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Washington Square Serenade ultimately sounds a bit less focused than its immediate predecessors.
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While the raw, raging blues of 'Red Is the Color' ranks with Earle's most powerful music, 'Satellite Radio' could well be the slightest (as well as perhaps a plug for Earle's own radio show), but the artist's willingness to take chances attests to a restless creativity that refuses to be corralled.
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Serenade is most compelling when Earle snarls in his irrefutable way at Middle East warmakers ('Jericho Road') and rural drug pushers ('Oxycontin Blues').
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BlenderMovement and change remain his inspiration. [Oct 2007, p.107]
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Entertainment WeeklyThis is a love letter to his new home. [28 Sep 2007, p.105]
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The prettiest moments here come on less characteristic musings, such as the shifting perspective of 'Down Here Below.'
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Washington Square Serenade is another substantial chapter in what looks like becoming an epic songbook.
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Even though there are moments in this outing heavy on tried-and-true folk trappings--lots of mandolin, banjo, acoustic guitar--in which Earle sounds more as if he's echoing his role models than joining them as an equal, for the most part he succeeds in moving the dialogue forward.
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All things considered, Washington Square Serenade is a bit nonchalant by Earle's standards.
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MagnetFor all his anger, the most convincing songs on Washington Square Serenade are about love, devotion, messing up and simply wanting to be heard. [Fall 2007, p.93]
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Accompanying his gruff voice with a bleary-eyed strum, he's probably more potent and alive on Serenade than many would expect.
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This album proves that when Earle reconnects to the sheer joy of making music the results can be powerful.
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Q MagazineWashington Square Serenade is prime Americana. [Nov 2007, p.137]
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An angry Steve Earle is something to behold, but watch out for the man when he's in love.
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There’s an urban-informed edge to much of the disc.
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It's all invigorating, wonderful stuff.
User score distribution:
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Positive: 15 out of 15
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Mixed: 0 out of 15
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Negative: 0 out of 15
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BrandonS.Sep 28, 2007
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GeorgeB.Sep 28, 2007
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RichR.Sep 27, 2007