Written In Chalk
by Buddy & Julie Miller
  • Record Label: New West
  • Release Date: Mar 3, 2009
Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. Los Angeles Times
    100
    There's a sense of timelessness rooted in rural America, along with a stripped-down musical ambience, that makes this a worthy companion to Robert Plant and Alison Krauss' "Raising Sand," for which Buddy was part of their touring band.
  2. Paste Magazine
    84
    At the edges of the record’s most grey-cloud moments is the iridescent glimmer of vocal harmony, which may not be too far from human harmony.
  3. AllMusic
    80
    Written in Chalk is a welcome return by one of American music's great--if under-recognized--duos.
  5. Billboard
    80
    Considering how prolific they are, it's a surprise that this vital album is only Buddy and Julie Miller's second duet project and their first since 2001
  6. Rolling Stone
    80
    These alternative-country heroes steer clear of the complacency that afflicts their genre, electrocharging their music with the heat and heart of conjugal passion, and, at spots, with a rock & roll stomp that puts many a vaunted garage band to shame.
  7. Hartford Courant
    80
    The husband and wife team's fourth album with both of their names on it, Written in Chalk, makes the most of its rangy sonic palette with subtly soul-searing, rough-edged tunes that are equal parts savvy and haunting.
  8. Mojo
    80
    Most are country ballads--sentimental, heartfelt and tend towards sacred. [Apr 2009, p.109]
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  9. Uncut
    80
    Despite a few rote movements, becomes an early contender for 2009 Top 10 lists. [Mar 2009, p.92]
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  10. PopMatters
    70
    A new Buddy and Julie Miller record is undoubtedly a special occasion; this one just makes you wish you could spend a little more personal time with the hosts.
  11. Spin
    70
    Written in Chalk sounds like a breakup record, with the Millers (and guests Patty Griffin, Emmylou Harris, and Robert Plant) picking through an emotional boneyard of broken promises, shattered hearts, and spiritual uncertainty.
  12. Under The Radar
    70
    With a illustrious supporting cast, including Robert Plant, Emmylou Harris, and Patty Griffin, the Millers craft a record of both power and poignancy. [Winter 2009, p.79]
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Awards & Rankings

56
#56 Best Album of 2009

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 5 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 1 out of 5
  1. zeezou
    Mar 29, 2009
    10
    Pure bliss.
  2. davidl
    Mar 24, 2009
    9
    No formulaic country here.
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