Amber Headlights
by Greg Dulli
  • Record Label: Infernal
  • Release Date: Sep 6, 2005
Metascore
55

Mixed or average reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 9
  3. Negative: 1 out of 9
  1. Junkmedia
    80
    Amber Headlights has clear thematic and structural parallels to the Afghan Whigs' excellent 1996 rock opera Black Love.
  2. Neumu.net
    70
    Amber Headlights fails, when it does, because it's trying to be two things at once: a personal reflection on life and death and a commercially acceptable rock record. But when the album ditches the tricks and conventions that define mainstream rock and focuses on Dulli's songs, it is very powerful indeed.
  3. Splendid
    70
    For a fractured album that spent several years in limbo, Amber Headlights does two things very well: it's an impressive introduction to Dulli's far-reaching musical talent, and a spiritual cleansing for the wry vocalist himself.
  5. Under The Radar
    70
    Amber sounds stock compared to either Twilight record, but Dulli's urgency, true to form, ensures that it's far from ordinary. [#11, p.110]
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  6. Uncut
    60
    The funk-noir backing means that Dulli is able to purr lyrics about "sexy ladies", debilitating cocaine habits and your standard-issue emotionally violent love affairs without sounding as trite as he perhaps should. [Mar 2006, p.104]
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  7. PopMatters
    50
    Amber Headlights is neither a holy grail of unreleased Dulli tracks nor an insightful glimpse into the goings-ons behind his velvet curtain; nevertheless, it's by no means a major disappointment.
  8. Pitchfork
    47
    Amber Headlights is a step backwards after the lush beats and subdued songs of the Twilight Singers' debut, 2000's Twilight, but it also seems weak following the harrowing Blackberry Belle and even the so-so covers album She Loves You.
  9. Q Magazine
    40
    A disappointment.... While the voice still burns, the lacklustre songs cannot bear his weight. [Apr 2006, p.113]
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  10. The Guardian
    30
    As he points out in the sleeve notes, these were "works in progress", but that doesn't excuse using stagnant rock riffs to obscure his lack of inspiration.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 10 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. BetteD
    Jan 18, 2006
    8
    Transitional. Unfinished. Rough. Admittedly full of potential and a great view into what it is Dulli does.
  2. daniele
    Jan 3, 2006
    5
    Greg Dulli's worst album so far
  3. FrankSinatra
    Dec 12, 2005
    6
    I do love Greg and the Twilights, but I'd have to agree with the general sentiment of these reviews. This feels a bit like a b-sides I do love Greg and the Twilights, but I'd have to agree with the general sentiment of these reviews. This feels a bit like a b-sides collection. Mostly strong songs, and absolutely necessary for fans, but a little inconsequential when compared to Dulli's other recordings. Can't wait for Powder Burns.… Full Review »
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