The Marfa Tapes by Miranda Lambert Reviews and Tracks - Metacritic
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The Marfa Tapes
by
The Marfa Tapes Image
Metascore
84

Universal acclaim - based on 6 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 14 Ratings

  • Artist(s): Jack Ingram, Jon Randall
  • Summary: The full-length collaboration between Miranda Lambert, Jack Ingram and Jon Randall was recorded just outside of Marfa, Texas.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. Sputnikmusic
    May 10, 2021
    90
    I'd call The Marfa Tapes a labor of love if it didn't sound so effortless. Ingram and Randall contribute beautiful cuts of their own (don't assume this is just another platform for Lambert), and when the three play together, the end product is as dynamic as it is breathtaking.
  2. Variety
    May 10, 2021
    88
    It is certainly her purest and least sonically complicated, which is great when considering her warmly warbling voice. And like her bigger, broader sounding albums, she gives as good as she gets, quietly, while sounding as grand as if she had a studio band’s excess at work. This time, however, it only took a couple of fellow Texans and an empty room down in Marfa to bring the best out of Lambert.
  3. Paste Magazine
    May 10, 2021
    82
    The songwriting is first-rate, and the minimalist aesthetic suits these tunes in a way that more elaborate arrangements and polished production never would.
  4. Uncut
    Jun 18, 2021
    80
    It’s a wonderfully tactile set, pared back to just fingerpicked guitar and voices, their verité approach welcoming informal chatter and ambient sounds of the surrounding high desert. [Aug 2021, p.28]
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  5. AllMusic
    May 10, 2021
    80
    As a songbook, it's excellent, but it's equally effective as an album, as the trio harmonize and pick guitar with an emotional immediacy that gives The Marfa Tapes a warm, resonant immediacy.
  6. Pitchfork
    May 11, 2021
    76
    Lambert sings about the one who got away, dreaming of a day when they will be reunited. Randall strums his guitar and joins for harmonies with Ingram every time the chorus rolls around. They are singing about better days ahead but they’re making the present moment sound pretty good, too.

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. UglyLights
    May 12, 2021
    10
    When so many mainstream country artists are leaning towards the over-produced pop-country sound, Miranda delivers what we have all beenWhen so many mainstream country artists are leaning towards the over-produced pop-country sound, Miranda delivers what we have all been craving. Brilliant from start to finish. More of this in country music please!… Expand
  2. Shaygirl
    May 12, 2021
    10
    For years Miranda fans have said “if we could just get Miranda to do an acoustic album.” This is exactly what we wanted. Lyrically beautiful,For years Miranda fans have said “if we could just get Miranda to do an acoustic album.” This is exactly what we wanted. Lyrically beautiful, sonically beautiful. Jack, Jon, and Miranda are the top tier of trios.… Expand
  4. WhiteLiar
    May 14, 2021
    10
    This album is the true embodiment of country music being three chords and the truth. There’s nothing to hide behind, and Miranda, John, andThis album is the true embodiment of country music being three chords and the truth. There’s nothing to hide behind, and Miranda, John, and Jack truly capture one of a kind stories and a unique setting unlike anything they’ve done before.… Expand
  5. Onlyblonder
    Oct 4, 2021
    10
    Incredible album from 3 Incredible artists. No skips! Pure poetry. This is song writing at it's best with incredible vocals.
  6. backroad
    May 11, 2021
    10
    This is a longtime miranda fan dream album. I hope she knows how much we appreciate her sharing her songs like this. Thanks to Jack and JonThis is a longtime miranda fan dream album. I hope she knows how much we appreciate her sharing her songs like this. Thanks to Jack and Jon for being two of her ten thousand angels.… Expand
  7. WellRested
    May 12, 2021
    10
    When you put this record on it feels like you are actually sitting with Miranda, Jack, and Jon in the middle of West Texas underneath theWhen you put this record on it feels like you are actually sitting with Miranda, Jack, and Jon in the middle of West Texas underneath the stars gathered around a fire. A truly magical experience that I’ve never felt before upon listening to an album. There’s nothing like it.… Expand

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