Ashes & Fire
by Ryan Adams
  • Record Label: Capitol
  • Release Date: Oct 11, 2011
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 38 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 38
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 38
  3. Negative: 0 out of 38
  1. Mojo
    Dec 22, 2011
    60
    Despite its lulls, Ashes & Fire sounds like a new beginning. [Nov 2011, p.101]
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  2. Under The Radar
    Nov 3, 2011
    60
    Overall, Ashes & Fire is a delightful Saturday-morning House-cleaning music. [Oct 2011, p.96]
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  3. Prefix Magazine
    Oct 13, 2011
    60
    This mature Ryan Adams gives us 11 songs on Ashes and Fire that are perfectly fine, a few bumps but most of it is solid with a few that really stand out.
  5. The Observer (UK)
    Oct 10, 2011
    60
    It hasn't the shiver factor of his debut but there's pleasure in such smooth, elegantly crafted songs after his recent strainings.
  6. Drowned In Sound
    Oct 5, 2011
    60
    While it might not be a consistent classic like Heartbreaker or Gold, there's flashes of those earlier triumphs from Adams' career on Ashes & Fire.
  7. American Songwriter
    Sep 29, 2011
    60
    It's a solid, not spectacular album with a few very fine songs.
  8. NOW Magazine
    Sep 29, 2011
    60
    Add it all up and you get a typical Ryan Adams release.
  9. Blurt Magazine
    Nov 29, 2011
    50
    Despite the obvious care for craftsmanship, no standouts emerge.
  10. Slant Magazine
    Oct 10, 2011
    50
    Adams's songwriting may be as sharp as ever and better edited than it ever has been, but Ashes & Fire makes some terrific songs sound impossibly bland.
  11. Tiny Mix Tapes
    Oct 25, 2011
    40
    Its total lack of affectation is the album's biggest problem. It feels like it's sequenced to fit some expectation of what types of songs an album should have.
  12. The Independent (UK)
    Oct 6, 2011
    40
    There's barely a shred of truly memorable content here.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 22 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
  1. gypsytea
    Jan 22, 2012
    9
    This is Ryan Adams at the height of his songwriting abilities. After a brief hiatus, he has returned with an album of finely crafted, strippedThis is Ryan Adams at the height of his songwriting abilities. After a brief hiatus, he has returned with an album of finely crafted, stripped down songs that showcase Adams' vocal prowess. Accompanied by only an acoustic guitar on most songs, this album is the perfect companion for relaxing afternoons and introspective evenings. Favourites include "Invisible Riverside", "Ashes & Fire", and "Dirty Rain".… Full Review »
  2. Billy_Bell
    Jan 4, 2012
    9
    Fundamentally, this album is a grower. Definitely not one for newcomers as it really shines in the light of Ryan's other work. However, thisFundamentally, this album is a grower. Definitely not one for newcomers as it really shines in the light of Ryan's other work. However, this is his strongest work since Cold Roses. Heartfelt, masterful and beautiful, this collection takes on all Ryan's styles and strips away any heavy instrumentation, allowing the gorgeous songs to shine through.… Full Review »
  3. buzzlight
    Nov 18, 2011
    9
    I have proceeded with caution with Ryan Adams in the past as he seems to have accumulated a large catalogue music in a short time span - muchI have proceeded with caution with Ryan Adams in the past as he seems to have accumulated a large catalogue music in a short time span - much I have found inconsistent, great, not-so-great and forced, at times. Ashes & Fire is THE BEST Ryan Adams album to date. Soothing melodies in the mold of say, Ray Lamontagne...sums this one up best. I really liked sings Ashes & Fire, Invisible Riverside...not forced this time at all...he really allows the music and lyrics to develop at their own pace. One of the very few albums I really liked this year.… Full Review »
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