Albums to watch

Even In Exile

James Dean Bradfield

Even In Exile

Second solo album from the Manic Street Preachers frontman inspired by the life and death of Chilean activist/poet Victor Jara

ADM rating[?]

7.6

Label
Montyray
UK Release date
14/08/2020
US Release date
14/08/2020
  1. 9.0 |   Clash

    One of our greatest living guitarists has conjured up something truly special
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  2. 8.0 |   Under The Radar

    An album that fully illustrates Bradfield’s stature as a solo artist of some repute
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  3. 8.0 |   NME

    A tribute to Chilean revolutionary Víctor Jara, this solo record steers clear of hackneyed music homage in favour of propulsive guitar tunes
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  4. 8.0 |   Uncut

    Jara's story gives a dramatic, yearning quality to the libretto that suits Bradfield's epic style, and allows a sense of unity to emerge through individual songs. Print edition only

  5. 8.0 |   Q

    It's a record that draws you in, first with its story, and then with its songs. Print edition only

  6. 8.0 |   Mojo

    Protest songs can be dour, but Bradfield dresses lyrics adapted from the poems of Patrick Jones in his most ornately uplifting arrangements. Print edition only

  7. 8.0 |   The Arts Desk

    The voice, as usual, raises the hairs on the back of your neck
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  8. 8.0 |   musicOMH

    An undoubtedly impressive outing, both in terms of being an engaging, impactful set of songs but also as an educational exercise in shining further light on an important musician and cultural figure
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  9. 8.0 |   All Music

    The key to Bradfield's album is how it respectfully salutes Jara while conveying the emotions and ideas stirred within the singer/songwriter -- a rare trick that is quite compelling on this urgent yet nuanced song cycle
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  10. 8.0 |   Evening Standard

    Even in Exile bears the roaring Manics sound but Jara is also present in the music, as Spanish-style guitars ring out
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  11. 8.0 |   The Independent

    Turning the words of poet Patrick Jones into lyrics, the Manic Street Preachers frontman tells the story of Chilean activist Victor Jara on this impressionistic, political record
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  12. 8.0 |   XS Noize

    Vocals, guitar and melodies all exemplary, the spaghetti western prog excursions a new avenue explored in highly impressive fashion. Repeated listens of this ambitious and rewarding album may be a real possibility for listeners
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  13. 7.5 |   The Line Of Best Fit

    Even without his bandmates, Bradfield manages to do what Manics have always done better than everybody else; explore the politics, history and legacy of art through an accessible rock and roll lens
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  14. 7.0 |   Beats Per Minute

    Even if it’s a bit much at times, Even in Exile could well be the best record Bradfield has lent his voice to since 2009’s Journal for Plague Lovers; it’s not a classic, but a very strong, autumnal call to arms
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  15. 6.0 |   The Irish Times

    Even in Exile doesn’t always hit the mark, but it’s a fine collection from an accomplished singer before the Manics return to the fray. In times such as these, Bradfield’s passionate voice and sonic food for thought provides a balm and a comfort
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  16. 6.0 |   DIY

    With more focus, this could have felt quite vital
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