Upland Stories
by Robbie Fulks
Metascore
87

Universal acclaim - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. Blurt Magazine
    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. Country Weekly
    Mar 30, 2016
    100
    This is a masterful album, replete with wonderful stories and fully drawn characters.
  3. Paste Magazine
    May 19, 2016
    91
    With his old-timey Upland Stories, Fulks matures into an important voice.
  5. Exclaim
    Apr 5, 2016
    90
    What's impressive is how well integrated these Agee-inspired tunes are with their more modern cousins.
  6. Magnet
    Mar 30, 2016
    90
    It’s one of his best, a stunner that knocks you out without raising its voice. [No. 129, p.55]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. Spin
    Jun 10, 2016
    80
    Twenty years later, he returns with Upland Stories, and the prolific singer-songwriter has never sounded better.
  8. 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]
    All this publication's reviews
  9. AllMusic
    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.
  10. PopMatters
    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.
  11. Uncut
    Mar 30, 2016
    80
    The writing, revealing literary influences and the deep, weird old America depicted by, say, Merle Kilgore, is astute, while stripped-down, archaic Appalachian arrangements play tricks with time. [May 2016, p.73]
    All this publication's reviews
  12. Austin Chronicle
    Mar 30, 2016
    78
    A continuation of the warm folk, fiddle, and banjo style of 2013's Gone Away Backward, here Fulks continues proving he's one of music's best song craftsmen.
  13. American Songwriter
    Apr 4, 2016
    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.

Awards & Rankings

11
#11 Best Album of 2016

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
4.2

Mixed or average reviews- based on 66 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 66
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 66
  3. Negative: 36 out of 66
  1. Coal
    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.… Full Review »
  2. wilcojunkie
    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.… Full Review »
  3. JollyRae16
    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...… Full Review »
See all user reviews »