The Beast In Its Tracks

This is my favorite Josh Ritter album since The Animal Years. His songwriting is always excellent, but on this album, the writing is exceptional. There are so many fantastic songs, it's difficult to choose a favorite, but I would say Hopeful is the one I return to over and over again. This song sums up the overall feel of the album--raw with pain, but also generous in spirit, offering a glimmer of light at the end of the long, dark tunnel of despair and betrayal. Breakup songs that are full of anger are par for the course, but Josh takes the high road and tries to see the positive and constructive in any situation, no matter how dismal. I think that Josh's determination to forgive, swallow his pride and move on is inspirational and healthy, and he provides an admirable example to emulate. Contrary to what some reviewers believe, I do not get the impression that he is wallowing in his pain with a "woe is me" attitude. Sure, he is still angry and hurt, which is to be expected, but his humanity is what really shines through. I like angry breakup songs as much as the next person, but this album offers a perspective that is unique, refreshing and uplifting. And this generosity of spirit is no pretense. I've seen Josh perform 10 times over the past 11 years, the first time was in an intimate concert with only about a dozen in the audience. I was not familiar with his songs then and almost did not end up going to the concert because I didn't know who he was. After his performance that evening, I bought his Golden Age of Radio CD and played it to death over the next year. The biggest venue I've seen him play was the Fleet (now called Bank of America) Pavilion in Boston, when he opened for Keane. Whether performing for an audience of 12 or in front of thousands, what is impressive about Josh is the joy he brings to his work. His exuberance is contagious and you know he's loving every minute on stage. Off stage, he is one of the most approachable, down-to-earth artists you will ever meet. He is charming and genuine and humble, despite being prodigiously gifted. He was really big in Ireland before he was ever known in the US, and I applaud Ireland for their excellent taste in music!

Don't forget the artist you are. The strength of a young man that wasn't sure if he were making the right life choice. It hurts but feel it and shed it, don't let it consume and destroy you! Miss you my old friend!

This album has absolutely reaffirmed my love for Josh and his songs. I can't even find the words to describe how I feel when I listen to his music. I feel as though I am transported to heaven, sometimes causing me to question whether or not his music can even exist in its beauty.

Have been a avid fan for years. Own every album, have seen many shows…This album took 3 or 4 listens before I really got it. I now consider it one of the most personal albums I have ever heard and one of my favorites of his. This is a huge departure from his visual narratives. The songs are sometimes painful to listen to but I can actually see him standing in the rain in such a cliche way. All artists need their fans to allow them to grow. But as fans we too often don't allow them to. His lyrical ability is as poignant as ever only this time the stories are not fictional, they are pure and real and I am thankful he has shared them.

Regardless of if you like his sound or not, his lyrics and the way he blends them with his music is incredible. "Hopeful" is probably one of the greatest love songs of the decade

You love the sound of classic Josh ritter, than you will love this album!

Such an amazing album containing deep lyrics packed with meaning. Truly an album that will stand the test of time.

Josh Ritter is an incredible musician, but this album is a major disappointment and a testament to the fact that loves makes fools of all of us... If he was going to delve into personal territory, I wanted to be taken on a journey. Each song hit the same nerve over and over, and at the end I just felt uncomfortable (and not the good kind of uncomfortable). The wistful undertones felt pointless and in opposition to the themes of forgiveness and renewal that he wants us all to buy into. I simply wasn't convinced.

Written in the wake of his divorce, Josh said at his recent Dallas concert, "I've never written anything autobiographical before, […] but to write anything else would be a lie." Knowing that just makes The Beast all the more wonderful and hauntingly beautiful. Out of pain and healing came an incredible album so sweet and so raw, deceptively angry and almost uncomfortable at times. Josh Ritter is one of the most brilliant musicians of our time, and proves it again and again.

This album seems much more introspective than Ritter's past work, which is largely narrative storytelling with imaginative characters. This album seems to be more like he's spent some hard time and done some hard traveling internally through a pretty bad breakup. Musically, Ritter, to me, is an incredible songwriter and this album is another excellent example of his effortless appeal. Great melodies, swirly atmospheres and each word means something. In short, this is another amazing album from Josh Ritter, I recommend it to anyone that loves music and heartfelt songwriting.