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Standing at the Sky's Edge
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Standing at the Sky's Edge Image
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 15 Ratings

  • Summary: The British singer-songwriter's seventh album is his first on the Parlophone label.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. The Boston Phoenix
    Sep 4, 2012
    100
    This may be the most uncharacteristic of his albums, but by venturing outside his comfort zone, Hawley has in turn made his best.
  2. Clash Music
    May 8, 2012
    90
    An unconventional masterpiece.
  3. Drowned In Sound
    May 2, 2012
    80
    However you choose to describe it, or whatever your preconceptions of Hawley and his music, this is definitely an album you should bend a considered ear towards.
  4. The Fly (UK)
    May 4, 2012
    80
    Hawley ditches his heavily orchestrated, Indie Orbison Of The North shtick in favour of a sound that's darker, ragged and riff-heavy. It works.
  5. PopMatters
    May 15, 2012
    80
    What Standing at the Sky's Edge loses in heartbreak it easily makes up for in depth, and Hawley has just given us something that is truly worth sinking into.
  6. Under The Radar
    Aug 22, 2012
    70
    This is a full-on rock album offering horizon-burning electric guitar as its signature, with Hawley's band stretching out with him on a few tracks for fabulously psych-fried passages. [Aug/Sep 2012, p.117]
  7. Dusted Magazine
    Sep 5, 2012
    50
    Standing at the Sky's Edge is Hawley's first major misstep.

See all 23 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. pkindieboy
    Aug 29, 2012
    8
    Hawley cranks it up on this one, layering lots and accentuating guitars. The writing is strong and Hawley's deep tenor suits the electricHawley cranks it up on this one, layering lots and accentuating guitars. The writing is strong and Hawley's deep tenor suits the electric backdrop surprisingly well. The album is very cohesive as well, making for an enjoyable front to back experience.… Expand
  2. mac-the-mouth
    Nov 2, 2012
    8
    This one took a few listens to connect, but now that it has, I can say it's another strong Hawley effort. He just doesn't make bad albums.This one took a few listens to connect, but now that it has, I can say it's another strong Hawley effort. He just doesn't make bad albums. Criminally underrated songwriter here in the States. Drenched in reverb and sprawling guitar, it's a departure from most of his solo stuff, but I think it's a welcome change. Good to see him back exploring his range as a musician and writer.… Expand
  4. Ricko
    Mar 1, 2013
    7
    After a series of truly beautiful albums, RH returns here having taken a sharp turn in direction with probably his most psychedelic record.After a series of truly beautiful albums, RH returns here having taken a sharp turn in direction with probably his most psychedelic record. It's got what sounds like layers of dark, swirling guitars. The music is distorted but the unmistakable voice is still there above it all. For the most part, the songs are quite strong but for me, there are noticably fewer moments of genius that were to be found at his previous efforts. Still pretty good though.… Expand
  5. Muddsjr
    Nov 13, 2014
    6
    It's an album that's generally a little patchy for me. With moments like 'Seek It' and 'Don't Stare at the Sun' feeling a little weaker andIt's an album that's generally a little patchy for me. With moments like 'Seek It' and 'Don't Stare at the Sun' feeling a little weaker and simultaneously destructive of the whole atmosphere of the album. I do like some of the songs conceptually, like for the title track and also Time Will Bring You Winter, the latter being the strongest track on the album for me, with Down in the Woods and concluding track Before. Otherwise however, Standing at the Sky's Edge feels more a stop-gap in Hawley's career of emotional, and admittedly lovely music for which he is known rather than an album that can count as a 'step forward'. Lover's of this album may be disappointed by Hawley's back catalog, while lovers of his back catalog may not be as entirely keen on this new one.… Expand
  6. palethinboy
    May 16, 2012
    5
    In short it's Richard goes psychedelic. not a bad listen but i can't help find it a little boring. His poorest effort in a while. I'mIn short it's Richard goes psychedelic. not a bad listen but i can't help find it a little boring. His poorest effort in a while. I'm disappointed. Hopefully he can come good with the next album.… Expand