but this record is the closest thing to that experience. A real beauty. Expand
  2. Jun 13, 2019
    10
    In a perfect world, Robbie Fulks would be crowned the king of country music. He’s the pure product of America gone crazy. His writes marvelousIn a perfect world, Robbie Fulks would be crowned the king of country music. He’s the pure product of America gone crazy. His writes marvelous story songs that mine traditional styles and show a keen understanding of the changes in our personal, social, and historical lives. He’s a virtuoso acoustic guitar player and a terrific singer who knows how to hit an emotional note without affectation. He lets the strings and the lyrics speak for themselves... Expand
  3. Dec 4, 2016
    9
    This is truly one masterpiece in traditional, or Americana country music. Consisting of twelve different life stories, Robbie Fulks sings themThis is truly one masterpiece in traditional, or Americana country music. Consisting of twelve different life stories, Robbie Fulks sings them aloud with simple but not superficial words. I feel the true heart of one father in "Need", smell the taste of country life in "Alabama at Night", try to grasp a sense of family relationships in "Aunt Peg's New Old Man"... The keyword here is truth, the truth of life. Bittersweet, complex, passing by within a blink of the eyes. It seems like lacking some kind of aggregate concept at the first ear, but the emotions flowing underneath the rhythm are so touching and impressive that you might forget the surface thing. Expand
  4. May 23, 2016
    8
    Well-crafted and well-written, this album is neither brash nor boring. Taking inspiration from a variety of literary influences, this is trulyWell-crafted and well-written, this album is neither brash nor boring. Taking inspiration from a variety of literary influences, this is truly an intelligent country album. Expand