Blue Boy
by Ron Sexsmith
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. Spin Cycle
    88
    Sexsmith's gorgeous vocals and refined songwriting shine through.
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    100
    The disc's gritter sound, courtesy of producer Steve Earle, is a perfect complement to Sexsmith's "Waterloo Sunset" croon... [6/8/2001, p.76]
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  3. Q Magazine
    60
    Enjoyable, but a gold star or two short of his 1997 masterpiece, Other Songs.
  5. The A.V. Club
    80
    Longtime fans may be put off initially by the loose exuberance of "This Boy" and the bluesy goof "Not Too Big," let alone the ska-flavored fluke "Never Been Done," but even these atypical tracks play to Sexsmith's strengths.
  6. CDNow
    70
    Sexsmith's most underrated asset is his most obvious: that voice. The way he slides into a line, pauses, and then delivers for maximum effect… No histrionics, just truth.
  7. Spin
    80
    The loose arrangements nod to the American roots icons Sexsmith idealizes; there's tons of feel. [Aug 2001, p.139]
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  8. Rolling Stone
    70
    Thanks to the hands of producers Steve Earle and Ray Kennedy, there's a bit more bounce in Sexsmith's rhythm section, and the less-burnished quality of their tracks tempers the formality of Sexsmith's Anglo musical roots.
  9. PopMatters
    80
    There's more fun here than on Sexsmith's previous release, 1999's Whereabouts, and this is a definite step in the right direction.
  10. Magnet
    90
    Sexsmith doesn't succumb to a single false move or note. [#51, p.112]
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  11. Sonicnet
    60
    Ron Sexsmith actually rocks, albeit only sort of and irregularly.
  12. Launch.com
    90
    A very clear sounding Sexsmith singing in his Tim Hardin-quaver about the art of song, the loss of love and other intense philosophical insights that only a softspoken guy would concern himself with.

Awards & Rankings

49
#49 Best Album of 2001

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 5 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 5
  3. Negative: 1 out of 5
  1. matta
    Jul 13, 2005
    9
    incredible album. A great indication of where Ron was headed in giving us his next two classic albums. This one is nearly flawless as well.
  2. MikeT.
    Jul 11, 2001
    4
    No action. Steve Earle's production almost sounds like a parody -- although of what, I can't be sure. MOR drivel.
  3. JeffC.
    Jul 9, 2001
    10
    Ranks right up there with his previous masterpieces!
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