Rain On The City
by Freedy Johnston
  • Record Label: Bar None
  • Release Date: Jan 12, 2010
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. Los Angeles Times
    88
    Johnston's best songs remind us that every mirror, like every voice, is always in danger of cracking. But that doesn't take anything away from the beauty of our illusions.
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    Your gratitude for his economical writing may overcome your wonderment over why something so modest took so long.
  3. AllMusic
    80
    Rain on the City lacks the consistency of Johnston's masterpiece, "Can You Fly," or its follow-up, "This Perfect World," but unlike the albums that followed, this collection is a beautiful example of Johnston playing to his strengths and reminding us why he's one of the best and most singular American songwriters at work today.
  5. Boston Globe
    80
    Freedy Johnston last released an album of new music in 2001 (he put out an engaging covers collection in 2008), but the years since have yielded a gorgeous pop record.
  6. Spin
    80
    As he has for two decades, singer-songwriter Freedy Johnston plays the unreliable narrator in this exquisitely unsettling folk-rock collection.
  7. Uncut
    80
    Rain is a fetching guitar-pop wonder, a melodic feastm blending vintage Marshall Crenshaw-like hooks with elegant, acoustic scenes-in-miniature. [Mar 2010, p.89]
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  8. Billboard.com
    77
    Johnston delivers another album of nuanced and evocative tunes laced with vivid imagery and emotional depth.
  9. Under The Radar
    70
    Here's a welcome return, as the underrated singer/songwriter went eight years between releases of original material. That's far too long for someone of Johnston's skill, but Rain On The City nearly makes up for the gap. [Holiday 2009, p.83]
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  10. PopMatters
    70
    Overall, Rain on the City splits a workable difference between Johnston’s instinct to slow things down and a toe-tapper now and then.
  11. Pitchfork
    67
    It's pretty good. That much anyone aware of Johnston's past highpoints probably could have predicted.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 5 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 1 out of 5
  1. BrianG.
    Jan 25, 2010
    9
    Very solid, enjoyable listen.
  2. RickV.
    Jan 18, 2010
    8
    I've missed Freedy's songs during the long hiatus between this CD and 2001's "Right Between the Promises." Anyone who thought I've missed Freedy's songs during the long hiatus between this CD and 2001's "Right Between the Promises." Anyone who thought the delay might mean a shift in style will be disappointed, but they shouldn't be. This one has some tunes that will grab you right away, but most of them need a little time to work their magic. In this respect, the CD is not unlike 1999's "Blue Days Black Nights." Johnston remains a first-rate songwriter and this CD is fine testimony to his enduring strengths. Let's hope the next one comes out in six months.… Full Review »
  3. BrentG.
    Jan 18, 2010
    8
    Freedy is back, sounding very much like Freedy. And we've missed ya.
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