Songbird
by Willie Nelson
Metascore
67

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 19
  3. Negative: 3 out of 19
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    91
    Nelson's finest in a decade.
  2. The A.V. Club
    91
    Nelson sounds like he's giving it his all, and everyone around him rises to the occasion.
  3. Uncut
    80
    The sound is urgent and instinctive. [Dec 2006, p.124]
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  5. Q Magazine
    80
    The best Nelson set since 1996's Spirit. [Dec 2006, p.138]
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  6. AllMusic
    80
    His easy delivery, contrasted with Adams wiry production, creates an emotionally honest, deeply moving recording with the best traits of both men shining forth.
  7. The Boston Phoenix
    75
    This latest entry in the old-icon-meets-young-iconoclast trend is lit up by the sparks between the principals.
  8. Pitchfork
    74
    Nothing here sounds like it's been fully thought out or planned, and Songbird sounds all the better for it.
  9. Billboard
    70
    It's the shimmering beauty of the title track, an overhaul of the Christine McVie-penned Fleetwood Mac tune, where Adams and Nelson's styles most seamlessly, and quite beautifully, mesh. [4 Nov 2006]
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  10. The New York Times
    70
    In short, [it's] a very good recent Ryan Adams record, except for the absence of Mr. Adams’s voice. [30 Oct 2006]
  11. PopMatters
    70
    Adams should be commended for doing a fine job of showing off Nelson’s considerable talents on a diverse collection of songs and styles.
  12. Hartford Courant
    70
    Not all the songs work as well... But Adams dials in the sound of vintage Willie on a new version of "Sad Songs and Waltzes," and suddenly the pairing seems positively inspired.
  13. NOW Magazine
    60
    It's apparent Nelson doesn't share Adams's enthusiasm for the Fleetwood Mac and Grateful Dead numbers, but he's at home with Gram Parsons's $1,000 Wedding and Leonard Cohen's well-covered Hallelujah.
  14. Rolling Stone
    60
    The Cardinals' indistinct country-rock hybrid muffles the material.
  15. Prefix Magazine
    55
    Ultimately Songbird feels a bit rushed, and when you have as gifted a songwriter as Adams working with as gifted a songwriter as the Red-Headed Stranger, it's a bit of a letdown to ponder what they could have done.
  16. Amazon.com
    40
    It has been said that Nelson can sing just about anything--which doesn't necessarily mean that he should.
  17. Austin Chronicle
    40
    Even if music history notes that Willie could sing the phone book and make it interesting, Songbird proves that's not true.
  18. Observer Music Monthly
    30
    A messy car crash of a record.
  19. Slant Magazine
    30
    An enormous disappointment.
  20. Village Voice
    30
    [It] feels more like record label franchise building--"And let's get Willie to sing a Grateful Dead song!" "Cool!"--than an actual, like, album.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
5.7

Mixed or average reviews- based on 17 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 17
  3. Negative: 6 out of 17
  1. christinec
    May 6, 2007
    1
    Willie Nelson/Ryan Adams curious musical challenge. Willie has written some of the most beautiful lyrics and music.Many artists have Willie Nelson/Ryan Adams curious musical challenge. Willie has written some of the most beautiful lyrics and music.Many artists have benefited from his genius. Go to sleep Willie and do not cry and I will sing a lulluaby.… Full Review »
  2. chrisc
    May 6, 2007
    1
    one for bothering.two to ten why did you bother.young artist producing.your too old to bother choice of songs not good bad interruptation go one for bothering.two to ten why did you bother.young artist producing.your too old to bother choice of songs not good bad interruptation go to sleep little darling dont you try andi will sing to you a lullabuy. there can be toooooo many willies… Full Review »
  3. VickyT
    Nov 19, 2006
    10
    come on it is Wllie nelson!!!!!!!!!!
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