User ratings in Music are temporarily disabled. More info

Demolition
by
Demolition Image
Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 17 Ratings

  • Summary: As the title implies, this is not a true follow-up to 2001's 'Gold,' but rather a collection of demo recordings--13 never-before-released tracks (down from a rumored four-CD set!) captured on tape during spare moments while on tour.

Top Track

Desire
Two hearts fading, like a flower And all this waiting, for the power For some answers, to this fire Sinking slowly, the waters higher...... See the rest of the song lyrics
See Full Track List »
Powered by

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. E! Online
    83
    A good amount of Demolition screams quality.
  2. PopMatters
    80
    Demolition is a fine addition to Adams' discography in that it gives an overview of the differing musical styles Adams has been exploring while his critical stock has been hitting overdrive.
  3. Mojo
    80
    Depending what side you take in the Heartbreaker v. Gold debate, you'll like some tracks more than others. [Oct 2002, p.92]
    All this publication's reviews
  4. The A.V. Club
    70
    Its songs are sketchy but affable, with a confidence that makes the half-hooks sound almost indelible.
  5. Launch.com
    70
    When Adams sticks to the pop-rock mode, he can be dynamic as well as one of the cleverest pop thieves since Nick Lowe.
  6. Entertainment Weekly
    67
    The songs are a slight bunch, and for all the reported heartache and pain that went into them, they're strangely uninvolving.
  7. Blender
    40
    Honors shifts in style over substance. [#11, p.124]
    All this publication's reviews

See all 15 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. sasha
    Dec 10, 2004
    10
    incredible. if you like ryan adams, you will LOVE this.
  2. lakeyh
    Dec 10, 2002
    10
    all the critic that are down have no sould, this guy touches the sould with honesty and truth! Halleleuja!!
  4. MattP
    Oct 31, 2007
    9
    Not his best but still on a level most in the business can only dream of hitting! It still has the classic adams voice singing songs like no Not his best but still on a level most in the business can only dream of hitting! It still has the classic adams voice singing songs like no other! Sir Spite Full, you are full of shit!… Expand
  5. JosiahR.
    Oct 18, 2002
    8
    Lacks continuity and theme. Therefor if viewed as an "album" its somewhat weak. But each an every song is a wonderful jewel of Ryan Lacks continuity and theme. Therefor if viewed as an "album" its somewhat weak. But each an every song is a wonderful jewel of Ryan Adam's style Alt-Folk-Country-Americana.… Expand
  6. TheDaveHimself
    Jul 16, 2011
    8
    I prefer this album to most of Ryan Adam's catalog. Call me crazy. It isn't quite Heartbreaker, but I'd take it over Gold any day. "DearI prefer this album to most of Ryan Adam's catalog. Call me crazy. It isn't quite Heartbreaker, but I'd take it over Gold any day. "Dear Chicago" might be the best song he's written. "Hallelujah" and "Cry on Demand" are also among his best work. There are slumps, but they don't last long. For an artist who's a pretentious prick, this is the album that can make me look past that. But only for a few songs.… Expand
  7. SeamusS
    Oct 28, 2005
    8
    Sir Spite Full Nice Job Not Having A Life Anyway Demolition is a nice little collection for any big fan of Ryan. it doesnt offer anything new Sir Spite Full Nice Job Not Having A Life Anyway Demolition is a nice little collection for any big fan of Ryan. it doesnt offer anything new but at the same time has some of the great moments expected in a Ryan Adams Record. Good times… Expand
  8. BenjaminBunny
    Aug 1, 2004
    6
    Ultimately a fans-only release, "Demolition" is exactly as scattershot as you'd expect a collection of demos to be: a few memorable Ultimately a fans-only release, "Demolition" is exactly as scattershot as you'd expect a collection of demos to be: a few memorable tracks and a few more mediocre ones.… Expand

See all 8 User Reviews

Current Music Releases

Full List »
99 Band on the Run [50th Anniversary Edition] - Paul McCartney & Wings
95 If I don't make it, I love u - Still House Plants
95 The Sky Will Still Be There Tomorrow - Charles Lloyd
91 COWBOY CARTER - Beyoncé
91 The Carnegie Hall Concert - Alice Coltrane
90 Iechyd Da - Bill Ryder-Jones
90 This Could Be Texas - English Teacher
89 I Got Heaven - Mannequin Pussy
89 Tigers Blood - Waxahatchee
89 All Born Screaming - St. Vincent
88 Only God Was Above Us - Vampire Weekend
88 What Now - Brittany Howard
88 Hey Panda - The High Llamas
88 Orquídeas - Kali Uchis
88 The Past Is Still Alive - Hurray for the Riff Raff
87 Filthy Underneath - Nadine Shah
87 i/o - Peter Gabriel
87 Blue Lips - ScHoolboy Q
87 Bright Future - Adrianne Lenker
87 Bite Down - Rosali
All Current Music »