Albums to watch

Beauty & Ruin

Bob Mould

Beauty & Ruin

Latest solo record from the man behind Hüsker Dü and Sugar

ADM rating[?]

7.4

Label
Merge Records
UK Release date
09/06/2014
US Release date
03/06/2014
  1. 9.0 |   PopMatters

    It’s rare for artists who’ve been in it for the long haul to exceed diminished expectations and diminishing returns, but Bob Mould accomplishes just that with his stunning, captivating new effort
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  2. 9.0 |   Drowned In Sound

    It really is one of the best things he’s ever put his name to
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  3. 8.5 |   Earbuddy

    It’s a deeply personal record, one that feels, at times, almost like spying on someone from within their own head
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  4. 8.3 |   A.V. Club

    On Beauty & Ruin, second chances aren’t taken for granted—they’re embraced with unfettered ferocity and humble grace
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  5. 8.0 |   The Music

    Many of Beauty & Ruin’s songs come with the familiar cascade of power chords and Mould’s clipped howl
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  6. 8.0 |   The Arts Desk

    It’s heartening to have Bob Mould doing what he does best and doing it well
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  7. 8.0 |   The Guardian

    He sounds almost comfortable in his own skin for the first time in his career, but has lost none of his vinegar or vigour
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  8. 8.0 |   musicOMH

    We could all learn something from this record: to realise that out of the ruins, we can come back stronger
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  9. 8.0 |   Paste Magazine

    When he’s not thrashing around (and sometimes when he is), Mould is indulging his love of pop hooks with heft
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  10. 8.0 |   The Skinny

    Simple but devastating
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  11. 8.0 |   Uncut

    An invigorating reconnection with a more difficult, dangerous part of himself. Print edition only

  12. 8.0 |   Crack

    The sound of a man coming to terms with loss by reveling in the astounding talents that make up his conflicting character. A shining pearl for sure
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  13. 7.3 |   Pitchfork

    After so many years of pummeling at everything and everyone, himself included, he’s found a measure of acceptance—but he’s also kept his brass knuckles on, just in case
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  14. 7.0 |   Under The Radar

    As the alt rock veteran approaches 30 years in the rock spotlight, Mould shows no signs of pumping the brakes on his creativity
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  15. 7.0 |   The Quietus

    While Beauty & Ruin contains some of the most vital music of Mould's solo career, it'd be great to see him properly stretched again as an artist and player
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  16. 7.0 |   Rolling Stone

    Sounds fully invigorated here, perhaps fueled by the weighty subject matter: the death of his father
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  17. 7.0 |   The Line Of Best Fit

    Straightforward, accomplished rock songs with enough muscle to anchor their poppy choruses and prevent them from floating off into Green Day territory
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  18. 6.7 |   Consequence Of Sound

    Mould’s snapshots give us a vivid glimpse into a year in his life, both the beauty and the ruin
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  19. 6.0 |   Mojo

    Melodic angst drenched in his proprietary blend of distortion. Print edition only

  20. 6.0 |   Q

    One of his most rounded, fulfilling solo records. A high compliment indeed. Print edition only

  21. 6.0 |   The Observer

    Fast and furious, Kid With Crooked Face and Hey Mr Grey hark right back to Mould's days in the Dü
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  22. 6.0 |   NME

    Hüsker Dü frontman continues to conquer alternative rock with his 11th solo album
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  23. 6.0 |   Clash

    Older, wiser, still rocking: Mould’s sounding as electric as ever
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Bob Mould: Beauty & Ruin

  • Download full album for just £7.99
  • 1. Low Season £0.99
  • 2. Little Glass Pill £0.99
  • 3. I Don't Know You Anymore £0.99
  • 4. Kid With Crooked Face £0.99
  • 5. Nemeses Are Laughing £0.99
  • 6. The War £0.99
  • 7. Forgiveness £0.99
  • 8. Hey Mr. Grey £0.99
  • 9. Fire in the City £0.99
  • 10. Tomorrow Morning £0.99
  • 11. Let the Beauty Be £0.99
  • 12. Fix It £0.99
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