Heartbreaker
by Ryan Adams

A consistent record that knows exactly what it is and executes it to a very high degree. This is such a delicately beautiful folk album that is just as likely to fill us with energy as it is move us with its touching and emotional sentiment. This is primarily due to the genius lyrics of Ryan Adams and he is really at the peak of his song writing powers on this record amongst others he has made. This is best demonstrated on the tracks Oh My Sweet Carolina, Come Pick Me Up, Why Do They Leave? and To Be Young (Is To Be Sad, Is To Be High). All these songs have Adams at his best vocally, instrumentally and lyrically. The instrumentation is pretty consistent throughout though and the gentle guitar plucking is phenomenal on the more softer tracks. These gentle songs are where the record truly shines and we see a vulnerable singer/songwriter which makes it so easy for us to connect to him and relate to the music. Despite this, there are a few tracks which do fade into the background a little in the grand scheme of the record and I always struggle to recall them after I have listened. Overall, a fantastic folk album that has all the emotion and power to keep you coming back for listen after listen.

Rugged but vulnerable, 'Heartbreaker' does what it says on the tin.

From Brad1770 09/03/2021 09:06 | #273230

I’ve been obsessed with this album of late. It seems random but there’s a very good reason. It’s good. Really good. ‘Heartbreaker’ has an honest home spun and down to earth feel about it with much of the album recorded live over a two week period

Simply gorgeous from top to bottom

Despite the serious accusations from women that have worked with him, Ryan Adams is undoubtedly one of the finest songwriters in the folk genre.

Mr. Adams continues to release stunning music into the 2020's with "Wednesdays" and "Big Colors."

Adams fronted the short-lived Whiskeytown, equally influenced by Gram Parsons and Bruce Springsteen, as it was by Fleetwood Mac and The Replacements. "Heartbreaker" was his solo debut, a collection of basic rockers with delicate sentimental acoustic tracks. Adam's voice is very high in the mix, reminiscent of Neil Young's "Tonight's the Night," which succeeds in only heightening the emotional impact of the record.

Highly Recommended.

Track Pick: Oh My Sweet Carolina

Wow, So that's why it is on a good few the top 50 album lists for the yr.2000.
Great voice, good acoustic guitar and orchestrial backing, with very good sound production by Ethan Johns, thanks.

From Tamthebam 06/27/2018 14:03 | #217379

A great solo debut album from Ryan Adams after 2 albums with Whiskeytown. Heartbreaker is looser and more intimate than those with Whiskeytown, an overall feel of sadness prevails but not in a depressing way Gillian Welch Dave Rawlings are present on most tracks & Emmylou Harris adds backing vocals on Oh My Sweet Carolina .

From planetneutral 01/23/2018 03:20 | #206350

Really, really good.

From micah88800 01/22/2018 19:05 | #206303

I would love to say this is one of my favorite albums ever, because a lot of it is. Problem is there are a few songs that dont live up to the greatness of the rest. Dont get me wrong, there are no bad songs on here, but none of the last 5 do a lot for me. That being said, I cant begin to explain how much I love the rest. Adams is hitting an emotional nerve on this album that is 100% authtentic and unfabricated. This might be his only completely honest work in his entire discography. I love Adams, but the man is surrounded by pretension. This album is an exception. These songs are stripped down and minimalistic, leaving pure emotion. Adams's Magnum Opus for sure.

Best tracks: Amy, Oh Sweet Carolina, Call Me on Your Way Back Home, Come Pick Me Up

From Brad1770 12/15/2017 23:17 | #203199

So beautiful so sad . I found this album a little less ‘ Alt Country ish ‘ and a touch more accessible compared to most of RA’s other work & there for enjoyed listening to this entire album. If you don’t want to work through the entire album make sure you check out the track “ OH MY SWEET CAROLINA” . It’s great!!!! And easily the best thing here

From HoldenM 06/10/2017 21:57 | #192337

One things that happens with many artists for me is that I have to listen to a lot of artists before I'm ready for a certain sound--the most significant being Modest Mouse. I wasn't ready for Ryan Adams for a long time. But finally, after his last two releases, I've come around to one of the most prolific songwriters of the last twenty-five years.

Heartbreaker is a beautiful record with a sense of presence. It's why we start with a conversation about "Suedehead" that lets us know we're in a studio. It's a sense of closeness that instantly gives a layer of humanity to Adams and his band. It's something that contextualizes and deepens the emotional intensity of these songs. Some songwriters have an intelligence and understanding of the world that gives them something interesting or new to say. Adams doesn't really have that. Instead, Adams has an honesty and understanding of his feelings that borders on courageous at times. He doubles down on sincerity, so even if these ideas are broad, they feel real and timeless.

Heartbreaker is one gripping track after another, each brimming with authenticity, each filled with some sort of life. Most artists have something to say about heartbreak. Almost none compare to Adams, who makes a breakup as compelling and involving as can be.