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Freedom Highway Image
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 5 Ratings

  • Summary: The second solo release for the Grammy-winning folk singer includes nine original songs.
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Top Track

Julie
Julie, oh Julie Won't you run? 'Cos I see down yonder the soldiers have come Julie, oh Julie Can't you see? Them devils have come to take you far... See the rest of the song lyrics
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 12
  2. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. Feb 24, 2017
    90
    At the outset, it seems austere, but by its conclusion it's a robust celebration of all the weird, wonderful parts of America.
  2. Feb 22, 2017
    90
    On Freedom Highway, Giddens juxtaposes historical narratives with present-day contexts for an emotionally powerful record.
  3. Feb 21, 2017
    85
    Whether she shuck’n’shimmies through the flirty trombone-laced “Hey Bebe,” the bowed cello and moan lullaby “Baby Boy” or the staccato romance denied “Love We Almost Had” (featuring fellow roots journeyer Bhi Bhiman), the emotions of desire and elation run strong.
  4. Feb 21, 2017
    80
    A timely, arresting album.
  5. Uncut
    Feb 21, 2017
    80
    [A] remarkably wise and timely album. [Mar 2017, p.18]
  6. Feb 21, 2017
    80
    The album is alive with energy and playfulness.
  7. Q Magazine
    Feb 21, 2017
    60
    To a soundtrack of country blues and earthly soul, parallels are drawn with past and present injustices. [Apr 2017, p.112]

See all 12 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 1
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 1
  3. Negative: 0 out of 1
  1. Apr 18, 2017
    9
    First of all, Rhiannon Giddens has an amazing voice. This is a different type of album from "Tomorrow is my Turn" in that most of these songsFirst of all, Rhiannon Giddens has an amazing voice. This is a different type of album from "Tomorrow is my Turn" in that most of these songs were written by Rhiannon. These songs are more definitely in the folk music vein (like Carolina Chocolate Drops) and a lot of them relate to slavery or the civil rights era, yet they are still relevant today. One song is a bit jazzy, for a change in pace. Overall, great vocals, tuneful music and meaningful lyrics, better than 90% of the music being released. Expand