Van Lear Rose
by Loretta Lynn
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 141 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 118 out of 141
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 141
  3. Negative: 17 out of 141

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  1. clem666
    Jun 22, 2023
    6
    I guess there are things about country music only americans can enjoy. Because I don't know about this one.
    Of course Loretta Lynn tackles issues like never before, addressing new themes in original way. Of course making records for a woman of her condition and era is a miracle, the proof of terrific fights, devotion and abnegation. Of course the production of this album is amazing. It is    I guess there are things about country music only americans can enjoy. Because I don't know about this one.
    Of course Loretta Lynn tackles issues like never before, addressing new themes in original way. Of course making records for a woman of her condition and era is a miracle, the proof of terrific fights, devotion and abnegation. Of course the production of this album is amazing. It is incredible that she harvested the credit she deserves.
    But to me it is lacking some things... First I found the lyrics and storytelling quite poor and redundant ('High on a Mountain' or 'Trouble on the Line' for example). Songs are often a compilation of three or four verses of two or three lines only, and lines that don't bring much content. In addition to that, some tracks are jut weird in their construction and/or storytelling, as 'Little Red Shoes' may be.
    It's still entertaining, but it's far from revolutionizing music as the critics would have us believe.    … Expand
  2. axel_bogay
    Jan 24, 2018
    10
    I've always loved Loretta - I'm a big country fan all around. But there's something about her story, her perseverance, the clever simplicity of her song writing, and her vocal phrasing - it all works to perfection. The emotion and nostalgia that she is able to portray with her voice is incredible.

    This album marked a return after her husband died in 1996, and introduced her to a whole    I've always loved Loretta - I'm a big country fan all around. But there's something about her story, her perseverance, the clever simplicity of her song writing, and her vocal phrasing - it all works to perfection. The emotion and nostalgia that she is able to portray with her voice is incredible.

    This album marked a return after her husband died in 1996, and introduced her to a whole new generation. It moves from alt country, to bluesy Americana, Appalachian mountain music to bluegrass effortlessly. She wrote every song on the album, and the standout - Portland, Oregon - with Jack White.

    My favourite track is the title - Van Lear Rose. You can picture the story within the story, and just get carried away to another place. I really couldn't recommend it enough.

    Jack White offers a superb production - leaving Loretta's voice to shine for the most part, but giving her a very modern turn.

    It won the Grammy for Best Country Album, and was a very deserved winner. Loretta recently had a stroke and fractured her hip - she's 85yo. I hope she is around for a few years yet as she's got at least 5 albums of material she's recorded over the past few years to release.    … Expand
  3. YungZulu
    Mar 23, 2015
    0
    Gay boy honky tonky wonky juggalo hippity clink clank wopperjiggy trash. I did not like this album. The songwriting is not gripping and I cry at the bad production.
  4. IxatA.
    Sep 19, 2007
    10
    Loretta Lynn's Van Lear Rose surpasses all of my favorite artists' album(and that includes bjork and white's band)... miss being mrs and portland oregon are just exceptional.
  5. SamanthaB
    Apr 5, 2007
    10
    great CD!!! I love it! I am 21 and this CD is awesome for any age.
  6. RICKC
    Mar 16, 2007
    10
    LORETTA LYNN RULES! She proved once again why she is THE "Queen of Country Music" The Grammy voters must agree as she won Country Album of the Year and Best Vocal Collobration with Vocals with Jack White. Long live the "Queen of COUNTRY"!
  7. Chatto
    Feb 26, 2007
    10
    An amazing album. Normally I can't stand country music, but this is just so impressive.
  8. TheReverend
    Feb 21, 2007
    10
    Comeback albums are not supposed to be this good.
  9. Heather.
    Nov 12, 2006
    10
    Loretta is simply the best and so is this CD.
  10. BjFBjF
    Oct 3, 2006
    6
    Average.
  11. SammieD
    Sep 25, 2006
    10
    Big H and Steve S deserve a hard slap to the forehead. No body asked you to be here anyway. Go back home and listen to your Puff Daddy records or whatever the hell else you think is cool. Fat asses!
  12. NickM
    May 22, 2006
    10
    Loretta Lynn is an absolutly amazing legend of country music, and delivers an outstanding cd. She is a timeless classic who's music can prevail and suceed in any era.
  13. Amanda
    Mar 24, 2006
    9
    You can sure hear Jack White's influences throughout this album. Never thought I'd like it, but I actually love this album.
  14. Petra
    Nov 11, 2005
    10
    There'll never be another Loretta. People like her keeps the real country alive. There ain't lot of 'em but they're very special folks. This ain't about money, bussiness or anything like that. This is about heart and real feelings and if you can't appreciate it you better keep your hands off it.
  15. BigHuh
    Sep 11, 2005
    0
    Tries desperately to be hip and modern--and succeeds. Just about as well as your grandmother.
  16. SteveS
    Sep 11, 2005
    0
    That this album was ever released is proof positive that there is no God.
  17. MikeA
    May 6, 2005
    10
    Wow... (did I say wow? I mean't WOW!!!)
  18. TrentS
    Apr 13, 2005
    8
    Is it a great CD? Sure, I'd say that 80 percent of the songs are great. The problem I had personally: They are all so SHORT! And there are only around 10 or so tracks......but most of 'em are good songs.
  19. ChrisK.
    Mar 26, 2005
    10
    Sheer brilliance!
  20. TG
    Feb 17, 2005
    10
    Inventive and original. Pure fun.
  21. Jari
    Feb 17, 2005
    10
    Hypnotic and joyful. An incredibly smooth blend of the old and new. Inventive arrangements and a classic voice. "Rose" makes an impression!
  22. A.Langendorfer
    Jan 29, 2005
    10
    I know some might think an album like this is trying too hard to be hip because it's so very "in" to resurrect older artists these days. But there's not a lot of room to criticize anything about Loretta Lynn's latest. So much heart, so much to mull over: lots of memories and lots of joy and pain and Lynn's voice is soulful and deep and her backup band gives the whole I know some might think an album like this is trying too hard to be hip because it's so very "in" to resurrect older artists these days. But there's not a lot of room to criticize anything about Loretta Lynn's latest. So much heart, so much to mull over: lots of memories and lots of joy and pain and Lynn's voice is soulful and deep and her backup band gives the whole thing such a dead-on perfect sound.… Expand
  23. ToddJ
    Dec 27, 2004
    10
    I have been an audiophile now for over 20 years...with over 3000 pieces of music in my collection, I have spanned generations and genres with my musical tastes and will confess that I am a huge fan of Loretta Lynn. In fact, I have amassed over 200 of her albums from all over the world. With the release of Van Lear Rose, I must say that Loretta has released, in my opinion, one of her best I have been an audiophile now for over 20 years...with over 3000 pieces of music in my collection, I have spanned generations and genres with my musical tastes and will confess that I am a huge fan of Loretta Lynn. In fact, I have amassed over 200 of her albums from all over the world. With the release of Van Lear Rose, I must say that Loretta has released, in my opinion, one of her best recordings in a stellar 40+ year career. This album is stunning....even the rambling Little Red Shoes is almost ethereal and hypnotic....for the individuals who reviewd this cd below, they have a right to their own opinions...but it appears as if they did not even listen to this album before posting their reviews...I mean, to complain that Sexy Kylie Minogue only received a 63..give me a break...Anyway, this album, in no way needs defending...A brilliant piece of work overlooked by mainstream country, which will be receiving my vote when the final Grammy ballots are released...… Expand
  24. RonnieS
    Sep 9, 2004
    10
    It is so refreshing to hear this kind of album. It is not over produced, but lets the strong voice of Loretta Lynn come through loud and clear. The lyrics are typically Loretta Lynn and are outstanding!
  25. JenniferH
    Sep 9, 2004
    10
    I Just Absolutely Love This Albulm I Think Its The Best Albulm Ever I Love Her Voice, She Has Got A Beautiful Voice, She Just Does An Awesome Job Singin On This Albulm.
  26. AnneT
    Sep 9, 2004
    10
    Absolutely wonderful album!! That's Loretta, all the way!!
  27. JakeC
    Aug 30, 2004
    10
    Speaking as an almost purely jazz and electronic music fan, I found it odd that this album (alt.country) is probably the best that I have purchased in the last year. Simply brilliant, scintillating, and emotionally heavy without tipping into sentimentality.
  28. ConwayT
    Aug 29, 2004
    10
    This compilation provides a new generation with the opportunity to listen to a true classic and legend. Nashville has been putting its founding fathers and mothers out to pasture for a long time and ironically it is the grunge rockers and alternative crowd that are giving them the respect that they deserve. Loretta Lynn was little more than someone that was paraded around during tributes, This compilation provides a new generation with the opportunity to listen to a true classic and legend. Nashville has been putting its founding fathers and mothers out to pasture for a long time and ironically it is the grunge rockers and alternative crowd that are giving them the respect that they deserve. Loretta Lynn was little more than someone that was paraded around during tributes, televsion specials, etc. I am glad to see (and hear) that Jack White realized that there was more to her than that. She reasserts herself as a superb songwriter and raw, powerful and talented vocalist. … Expand
  29. JohnS
    Aug 23, 2004
    10
    With this cd it is no telling why LORETTA is the Lady The Legend and America's Swetheart.. SHE REALLY BELTS THEM OUT and tells us all how it still is in the real world.. as always for LORETTA............
  30. GregS
    Aug 3, 2004
    9
    I have always preferred Patsy to Loretta and have never been a big fan. I still prefer Ms. Cline, but I am so impressed by this cd that I have a new respect for a true American original woman as well as the man helping to put her back in the spotlight.
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Awards & Rankings

2
#2 Best Album of 2004
25
#25 Most Discussed Album of 2004
12
#12 Most Shared Album of 2004

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
97

Universal acclaim - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 27
  3. Negative: 0 out of 27
  1. Dot Music
    80
    It’s not as remarkable a transformation as the one Rick Rubin performed on Johnny Cash, but this is a fine collection and as pleasurable a listen as it undoubtedly was to record.
    Read full review
  2. PopMatters
    90
    The fact that a woman of Lynn's tenure can slide so easily into what is essentially an alt-country environment without losing any of her down-home authenticity simply underscores her versatility and timelessness.
    Read full review
  3. cokemachineglow
    80
    White’s arrangements and production are simple and effective, clear without gloss.
    Read full review
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