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Washington Square Serenade
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Washington Square Serenade Image
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 15 Ratings

  • Summary: Steve Earle's latest album features his wife Allison Moorer, as well as the Brazilian group Forro in the Dark.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 25
  3. Negative: 1 out of 25
  1. The A.V. Club
    91
    An angry Steve Earle is something to behold, but watch out for the man when he's in love.
  2. NOW Magazine
    80
    Accompanying his gruff voice with a bleary-eyed strum, he's probably more potent and alive on Serenade than many would expect.
  3. Billboard
    80
    Serenade is most compelling when Earle snarls in his irrefutable way at Middle East warmakers ('Jericho Road') and rural drug pushers ('Oxycontin Blues').
  4. Hot Press
    75
    Washington Square Serenade is another substantial chapter in what looks like becoming an epic songbook.
  5. Lost At Sea
    64
    All things considered, Washington Square Serenade is a bit nonchalant by Earle's standards.
  6. Rolling Stone
    60
    Production by Dust Brother John King notwithstanding, it impacts just like any other Steve Earle record--lyrics first.
  7. Under The Radar
    30
    Washington Square Serenade is an utterly unlistenable failure. [Fall 2007, p.87]
    All this publication's reviews

See all 25 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. RichR.
    Sep 27, 2007
    9
    I love Steve Earle and his music, and nobody out there, for me, comes close to his ability to convey his emotions in such a literate, I love Steve Earle and his music, and nobody out there, for me, comes close to his ability to convey his emotions in such a literate, lyrical, and melodic manner. This album is full of great songs; all of his albums are full of great songs. He's one of America's most intelligent and soulful performers. He reminds me a little of Keith: with all the s*** he's put himself through, he probably should have been dead a long time ago, but he just gets better as he gets older. So, last but not least, I think he needs to do something with his hair, but I love him anyway.… Expand
  2. GeorgeB.
    Sep 28, 2007
    8
    Another fine recording from one of the most underated songwriters out there. Steve's biggest sin is is consistency, another fine Another fine recording from one of the most underated songwriters out there. Steve's biggest sin is is consistency, another fine recording with heartfelt lyrics underpinned with folk, rock, and beats.… Expand
  4. BrandonS.
    Sep 28, 2007
    7
    Much better on the third listen than the first. He's definitely not at the peak we saw him at from Train A Comin' through Jerusalem Much better on the third listen than the first. He's definitely not at the peak we saw him at from Train A Comin' through Jerusalem (Transcendental blues is a masterpiece among masterpieces), but Steve's an incredible songwriter, and this set is pretty solid. His sense of melody isn't quite as sharp here as on previous albums, but it definitely delivers the goods in a number of ways.… Collapse

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