Albums to watch

Truelove's Gutter

Richard Hawley

Truelove's Gutter

Sixth album of alt-pop from the former Pulp man and Jarvis Cocker ally

ADM rating[?]

7.1

Label
Mute
UK Release date
23/09/2009
  1. 8.0 |   The Guardian

    Hawley is here polishing a formula, even falling back on cliche, in his continuing quest to make the local and homely sound lushly romantic.
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  2. 8.0 |   musicOMH

    Yet another showcase for Hawley's subtle genius. Every sound on the album, from the notes to the vocals, is warming and rich with sensations.
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  3. 8.0 |   The Scotsman

    A consistently downbeat, mournful, glacially paced and utterly haunting reservoir of sage advice and heartbroken entreaties
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  4. 8.0 |   Daily Telegraph

    These are grown-up love songs – elevated by hope but weighed down by experience – and they sound all the more beautiful for it.
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  5. 8.0 |   The Times

    Love and loss are Hawley’s perennial subjects, but there is a new, soul-baring beauty
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  6. 8.0 |   The List

    A truly beautiful record that makes great use of his warm fluid baritone and undulating guitar work over some peculiar instrumentation
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  7. 8.0 |   Mojo

    Print edition only

  8. 8.0 |   The Irish Times

    Significant emotions are broached, but Hawley manages to underplay the serious content with fluid lyricism and quicksilver musicianship. It’s all too lovely for words
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  9. 8.0 |   PopMatters

    This is a highly recommended album by an artist who seems to keep getting better. From what initially seemed like a limited palette, Richard Hawley has produced a masterpiece of tonal space that demands full concentration. To this singer give some time
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  10. 8.0 |   NME

    Print edition only

  11. 8.0 |   Q

    Print edition only

  12. 7.0 |   Rave Magazine

    ...as a soundtrack of someone’s darkest moments, Truelove’s Gutter is as lovely as they come
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  13. 7.0 |   Drowned In Sound

    Musically and lyrically a beautiful reflection on the less than smooth course life can take. But it is not recommended listening if you’re going through a rough break-up or are feeling generally sad
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  14. 6.7 |   Pitchfork

    Hawley can sound too stripped down this time out, and the two songs that hover near the 10-minute mark overplay the appeal of minimal compositions and Hawley's sweet croon.
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  15. 6.0 |   Spin

    [It] has moments of heartbreaking beauty. Too bad those moments are outnumbered by a reliance on secondhand lyrical conceits … and drifting arrangements.
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  16. 6.0 |   Uncut

    His mellowness of tone is the album’s defining feature
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  17. 6.0 |   The Sunday Times

    The tone is unremittingly lachrymose, the sonic equivalent of sitting by a blazing fire with a mug of tea, double-buttered crumpets and a heart full of regrets. Cosy, yes, but pretty bleak, too.
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  18. 6.0 |   The Quietus

    Truelove’s Gutter is not ironically titled, and on the whole does not make for an easy listen, though patience will eventually bear fruit.
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  19. 6.0 |   Scotland on Sunday

    Hawley's voice is rich, like a hot malt chocolate drink, and dangerously somnambulant.
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  20. 6.0 |   Clash

    Doesn’t have the pull or singles you might ambitiously expect but does still have the knack of mesmerising the listener with its soothing tone and relaxing soundscapes throughout.
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  21. 5.0 |   Blurt

    It's as though Hawley knows he's bled the orchestral swoon dry, but isn't quite sure whether to go forward or back
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Richard Hawley: Truelove's Gutter

  • Download full album for just £5.49
  • 1. As The Dawn Breaks £0.99
  • 2. Open Up Your Door £0.99
  • 3. Ashes On The Fire £0.99
  • 4. Remorse Code £0.99
  • 5. Don't Get Hung Up In Your Soul £0.99
  • 6. Soldier On £0.99
  • 7. For Your Lover Give Some Time £0.99
  • 8. Don't You Cry N/A
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