All That Reckoning
by Cowboy Junkies
  • Record Label: Latent
  • Release Date: Jul 13, 2018
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 19 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 19
  3. Negative: 3 out of 19
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  1. christodoulakis
    Jul 15, 2018
    10
    Cowboy Junkies are here again: the hypnotic and marvellous voice of Margo Timmins, the velvet "blue" and blues guitars from Michael Timmins, the slow-blooming basslines from Alan Anton and the cool drums from Peter Timmins. Songs for love, for forgiveness, for decisions, for life, for joy, for politics, for society.
    Welcome back Cowboy Junkies!
  2. charliequaker
    Feb 23, 2019
    10
    Honestly, it’s been so long since I’ve heard a Cowboy Junkies album that I had no idea they had this kind of fire left in them. After their first couple of albums in the late 80s, I pretty much wrote them off as new age Americana for NPR listeners. Based on this, their 22nd album, things have changed or I was grossly mistaken. Margo Timmins voice projects a haunted, ghostly fragility thatHonestly, it’s been so long since I’ve heard a Cowboy Junkies album that I had no idea they had this kind of fire left in them. After their first couple of albums in the late 80s, I pretty much wrote them off as new age Americana for NPR listeners. Based on this, their 22nd album, things have changed or I was grossly mistaken. Margo Timmins voice projects a haunted, ghostly fragility that speaks of pain, experience and a weary strength of character. Michael Timmins’ guitar work is restrained, with a subtle echoic magnificence. Together, they often recall the legendary Hope Sandoval/David Roback combination in Mazzy Star. The songs, even those with a seemingly serene and gentle character, carry powerfully dark, passionate undercurrents. And then, there are those three songs on the album where—enhanced by the lead guitar work of Aaron Goldstein and Bill Dillon—the band morphs into a disturbed rootsy guitar rock band in the vein of Thin White Rope or Heartless Bastards. Margo gets down and gritty with her vocals, addressing social/political issues with a vehement intensity; Michael & company let it all loose and rip out some blistering guitar riffs. Yow! “All That Reckoning” is an album of riveting beauty and shivery elegance with marked moments of muscular fury. This one is a keeper! Recommended.… Expand
  3. JCraigXI
    Jul 13, 2018
    9
    If you asked what the Cowboy Junkies where doing in 2018. I guess the answer would be still making classic music.
  4. Doof
    Jul 16, 2018
    8
    Very much the grower, this is a melodically understated n' atmosphere-centric style. The only other CJ album I've listened to is 'The Trinity Sessions' and I have to say despite this being a more mature/polished affair befitting an act this deep into their career I might still consider this at least the equal of that early cult classic nonetheless.
  5. jefffister
    Sep 2, 2018
    9
    I've always felt "Black Eyed Man" is the CJ's best album -- a tasty mix of southern gothic folk, pop and a dose of Townes Van Zandt blues. But if you want an "atmoshperic" CJ album -- and there are more than a few -- then "All That Reckoning" must be their best. Lust, loss, betrayal, evil in a steady metronome of pounding bass, snarling guitars and HER voice. I saw the CJ's on YoutubeI've always felt "Black Eyed Man" is the CJ's best album -- a tasty mix of southern gothic folk, pop and a dose of Townes Van Zandt blues. But if you want an "atmoshperic" CJ album -- and there are more than a few -- then "All That Reckoning" must be their best. Lust, loss, betrayal, evil in a steady metronome of pounding bass, snarling guitars and HER voice. I saw the CJ's on Youtube doing a song from this album and Margo introduced by saying "here's a new song. It's another sad one -- we really don't do happy songs." Amen to that.… Expand
  6. drjankovic
    Aug 1, 2018
    10
    Late career classic at par with Trinity Session and Pale Sun, Crescent Moon. Bluesier and heavier than most of their albums but still frail and subtle underneath touching on subjects of middle age crisis, relationship issues and political and social disappointments. And yes, Margo’s singing has never been better.
  7. VintageWax007
    Sep 6, 2018
    9
    This is an instant classic, Big rich deep sound. I compare all Junkies Albums to Pale Sun Crescent Moon. This album is probably coming a close second. Seeing how many times in the past 25 years I have listened to Pale Sun, only time will tell how this album will last.. It has that haunting,melodic, moody edge only they can deliver. This album paints a picture. Thank you for the Art.

Awards & Rankings

45
#45 Most Shared Album of 2018

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
83

Universal acclaim - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. Paste Magazine
    Aug 3, 2018
    66
    All That Reckoning proves the Junkies still have insights to offer on our most pressing social issues--if only they’d commit more boldly to exploring their best ideas.
    Read full review
  2. Q Magazine
    Jul 31, 2018
    80
    All That Reckoning hums with barely suppressed threat. [Sep 2018, p.110]
  3. The Quietus
    Jul 24, 2018
    80
    That Cowboy Junkies are still making music this far down the line is to be applauded. That it ranks with the very best of their material deserves nothing less than an ovation.
    Read full review
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