The Beautiful Lie
by Ed Harcourt
  • Record Label: Dovecote
  • Release Date: Jun 3, 2008
Metascore
67

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 15
  3. Negative: 1 out of 15
  1. Drowned In Sound
    60
    Despite all of the ingredients for a great album being present, it just doesn’t ignite, perhaps due to the unmoving, maudlin stance from which it is all delivered.
  2. The Guardian
    60
    He loses focus on this overlong, under-achieving album.
  3. Paste Magazine
    60
    It might as well be Harcourt’s thesis: marrying the histrionic truths of the deeply aggrieved with the formal mastery of great pop. More often, Harcourt’s failed attempts at mimicking Jeff Buckley throw whatever genre he tries off balance.
  5. Dot Music
    50
    "The Beautiful Lie" isn't without its merits but their appearances are few and far between.
  6. Uncut
    50
    Mostly sounds like a weary retread of 2005's superb Loneliness. [Jul 2006, p.95]
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  7. NOW Magazine
    40
    Wading through almost an hour of smoky-voiced lonely-heart ballads like You Only Call Me When You're Drunk, Late Night Partner and Until Tomorrow Then is a yawn-inducing exercise that makes you question whether Harcourt's really this sad or if he's just putting on a lugubrious front.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 12 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 12
  3. Negative: 2 out of 12
  1. RJ
    Oct 24, 2006
    10
    Absolutely amazing album...new listeners might take some time to warm up to Harcourt's brooding style, but the songs on this album Absolutely amazing album...new listeners might take some time to warm up to Harcourt's brooding style, but the songs on this album display his sincerity and dramatic flair that has become sort of trademarks of his. This is Harcourt's most complete album to date. Buy it. Listen to it.… Full Review »
  2. RennieM
    Jul 13, 2006
    9
    More 8.5, but a very very strong album... The end of "you always call me when your drunk" is a little unnecessary, but besides that its a More 8.5, but a very very strong album... The end of "you always call me when your drunk" is a little unnecessary, but besides that its a stronger album then here be Monsters and right up there with From Every Sphere... With more listens it could possibly be his best. Ignore the critics!!… Full Review »
  3. MattA.
    Jul 13, 2006
    9
    I have never gotten the critics lukewarm reaction to Harcourt's albums. While his lyrics haven't always been the best, his music I have never gotten the critics lukewarm reaction to Harcourt's albums. While his lyrics haven't always been the best, his music and melodies have always been innovative and beautiful. This album is no different, and it is lyrically his best album to date. This guy deserves better than the so-called critics are giving him.… Full Review »
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