Hard Love
by Strand of Oaks
Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
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  1. The Independent (UK)
    Feb 15, 2017
    60
    It’s a solipsistic affair: and while his good intentions to smarten up his drug-sozzled, road-weary life may be commendable, they don’t necessarily make “Quit It” any more agreeable.
  2. Record Collector
    Feb 10, 2017
    60
    A piledriver of a set, but it pulls you into his world.
  3. Q Magazine
    Feb 10, 2017
    40
    Too much of the rest comes dangerously close to ordinariness. [Mar 2017, p.115]
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Awards & Rankings

12
#12 Most Shared Album of 2017

User Reviews

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User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 6 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. mmmeff
    Feb 17, 2017
    10
    As a long time fan and a follower of this band from the early days of watching him play basements in Wilkes-Barre, PA (remember the Black WolfAs a long time fan and a follower of this band from the early days of watching him play basements in Wilkes-Barre, PA (remember the Black Wolf Lodge of Kingston!), all I have to say is wow. Just wow.

    As Showalter has matured in sound and spirit, his music has evolved from a relatable albeit cliche emotional wax to something of raw intensity. Deeply rooted in classic singer-songwriter rock of days-past, this new sound for Strand of Oaks completes the picture I always saw them striving for.

    Easily their best album to date.    … Full Review »
  2. molecular
    Feb 23, 2017
    8
    This album is dripping with honesty, passion, and sincerity. Nicolas Vernhes (Deerhunter) does a fantastic job on production. Tim ShowalterThis album is dripping with honesty, passion, and sincerity. Nicolas Vernhes (Deerhunter) does a fantastic job on production. Tim Showalter has created another great set, easily on par with "Heal".… Full Review »
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