Albums to watch

One True Vine

Mavis Staples

One True Vine

The 73-year-old gospel and soul legend's latest collection, again working with Wilco's Jeff Tweedy who plays every instrument except drums

ADM rating[?]

7.6

Label
ANTI
UK Release date
24/06/2013
US Release date
25/06/2013
  1. 10.0 |   Daily Telegraph

    Staples remains a consummate vocalist. It’s not just that every note is in the right place, it is the nuance and emotion she brings to each phrase, the featherlight delicacy and subtle assurance of the many ways she can breeze through a lyric
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  2. 9.1 |   A.V. Club

    Tweedy’s influence on One True Vine is evident in the subtle, sparse arrangements behind this powerful singer
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  3. 8.6 |   Paste Magazine

    Staples makes redemption a matter of small things, tiny actions and incremental leaps of believing. Accessible to the fallen and faltering
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  4. 8.0 |   The Independent

    Staples reprises the collaboration with Tweedy with even more spectacular results
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  5. 8.0 |   Mojo

    A real grower, a strong offshoot of her gospel root. Print edition only

  6. 8.0 |   Consequence Of Sound

    Her conviction is truly inspiring
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  7. 8.0 |   The Scotsman

    It’s a low-key dispatch which makes full but sensitive use of the ache and empathy in Staples’ voice
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  8. 8.0 |   Evening Standard

    The real star is Staples herself: a queenly presence
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  9. 8.0 |   Independent on Sunday

    This is not Mavis Staples the hearty belter of gospel platitude but the quiet examiner of religious premise
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  10. 8.0 |   The Observer

    The record does what gospel should – lift you up
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  11. 8.0 |   Blurt

    It’s wonderful
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  12. 8.0 |   The Irish Times

    The musical backing is sparse, subtle and careworn, with nothing to distract from the voice as Staples rewinds on life’s wrong turns, misfortunes and decisions
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  13. 8.0 |   FasterLouder

    Despite the heavy God-fearing overtones, One True Vine is anything but alienating for non-believers
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  14. 7.5 |   Under The Radar

    A neat reminder, if any were needed, that Mavis Staples has a voice that has matured from merely outstanding to one of the most unique and perfect going today
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  15. 7.4 |   Pitchfork

    Tarries too long in doubt before finally breaking that dour spell and inviting the listener in on the celebration
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  16. 7.0 |   PopMatters

    A rich, beautifully crafted and moving experience
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  17. 7.0 |   Rolling Stone

    One True Vine shows there isn't much the ex-Staple Singer can't make gorgeous and lived-in
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  18. 7.0 |   Uncut

    Tweedy is content to provide low-key guitar parts, letting Mavis blaze centrestage
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  19. 7.0 |   Drowned In Sound

    Staples and Tweedy’s partnership may not catapult her to renewed fame, but it continues to throw up some of the most sparkling moments of their respective careers
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  20. 6.0 |   The Line Of Best Fit

    It may not always live up to its title, but it’s certainly an interesting branch of what will hopefully continue to be a long and fruitful partnership
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  21. 6.0 |   The Arts Desk

    Gospel shines when it's live and although the production values on this album are high and the setting never upstages the star, with Mavis in as fine a voice as ever, a certain blandness inevitably lurks
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  22. 6.0 |   The Guardian

    The mood is sombre, the pace slow-to-mid and Staples means every word she sings
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Mavis Staples: One True Vine

  • Download full album for just £9.49
  • 1. Holy Ghost £0.99
  • 2. Every Step £0.99
  • 3. Can You Get To That £0.99
  • 4. Jesus Wept £0.99
  • 5. Far Celestial Shore £0.99
  • 6. What Are They Doing In Heaven Today £0.99
  • 7. Sow Good Seeds £0.99
  • 8. I Like The Things About Me £0.99
  • 9. Woke Up This Morning (With My Mind On Jesus) £0.99
  • 10. One True Vine £0.99
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