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. AllMusic
    90
    Beautiful Lie is an invigorating and frequently gorgeous affair, essential for old fans and a good place to start for newcomers.
  2. Mojo
    80
    Marvellous. [Jul 2006, p.106]
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  3. musicOMH.com
    80
    Even the moments when Harcourt just falls short are infinitely more interesting than most people's failures.
  5. PopMatters
    80
    Harcourt’s sound might not suit everyone’s taste (it’s fairly dramatic), but to those who are taken with well-sung, introspective piano ballads and gloriously cascading anthems about Love and Death, The Beautiful Lie will in no way disappoint.
  6. Under The Radar
    80
    As is typical of Harcourt's releases, some selections of The Beautiful Lie require time to reveal themselves, which is why slow-burners such as 'Braille' and 'Good Friends Are Hard to Find' have "buried treasure written all over them. [Spring 2008, p.76] [Spring 2008, p.76]
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  7. Boston Globe
    80
    Harcourt's fourth album certifies his musical genius with songs that are catchy enough to be plastered all over the summer airwaves, bathing us in sweeping melodies and infectious beats.
  8. ShakingThrough.net
    76
    Another almost-but-not-quite entry in a catalog full of near-miss gems.
  9. Q Magazine
    70
    His best since 2001's Here Be Monsters. [Jul 2006, p.114]
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User Reviews

All reviews »
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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