Banana Skin Shoes
by Badly Drawn Boy
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 10 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 10
  3. Negative: 1 out of 10
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  1. Ricko
    Aug 25, 2020
    7
    I'm a long time fan of Badly Drawn Boy. I was in my late teens when his debut came out and I followed the first 5 or 6 years of his career closely. At this point, while I still enjoyed his early albums, he sort of fell off my radar in terms of new releases and it was only about 3 years ago that I sought out his other later records after seeing him live in my hometown. While not quiteI'm a long time fan of Badly Drawn Boy. I was in my late teens when his debut came out and I followed the first 5 or 6 years of his career closely. At this point, while I still enjoyed his early albums, he sort of fell off my radar in terms of new releases and it was only about 3 years ago that I sought out his other later records after seeing him live in my hometown. While not quite rivaling the peak of his powers, there were a few gems to be found. I was up to date when this latest record, "Banana Skin Shoes" was released. On the first couple of listens it didn't standout but after a dozen or more listens I have really gotten into it. This record is not Damon Gough's best work, that still remains his mercurial debut, closely followed by the "About A Boy" soundtrack. "Banana Skin Shoes" is on a par and perhaps slightly better than 2002's "Have You Fed The Fish?". This is 50 minutes of considered pop music with its roots in folk. While there are fewer absolute standout tracks than before and a bit of covering well thread ground, this record sees Gough dusting down off his songwriting book, sharpening his pencil and penning 14 tracks for his best collection in 18 years.… Expand
  2. Mccusky
    Jun 1, 2020
    7
    BDBs recent releases seem to have been lacking a bit of raw energy, this album is a return to form if you can get past the excessively sentimental songs. He has always been a top songwriter and there's a lot to appreciate here but the production doesn't do some of the songs justice, too many synths and too much reverb
  3. sleepchant
    May 29, 2020
    7
    Solid summer album from BDB that puts him in touch with the spirit of earlier work. The album has rich textures and colors that sound great in headphones. It has much more in common with About a Boy than Bewilderbeast, but it also calls to mind Born in the UK (better record than some might remember), especially on wistful songs like "I Just Wanna Wish You Happiness." The self-help lyricsSolid summer album from BDB that puts him in touch with the spirit of earlier work. The album has rich textures and colors that sound great in headphones. It has much more in common with About a Boy than Bewilderbeast, but it also calls to mind Born in the UK (better record than some might remember), especially on wistful songs like "I Just Wanna Wish You Happiness." The self-help lyrics can cause the occasional cringe, but the overall effect is charming. A welcome return.… Expand
  4. DarcenBrandt
    May 28, 2020
    10
    Sneaky good album! I feared it was gonna be Hope's and dreams dashed! "Turned my grey skies back into sunshine!" Easily the best after his debut. The songs transition beautifully with no throwaways.
  5. moonpie1979
    May 27, 2020
    9
    Gough’s strongest and best collection of songs since his hallowed debut? To these ears, yes. Here is an album brimming with confidence and a sense of celebration, of joy. In many ways a ‘jukebox’ album, there’s a thrilling stylistic shift from song-to-song - and yet the whole package feels coherent. Nothing is out of place: nothing feels bolted on. It would be impossible to pick anGough’s strongest and best collection of songs since his hallowed debut? To these ears, yes. Here is an album brimming with confidence and a sense of celebration, of joy. In many ways a ‘jukebox’ album, there’s a thrilling stylistic shift from song-to-song - and yet the whole package feels coherent. Nothing is out of place: nothing feels bolted on. It would be impossible to pick an absolute highlight when there’s so much to love, but bittersweet single I Just Wanna Wish You Happiness tugs at the heartstrings so perfectly, while the cleverly-titled Tony Wilson Said is a beguilingly affectionate tribute to the late great man and his stomping ground.… Expand

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 7 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. The Telegraph (UK)
    May 22, 2020
    80
    A genuine treat, probably the best thing he has made since his debut.
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  2. Uncut
    May 22, 2020
    70
    His workmanship persists. Forever on the skids, but still upright. [Jul 2020, p.27]
  3. AllMusic
    May 22, 2020
    80
    As wide-ranging as Banana Skin Shoes is, it never feels like Gough is dabbling. The album's sounds are as carefully considered as the motifs of tears, apples and snowy spring days that recur in its lyrics, and the flourishes of brass that pop up throughout feel like triumphant fanfares.
    Read full review
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