• Record Label: New West
  • Release Date: Sep 25, 2007
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 15 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15

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  1. BrandonS.
    Sep 28, 2007
    7
    Much better on the third listen than the first. He's definitely not at the peak we saw him at from Train A Comin' through Jerusalem (Transcendental blues is a masterpiece among masterpieces), but Steve's an incredible songwriter, and this set is pretty solid. His sense of melody isn't quite as sharp here as on previous albums, but it definitely delivers the goods in a Much better on the third listen than the first. He's definitely not at the peak we saw him at from Train A Comin' through Jerusalem (Transcendental blues is a masterpiece among masterpieces), but Steve's an incredible songwriter, and this set is pretty solid. His sense of melody isn't quite as sharp here as on previous albums, but it definitely delivers the goods in a number of ways. Expand
  2. GeorgeB.
    Sep 28, 2007
    8
    Another fine recording from one of the most underated songwriters out there. Steve's biggest sin is is consistency, another fine recording with heartfelt lyrics underpinned with folk, rock, and beats.
  3. RichR.
    Sep 27, 2007
    9
    I love Steve Earle and his music, and nobody out there, for me, comes close to his ability to convey his emotions in such a literate, lyrical, and melodic manner. This album is full of great songs; all of his albums are full of great songs. He's one of America's most intelligent and soulful performers. He reminds me a little of Keith: with all the s*** he's put himself I love Steve Earle and his music, and nobody out there, for me, comes close to his ability to convey his emotions in such a literate, lyrical, and melodic manner. This album is full of great songs; all of his albums are full of great songs. He's one of America's most intelligent and soulful performers. He reminds me a little of Keith: with all the s*** he's put himself through, he probably should have been dead a long time ago, but he just gets better as he gets older. So, last but not least, I think he needs to do something with his hair, but I love him anyway. Expand
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 25
  2. Negative: 1 out of 25
  1. Washington Square Serenade ultimately sounds a bit less focused than its immediate predecessors.
  2. 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.
  3. Overall, there's very little that's alluring about this Serenade.