Search - Robbie Fulks :: Couples in Trouble

Now THIS is the very best of Robbie Fulks!

Miles D. Moore | Alexandria, VA USA | 02/02/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Couples in Trouble" represents a quantum leap in the development of Robbie Fulks, placing him squarely among the greatest living American songwriters in any genre. This album is a long way from the smart-alecky humor of "Country Love Songs" or "South Mouth," but it's hard to see how any listener could fail to be impressed with "Couples in Trouble." All of the songs are sensational, and they come in a bewildering range of styles--from the traditional Appalachian sound of "In Bristol Town One Fine Day" to the mordant jazz of "Anything for Love," from the dark cabaret of "My Tormentor" to the sweet bounciness of "Mad at a Girl." Fulks' wit is still there, but far more mixed with tenderness and worldly wisdom than in his previous work. I don't know about you, but personally, I will buy any CD Robbie Fulks puts his name on from this day forward. I will be delighted to hear anything--and everything--he does next."

Excellent songwriter continues to find his musical identity.

Carlton W. Herbert | Longview, TX United States | 12/20/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Much like the majority of 90's young "no depression" acts, Robbie Fulks has dropped much of his country aesthetic in favor of cleaner pop production. But unlike Wilco and Whiskeytown, Fulks' switch truly feels like a logical transition. The addition of power pop, lounge jazz, and string quartets to his updated honky-tonk only strenghtens his songwriting, making the music even more his own. The songs themselves are intriguing tales of lost loves and bad situations. Not really new ground for a honky-tonk singer, but Fulks' excellent lyrical craftsmanship avoids treading thematic water. One initial complaint is that without his usual country twang, Robbie's airy voice can wear thin. Over time however, this reveals itself as a useful tool. His waifish croon keeps utterly bleak songs like "Brenda's New Stepfather" from seeming downright repulsive, subtley covering ground that would seem far too disturbingly real if tackled by a voice like Tom Waits or Johnny Cash. The end product is a song-essay piece every bit as powerful and timeless as Randy Newman's "Good Old Boys" or Frank Sinatra's "In the Wee Small Hours"."

Another Great One from Robbie

gopherus | Missouri | 08/31/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I think that Robbie really hit the nail on the head with this one. Although his previous albums are all good - this one is the best. I don't normally find theme records appealing, but Robbie wrote some very well crafted songs here and the album flows real well. Although the lyrics do fit a theme, the music (which is some of the best Fulks has created) covers a wide variety of genres. From the Appalachian folk sound of "In Bristol Town" to the shimmering pop sound of "Mad at a Girl" Fulks generates beautiful tunes to accompany well written lyrics. While some might want to bathe after listening to "Brenda's New Stepfather" one cannot deny the emotion of the lyrics and the percussive melody. Each song will take you on a journey of some sort and that is what great music is all about."