The Search
by Son Volt
  • Record Label: Red Ink
  • Release Date: Mar 6, 2007
Metascore
65

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 16
  3. Negative: 1 out of 16
  1. Billboard
    90
    "The Search" is Son Volt 2.0, a modern, mature album that might be the group's best yet. [10 Mar 2007]
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  2. AllMusic
    80
    The Search is a potent reminder of why Farrar was and is one of the watershed artists of the alt-country movement.
  3. Uncut
    80
    Son Volt have discovered a new sense of ambition, even abandon, on The Search. [May 2007, p.104]
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  5. ShakingThrough.net
    78
    The Search is protest music for the cryptology set.
  6. Amazon.com
    70
    While it may be impossible for this Son Volt to ever reach the pinnacle of their 1995 debut, no one can accuse Jay Farrar of going through the motions.
  7. The New York Times
    70
    Simple but effective sonic details — a chirpy horn arrangement, a reverse-looped guitar part — prevent “The Search” from feeling either preachy or repetitive. [5 Mar 2007]
  8. Boston Globe
    70
    A collection of highly listenable roots-rock tunes that stray little from its longtime formula.
  9. The Boston Phoenix
    63
    Respectable, serious, accomplished and... no fun.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 23 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 23
  3. Negative: 1 out of 23
  1. A.Gray
    Apr 16, 2007
    10
    Best since Trace. "Mthamphetamine" and "Underground Dream" are classic alt-country songs.
  2. bryante
    Apr 6, 2007
    9
    I listened to it in the store. I thought it sounded awesome with just samples of each song listened to. Definately on my list of things to I listened to it in the store. I thought it sounded awesome with just samples of each song listened to. Definately on my list of things to buy. After I own it, my opinion my rating could very well go up.… Full Review »
  3. GMan
    Mar 30, 2007
    9
    Great album. I keep playing the 5 first songs over and over. Circadian Rhythm (?) is pure gold. The previous album was great too, but this Great album. I keep playing the 5 first songs over and over. Circadian Rhythm (?) is pure gold. The previous album was great too, but this one is more relaxed and diverse.… Full Review »
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