Mockingbird
by Allison Moorer
  • Record Label: New Line
  • Release Date: Feb 19, 2008
Metascore
67

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. AllMusic
    80
    It is her warmest, most ambitious, searing, and gutsy record yet.
  2. Hartford Courant
    80
    A wide-ranging sampler of female compositions on which Moorer mostly provides subtle touches and an abundance of cool presence.
  3. The Boston Phoenix
    75
    Moorer takes an approach opposite to Lynne’s on the stripped-down Lovin’, giving each track its own distinct personality: Gillian Welch’s 'Revelator' is droning folk rock, Simone’s 'I Want a Little Sugar in My Bowl' an organ-led torch song, June Carter Cash’s 'Ring of Fire' a drum-looped twang-hop. They all deserve a little spotlight.
  5. Billboard
    70
    Hiccups aside, there's something really brave and thoroughly punk rock about hearing her tackle Ma Rainey's 'Daddy Goodbye Blues.'
  6. PopMatters
    70
    On Mockingbird, she mostly succeeds in making this very fine collection of songs her own.
  7. Slant Magazine
    70
    Whether or not it works as a testament to "the feminine voice" is debatable, but Mockingbird reasserts that Moorer's is an artistic voice worth hearing.
  8. Austin Chronicle
    67
    The effortless Mockingbird proves she doesn't need to write to make music that's all her own.
  9. Under The Radar
    60
    There are some obvious picks, but Moorer is in such fine voice throughout that there's no need to quibble over song selecction. [Winter 2008, p.89]
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  10. Spin
    60
    Buddy Miller pares down the arrangements and Moorer relaxes, allowing her dark, sultry voice to simmer. [Mar 2008, p.106]
  11. Uncut
    60
    Ironically, the straight country of Jessi Colter's 'I'm Looking For Blue Eyes,' suits her best, while the busted drones and banjos of Julie Miller's 'Orphan Train' suggest there is better still to come. [Apr 2008, p.98]
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  12. NOW Magazine
    40
    Choosing to record only songs by women is an intriguing twist. It might actually have made for a great comeback album if Moorer had dug a little deeper for more appropriate material.
  13. Mojo
    40
    The use of borowed items invites comparisons, not only with the originals but also with other versions of the same song. And there Moorer fails the test. [Apr 2008, p.102]
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User Reviews

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User Score
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No user score yet- Awaiting 2 more ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. TriciaE.
    Apr 29, 2008
    10
    Allison Moorer proves on "Mockingbird" that she is every woman. With a voice that has the unusual ability to mix powerhouse voice, with Allison Moorer proves on "Mockingbird" that she is every woman. With a voice that has the unusual ability to mix powerhouse voice, with soulful stirrings and sweet melodies, she collaborates with other superstar females to cover a multitude of musical genres. Whether it be soul, folk, punk, country or rock, Allison Moorer sings it beautifully. Listening to this album, you understand that the female experience, just like women themselves, are multifaceted, deep and resounding. Amazingly, Allison Moorer has been able to represent all facets of being female in a way that is universal to all people: men and women, young and old, rockers and country fans. Her critically acclaimed talent is evident on each and every song on this album. She does an amazing cover of "Ring of Fire" by Merle Kilgore and June Carter Cash, to a lovely rendition of Both Sides Now by Joni Mitchell. Each and every song will leave you with wanting Moorer.… Full Review »
  2. MikeM.
    Mar 5, 2008
    6
    This huge Allison m fan is a bit disappointed in this one. she has a great voice and mockingbird (cut 1) is beautiful, but whose idea was the This huge Allison m fan is a bit disappointed in this one. she has a great voice and mockingbird (cut 1) is beautiful, but whose idea was the sax solo? Gerry Rafferty's? some stuff a bit stuffy and precious, kind of drags. I have gillian cd if I want to hear "revelator", which is a great song. can't wait until her next album of originals.… Full Review »