Loved him with Whiskeytown ... He's closing in on the brilliance he showed in his early 20's with "Love is Hell" album ...
Best tracks are:
"House is Not for Sale"
"I See Monsters"
"Hotel Chelsea Nights"
"Anybody Want to Take me Home"
Serious REM-like guitar melodies in this effort ...
You CANNOT go wrong buying any Ryan Adams album ... the man is easily the most compelling artist of our times ... a mantle that must weigh heavy on him , but bless him for his talent , and we wish him continued success...

I have listened to (and own) all of Adams' albums. Most are great but there are two magnificent standouts that I listen to most of the time when I am listening to Adams: "Gold" and "Love is Hell." The albums have different vibes and come from slightly different times in his career arc so they are not totally comparable other than their similar level of greatness, but I would even go so far as to say that this is Adams' best album in terms of what an album should be. If you define a good album as a single entity that you can listen to from start to finish and enjoy it throughout, and also something that has a cohesive flow throughout, then I think this album not only qualifies as that but also as Adams' finest hour.

Well, I bought this album for Oasis's remake (wonderwall) and the track shadowlands, but the rest is too country. I know that this artist is mostly country, but listening to the 2 mentionned songs, I tought the album would sound more like those 2.

Although not the first time hearing Adams' music, "Love Is Hell" was the first album I had the chance to listen to from start to finish (albeit in Parts 1 and 2). A thread of sadness is woven throughout every song, and the music and stories are captivating. "Shadowlands" is probably the strongest track, a beautiful yet haunting piano song featuring escalating musical accompanyment. "World War 24" and "City Rain, City Streets" are melodious tracks that give blatant nods to Morrissey and The Smiths. "Afraid Not Scared" sounds a little like Radiohead, while "Wonderwall" is a unique, acoustic interpretation of the Oasis classic. "Please Do Not Let Me Go" is my personal favorite, a sad track that harkens back to Adams' alt-country roots. Overall, this is a well-rounded album, and Ryan Adams fans alike should still feel right at home after giving this record a listen.

This is simply a solid CD from beginning to end. Favorite songs include "this house is not for sale" and "wonderwall." His rendition of "wonderwall" is hauntingly beautiful, even as his voice cracks. I've had this CD for a couple of years now and it is still heavy in my rotation.

Highly recommended!!

Ryan Adams' albums have run the spectrum of music to date. He's shown a breath of vocal, lyrical, and musical talent but the quality has been spotty at times. "Love is Hell" is his best album yet. A solid 5 out of 5 that any music lover can find enjoyment in. At times blues, at times rock, at times country, always hauntingly beautiful. "Anybody take me home", " English Girls", and "Chelesa Nights" are standouts and his cover of Oasis' "Wonderwall" is amazing. I'm usually not a big fan of covers (and Adams seems to be covered more and more lately) but this version is better than the original, at least in my opinion. Ryan Adams fans, rock fans, music fans, buy this album.

I think what this disc ultimately proves is that Ryan Adams knows how to beautifully craft his roots an influences into a style all his own. Adams brings passion an integrity to his work despite some cuts an bruises. Music lovers, stand up and take notice.

If you're a fan of Heartbreaker and Gold, this may not be for you. This album is not like his alt. country predecesors. Instead, Love is Hell is an album with lush electric arrangements and unforgettable melodies. Ryan Adams is the master of making memorable melodies. This album is where he peaked. The opener, Political Scientist is (I hate saying this) like a lost Jeff Buckley song. Much of the album hints at Buckleyesque and Beatlesque type arrangements. At times Adams is quiet, other times he screaming...a very emotional album from start to finish. The only reason I couldn't give it 5 stars is because the album gets too long. There are 16 songs on here with a tune that's also on Rock n Roll...it fits well on this collection, but did you really need to make the album one more song longer? Other than that, I love this album.

I don't listen to much country (actually, very little if any) and don't listen to rock much these days either, but whatever combination of the two that Ryan Adams melds together is both convincing and listenable without being overtly commercial or mainstream. His cover version of Oasis's 'Wonderwall' is beautiful and though his voice gets stretched a bit, it reveals a bit of vulnerabiltiy that just adds to the song.

I am sad to say that I LOVE this album. The reason why is because I cannot find any other Ryan Adams CDs that are even comparable to this masterpiece. I have spent little over a year listening and absorbing so much from these recordings.

I do find the CD to be somewhat depressing but there is an overwhelming uplifting aspect to the entire CD. For instance in `Shadowlands,' the beginning of the song really does sound like Adam is in the abyss crowded amongst tragedy and sorrow. Then, slowly his voice begins to shed the reverb, it sounds as though Adams is lifted and startlingly enough right here with us, which the music supports as well. He transcends his suffering into something so much greater and ultimately enjoyable for a listener.

I could go on about each one of his songs in such a way that is inescapable once you sit down and listen. Of course it still has all the enjoyable aspects of just pleasant music that don't require a listener to analyze every song. But if a listener would just take on the task of trying to figure out what the hell happened to Adams before/while writing this record then this record would become so much more than just a compilation of well crafted songs.

I mentioned this before, this album is completely different from his others and Adam's fans generally don't understand it. I find that extremely disappointing since his most skilfully crafted piece of work is but more than a cold murmur to them. There are some similarities to 29 but it doesn't feel as natural (I don't mean to suggest either improvised or planned) and sincere as `Love is Hell.'

I suggest if you are unfamiliar with it, get this record, start it on track six, once the CD is over start from track 1 and just let it unfold for you. A timeless masterpiece and personal favourite trust me.

-Friend

I only have heard Part 1 of love is hell. It was given to me by my sister because she thought i might like it and I am astonished. I never heard Ryan Adams until this CD. "The Shadowlands" is probly the most emotional song Ive ever heard. I love Ryan Adams cause you can really hear what he's trying to say in his voice. Lyrics aside, the tone of his voice would be enough to show the emotion.

Im really trying to get into some good music now that im getting older and I think Ryan Adams will be a staple in my music listen for years to come. Great songwriter! Now i just have to buy the rest of his cds!

This sounds like a precursor to Ryan Adams' late 2005 release, "29" in many ways. I don't particularly enjoy "29," which I categorize as keening and noodling. This album only partially goes in that direction, and is still worth having for tracks like "Anybody Wanna...," "WW 24," and "Hotel Chelsea Nights." It's a pretty fair mix of what he's been doing since 2003; would get four stars except for a handful of songs like "Thank You Louise" which I have tried a few times to get through and just can't.

If I could give Love Is Hell more than 5 stars , I would. It is quite simply some of the best songwriting ever. Yes, you heard right, EVER!!! The fact that Ryan is not considered the absolutely without a doubt best songwriter of his era just proves what an absolute farce the music industry and every music awards show put on television have become. Everyone who loves the craft of songwriting and the emotions involved should own Love Is Hell. As a long time fan, I bought Pt. 1 when it was released along with Rock N Roll and Pt. 2 a month later. It is hard to pick a favorite song since they are all unique in their musical and lyrical portrayal of hurt, angst, confusion and melancholy. Even though I own and love everything Ryan has done with Whiskeytown, The Cardinals and as a solo artist, I feel that Love Is Hell is the masterpiece that most musicians can only dream of making. If you don't own this , purchase it immediately and tell everyone you know that loves good, thought provoking music to do the same!!

This is easily one of the best albums ever written as far as I'm concerned. Well, let me rephrase. Love is Hell pt. 1 is one of the best albums ever. Pt. 2 (the second half) isn't as good as the first, but it's still good. Adams plan was to release this as the album, but his label wanted a more rock album so he wrote Rock'n'Roll in two weeks (and I think we can tell). Either way, "This House Is Not For Sale" and "World War 24" are two of my absolute essentials sunday night songs. This one comes highly recommended.

There are no other albums that can portrey the emotions of sadness, desperation, and desolation better than Love Is Hell. You listen to this album and end up feeling exactly how Ryan wants you to feel, and he wants you to feel that love is indeed hell. He accomplishes this by continuously inundating listeners with bleak vocals and incredibly moving music. A masterpiece.

"I'm getting really cold and I'm looking at you, and you're not moving." ~ Afraid Not Scared

THIS IS MY REVIEW OF THE ALBUM TRACK TO TRACK. ITS A VERY DARK, EMOTIONAL ALBUM, WHICH NEEDS TO BE IN EVERYBODYS COLLECTION! ITS NOT THE MOST RADIO-FRIENDLY ALBUM, THAT PROBABLY WHY THE RECORD COMPANY FIRST REFUSED IT. BUT AFTER CLOSE LISTENING
FOR A PERIOD OF TIME. YOU WILL BEGIN TO REALISE THAT RYAN ADAMS IS A VERY GIFTER SINGER/SONGWRITER AND MUSICIAN, WITH JOHN PORTER PUTTING IN AN AMAZING DARK/DREAMY PRODUCTION INPUT. HAVE PATIENCE AND IT'LL BE A TOP 10 ALBUM OF YOURS! PROMISE!

1.POLITICAL SCIENTIST - 4/5
- VERY DARK, WITH CLEVER SOUNDS IN THE BACKGROUND, THE MOST ART-Y SOUNDING SONG ON THE RECORD, THOUGH NOT 2 MELODIC, BUT DIFFERENT ANYWAY.

2.AFRAID NOT SCARED - 3.5/5
- A LITTLE BLAND I THINK, DRAGS A BIT AND THE STRUCTURE IS NOTHING SPECTACULAR. THOUGH WHEN HE SINGS "IM REALLY DYING IN HERE" IS EMOTIONAL.

3.THIS HOUSE IS NOT FOR SALE - 4/5
- ITS LIKE I'VE HEARD IT BEFORE...BUT I HAV'NT! ITS GREAT, SLIGHTLY BUCKLEY/SMITHS SOUNDING, YET DIFFERENT TO THE REST ON THE ALBUM.

4...WANNA TAKE ME HOME - 3/5
- SOUNDS LIKE THE SMITHS, I DONT MIND IT, BUT ITS HARD TO JUDGE WHEN I THINK THE SMITHS ARE A ACQUIRED TASTE I CANT GET INTO.

5. LOVE IS HELL - 5/5
- ANTHEMATIC. EVERYBODY SHOULD BE SAYING TO THERE FRIENDS WHEN SOMETHING IN A RELATIONSHIP GOES WRONG, "AH WELL, LOVE IS HELL!"
THIS SONG PROVES HE CAN ROCK. ALMOST SOUNDS SARCASTIC WHEN SCREAMING "LOVE IS HELL" AT THE END, BRILLIANT!

6. WONDERWALL - 5/5
- HIS VOICE IN THE SONG WAS NOMINATED FOR A GRAMMY. AND NO WONDER. THE CLOUDY NOISES IN THE BACKGROUND AND THE COMPLETE RE-MAKE OF A SONG WHICH JUST GOT BETTER.

7. SHADOWLANDS - 6/5
- BREATHTAKING. ONE OF MY FAVOURITE SONGS. A THREE CHORD SONG THAT REPEATS OVER AND OVER AGAIN, BUT STILL KEEPS YOU ENTERTAINED. THE PIANO SOUND IS BEAUTIFUL, HIS VOICE IS UNBEIEVABLE IN THE 4/5 LINES. FINISHES OFF WITH A BUILD UP AND THE SWEETEST GUITAR SOLO. PERFECT.

8. WORLD WAR 24 - 3.5/5
- REMINDS YOU RYAN ADAMS IS HUMAN AGAIN! PRETTY GOOD, BUT ONE OF THE SKIPABLE TRACKS.

9. AVALANCHE - 4.5/5
-PROBABLY ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL MELODIES. HIS VOICE JUST MAKES THE SONG FLOW WITH THE DREAMY SOUNDING PIANO AND WONDERFUL PRODUCTION.

10. MY BLUE MANHATTAN - 4.5/5
- BY THIS TIME ON THE HE ALBUM, CONTINUES TO ENTERTAIN THE LISTENER BY PLAYING DIFFERENT STYLES OF MUSIC, AND DOING IT WELL. SOMETHING NOT MANY MUSICIANS CAN DO. THIS SONG SOUNDS LIKE A COLD, FOGGY DAY IN NEW YORK, MELODIC, FLOWING, AND BEAUTIFUL. "MAKING SNOW ANGELS..." STANDS OUT.

11. PLEASE DO NOT LET ME GO 5/5
- SOUNDS LIKE SOMEONE NOT BEING ABLE TO GET OUT OF BED. THE GUITAR IS BRILL. THE STEEL PEDAL TO. NEAR THE END WHEN THE WHOLE BAND COMES IN IS SPECTACULAR. A GREAT MELODY ON THE PIANO.

12. CITY RAIN... 3/5
- LIKE THE SMITHS AGAIN. LEAST FAVOURITE. SOME OK PARTS THOUGH.

13. I SEE MONSTERS 5/5
- A HIGHLIGHT OF THE ALBUM. THE LYRICS PERFECTLY MATCH THE SONG. HIS VOICE IS DEEP AND WEARY. THE GUITAR STYLE IS CLEVER AND EMOITIONAL. THE MELODY UNFORGETABLE. I COULD GO ON.

14. ENGLISH GIRLS APPROX - 3.5/5
- REMINDS US HE HASN'T LEFT HIS ALT.COUNTRY BEHIND! SOUNDS GREAT TO PRODUCE A SONG LIKE THIS ON THE ALBUM. STILL GREAT TO SONG ALONG, BUT SKIPABLE AT TIMES.

15. THANK YOU LOUISE - 4.5/5
- THE MELODY AT THE VERSE IS FANTASTIC. THE STRINGS AND EVEN THE SMALLEST PIANO PART SOUNDS GREAT AT THE CHORUS. I DONT THINK MANY PEOPLE OULD WRITE A SONG LIKE THIS. SO FLOWING, HAPPY, DARK AND ART-Y. TAKES A WHILE TO GET INTO.

16. HOTEL CHELSEA NIGHTS - 4.5/5
- A BLUESY SOUNDING SONG. BRILLIANTLY PRODUCED WITH EVEN THE DRUMS HAVE REVERB ON THIS! THE LEAD INSTRUMENTS ARE GREAT. THE GUITAR AS SMOOTH AS EVER, HIS VOICE KIND OF ROUGH BUT EMOTIONAL. A GREAT WAY TO FINISH THE ALBUM.

ENJOY!

WOW- MAYBE HIS EGO IS DESERVED ATLEAST BY THIS CD- THE ORIGINAL LOVE IS HELL EPS COMBINED ON ONE RECORD. BY THE FIFTH TRACK I WAS CONVINCED THIS WAS ONE OF THE BEST RELEASES IN A DECADE OR SO AND RIGHT INTO THE TOP TEN OF MY FAVORITE RECORDS EVER. HAUNTING SONGS- GREAT ARRANGMENTS AND PRODUCTION- THIS IS ADAMS STRIPPED DOWN AND DARK WTIH MAYBE ONLY A SONG OR TWO BELOW EXCELLENT- THE REST ARE ALL STUNNING- POLITICAL SCIENTIST-AFRAID NOT SCARED-I SEE MOSTERS-THIS HOUSE IS NOT FOR SALE SHADOWLANDS- PLEASE DO NOT LET ME GO THANK YOU LOUISE-. HINTS OF RADIOHEADESQUE SOUNDSCAPING AND VOCAL STYLES MIXED WITH AN ALT COUNTRY ACOUSTIC WARM BUT DARK RANGE MAKE FOR ENDLESS LISTENS ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT OR ON RAINY DAYS. AS MENTIONED RYAN CONJURES UP PAUL WESTERBERG- RADIOHEAD-COLDPLAY(NOTICE THE FIRST TITLE CONSISTS OF TWO SONG TITLES FROM COLDPLAYS SECOND ALBUM(DONE ON PURPOSE BY ADAMS- AND AT TIMES HE MIMICS THOM YORKE OF RADIOHEAD TO A TEE( A FRIEND SWORE IT WAS RADIOHEAD. I CANNOT INSIST ENOUGH ON HOW WELL RECORDED PLAYED AND CONJURED THIS CD IS. BY FAR THE BEST ADAMS HAS DONE AND ONE OF THE BEST SINGER/SONGWRITER ALBUMS RELEASED EVER IN MY HUMBLE OPINION. HIS OTHER WORK MAY BE MIXED BUT THIS A CLASSIC.

I can not stop listening to this album. Everytime I hear these songs, I hear something else that makes the songs even more haunting and brilliant.

Ryan connects with those who go through the pain of heartbreak on this album. It opens with the unbelievable "Political Scientist", a song that escalates into a beautiful hook of "there's no guarantees!!!" and ends in a Wilco like noise explosion, recalling Wilco's phenomenal song "I am trying to break your heart." It segues smoothly into "Afraid not scared" my favorite song on the album, one about a ship going under and what it takes with it, again an metaphor for a man who gets his heart broken. Other highlights include "This house is not for sale" a witty song about a couple being evicted, "Anybody wanna take me home" about a man longing for companionship, the cover of Oasis' "Wonderwall" concert staple "the Shadowlands" and the wonderful "I see monsters." This is my favorite Ryan Adams album of mine, and with its promise I know I will attain more of his work in the future.

Lately, one doesn't know what to expect from the increasingly unpredictable rock n'roll problem child Ryan Adams. Luckily, his wounded heart and fractured psyche have produced one fine grab-bag of songs on LOVE IS HELL. The mood here is often cloudy and desolate, yet emotionally exuberant at times. "Political Scientist" comes on like a late night fog, while "This House Is Not For Sale" sounds like the best of his yearning, booze-lacquered early solo work. Then there's the naked, vulnerable retreading of Oasis' "Wonderwall" with it's fingerpicked delicacy and intimate caterwauling. Adams is not one to be bashful with channeling his inspirations as he unabashedly visits his Smiths influence with the dynamic "Does Anybody Want To Take Me Home?" and the enthralling title track "Love Is Hell." For all his misguided behavior, you can't deny the guy his songwriting cred as he seems capable of spitting out quality songs in his sleep. "City Rain, City Streets" and the jazzy, smokey "Hotel Chelsea Nights" serve as reminders to his considerable talent and penchant for heart on the sleeve expressionism. For all the heartache and self-loathing, this collection sure makes for a heavenly listen.

I feel pretty lucky to have gotten this album. Not just because I didn't buy the two previous EP's of it, but because this is wonderful music. Another thing I like about it, is that it's a bit more upbeat and consistent than "Heartbreaker", but not as alt-rocky as "Rock N' Roll" was. It's a really pleasing middle ground between the two, and is now easily my favorite album of his. Like many people, I was drawn to this by the cover of "Wonderwall", but that is truly an average song on a much above average album. In fact I'm not even going to mention the other tracks because they're all so strong. Highly recommended.

I discovered Ryan Adams through a few compellation discs I had with songs by him on them. I went out and bought "Love is Hell" and I have to say, it's a GREAT album. It's beautiful and sad in some parts, and melodic and very well-written. I'm a huge fan. Go out and discover Ryan Adams - Buy this album!

Seriously, why do critics and other people who only half-listen to his music love to be derisive and make fun of this guy? They're so mean, with little reason. I guess people just like someone they can always put down, always feel superiour to. It really makes me mad too, because it stopped me for years from checking this guy out even though I was a whiskeytown fan in high school. And its too bad, because he's great. This album in just amazing, not a bad song. And just because he constantly changes styles doesn't mean he's derivative or not original. He always had the certain artistic sensibility that is only Ryan Adams. So critics, back off.

I'm surprised that there aren't more reviews for this album. As someone who jumped on the Ryan Adams wagon fairely late (I was introduced via Heartbreaker and Rock n' Roll), this album fell in line with my Ron Sexsmith obsession. Hasn't everyone already spent time comparing this album to Elliott Smith's "Roman Candle" or Ron Sexsmith's "Blue Boy." I'm always a bit surprised by how incredibly polished and hi-fi Ryan Adams sounds for all of his sincere lyrics. So there isn't the layer of grit and grime covering his work, but it doesn't make it any less authentic. I was a bowled over by sadness that was beyond irony (thank god) and couple that with Ryan's expressive voice and you've got a "break-up" album for the rest of your life. Every track is amazing. You should listen to it all.

Mr. Adams has made a great record; one that stands with his best work. Now , if he can just keep it together, the breakthrough will come with his next release.

Ryan's first two albums were so special. Really amazing 5 star affairs. And then his fame and fortune and all the press and Jack White squabbles got to him and he just freaked. He has destroyed what was a brilliant start. Still, I think he can come back, he just needs to go back to where he started and write sincere thoughtful songs and use his talent. And he really needs to stop talking to the press and saying things that make him look like a you know what.

I am still rooting for him because he has written some of the best songs of the last 10 years....hands down. I hope he comes through with the next one.

It didn't take long for this album to catch me in its grip, and I've played it more often than anything else this year. I'd picked up the "Parts 1 and 2" editions before this came out, but what a great treat that this edition includes "Anybody Want To Take Me Home?", which is so much better than the version on "Rock n Roll". I suppose you might need to be in the mood for a record like this (and it is a bit long, but what could you remove?): it's depressing stuff if you're a lyrics person, but it doesn't have that effect on me. The melodies are so gorgeous, and Adams' vocal delivery so passionate, it's impossible to resist. Plus he surrounds himself with first rate musical backing and a sympathetic producer in John Porter. The first half is undoubtedly my favorite, especially "Afraid, Not Scared", "This House Is Not For Sale" (my absolute favorite track), "Anybody Want To Take Me Home", "Shadowlands", "World War 24" and "Avalanche". This is my album of 2004 - it's unbeatable.

I purchased this album in the two parts. Part 1 came out the same day as Rock n Roll and Part 2 came out a month later. After listening to both Rock n Roll and Love is Hell, I like Love is Hell more. There's a great deal of thought and soul that went into Love is Hell that is lacking on Rock n Roll. The second half of the album is not as strong, but as a whole Love Is Hell is a classic.

While the gold standard for Ryan Adams fans is his first album Heartbreaker, Love Is Hell is much more accomplished in its technical songwriting. Ryan Adams in an amazing talent and is on the verge of establishing himself as one of the great songwriters of our time.

Let me start this review by saying that I'm a little upset they decided to release this album after I bought both "Love Is Hell" EP's separately. I certainly don't regret buying them because they are two of the most beautiful albums I have heard in my life. Regardless of the fact that I had to spend more money to get this one in addition to the EP's, I love it. I wouldn't have had to buy it (but probably would have anyway) if it weren't for the addition of "Anybody Wanna Take Me Home". This was my favorite track off of "Rock 'n Roll"--however, the version on this album is slightly different. It has an extended intro--more guitar work, and it is all the better for it. It also doesn't have that fade-out, fade back in thing at the end. Not that I didn't like the fade, but the song feels more continuous without it. It's really beautiful, and fits extremely well with the underlying themes of "Love Is Hell". That is really the only change on this album. Other than the placement of "Anybody Wanna Take Me Home", the track order is the same as the EP's. All the "Love Is Hell" songs you know and love are here in their beautiful, magnificent, heartbreaking glory. Although I didn't like having to buy another album, I'm glad they put the two EP's together. It gives "Love Is Hell" a lot of flow and makes the whole thing feel more connected. And this way, you don't have to change CD's.

One of the most solid songwriters/lyrists on the current music scene. These are songs that grab you in the gut and compel you to listen. This album features what had been two parts now showcasing Adams at his acostic best since Heartbreaker. His voice is emotive, delicate and strained as he spouts his brutal poetry to the sounds of his guitar.

'My Blue Manhatten' sounds like an old standard made new by it's simple production.

Adams cover of the Oasis standard 'Wonderwall' makes that song all it was meant to be - and this from someone that loved the original.

My favorite has continued to be 'I See Monsters'. The lyrics are stunning:
Baby, I know you cannot hear me now
`Cause you're fast asleep
But I love you now
Colors inside your head go spinning around
Like a ferris wheel
Exploding and falling to the ground
Oh, people are screaming, people are screaming
My baby, she's dreaming
Oh, people are shouting, people are freaking
I'm staring at the ceiling
Waiting for the feeling
Oh, oh but when she comes
I that know she's the one
Makes me want it harder
Makes me want to be a little stronger
Still I see monsters
Still I see monsters

The man is brilliant.

Had no idea who Ryan Adams was until I listened to some samples. This is a fantastic CD (I have the combined 16 track version). I bought Rock and Roll also, but find myself listening to this one constantly. Tracks 2, 3, 7 are favs, and I like the version of "Anybody Wanna Take Me Home" on this CD much better (its looser, but far more emotional).

I went back and checked out some of his Whiskeytown efforts. For the people who say he was great then and is *&^% now, get a grip. This album is far better than anything Whiskeytown did.

This is probably the darkest album Ryan Adams has made to date and definitely the most well produced. Nothing is happy or rocking here; it's an album you want to give your undivided attention to in order to fully appreciate. It's not unlike Heartbreaker only with a thicker more polished sound. I would also equate it somewhat to Big Star's Third. If you love that, you will at least like this too.

there is only one song that isnt great on this cd, and it is a damn good one. 'love is hell' is pure genius. Ryan Adams is the greatest artist around, and this is the greatest album around (i would say all time, but the beatles releaed sgt. pepper back in the day, and i doubt anything will ever top it, but this one comes as close as you can get to nocking it down)

I am not a huge Ryan Adams fan. "Rock and Roll" was OK, haven't listened to "Demolition", and "Heartbreaker" and "Gold" are some pretty good albums.
I just can't stop listening to "Love is Hell".
The album opens slow with "Polital Scientist" and "Afraid not Scared" two of my favorite songs on the album, each showing Adam's known talent as a beautiful songwriter.
The next three songs speed things up a bit. "Anybody Wanna Take Me Home" is simply amazing, opening with the lines: "Well I am in the twilight of my youth/ not that I'm going to remember/ and have you seen the moon tonight, is it full?/ still burning in it's embers"
Memorable lyrics punctuate the entire album.
"Wonderwall" is full of feeling, but I think it is one of the albums weaker tracks and I was surprised to see it picked as the album's single.
"The Shadowlands" is haunting and beautiful. The rest of the album is supurb with standout tracks like "English Girls, Approx" and "World War 24"
I really could write on and on about this album, but you need to hear it to fully appretiate it.

The first time I listened to this album I thought that it was pretty good and only a few songs stuck out but after really taking the time to listening to this album I really liked it. Here is that I thought of each one:


1. Political Scientist: 2/5- Slow ballad. Not one of the best songs on the CD.

2. Afraid Not Scared 4/5: The first time I heard this song it made my heart break. Hearing him wail 'I'm really dying here and I'm afraid- no I'm scared'. Beautiful.

3. This House Is Not For Sale 4/5: Cute, quick little song. It's one that you may have stuck in your head.

4. Anybody Wanna Take Me Home 5/5: This song was wonderful. One of the best on the album. It sounds really upbeat. I think that the lyrics are wonderful.

5. Love is Hell 2/5: Didn't like this one too much. But the way it was played is great.

6. Wonderwall 3/5: I do like this cover. And I am really picky about covers. But he held his own on this one. Good job.

7. The Shadowlands 4/5: Haunting but Beautiful song. My favorite part 'Most people never find love'.

8. World War 24 3/5: Kinda upbeat. His voice sounds lovely in this song. The best lyric is 'I'm feeling like an after thought I guess I'm kinda lost in space.'

9. Avalanche 3/5: Sad song. Reminds me of all my past loves.

10. My Blue Manhattan 3/5:Really slow paced. In time it may grow on you.

11. Please Do Not Let Me Go 4/5: I like the style of this song. Half singing, half talking... good. Lyrics are great on this song. I think that everyone will relate to this song.

12. City Rain, City Streets 5/5: Cute song. I loved the melody. The lyrics are very interesting. I could not say enough about this song. It just hits you.

13. I See Monsters 5/5: I can't say why I loved this song so much. I catch myself singing the last line to myself.

14. English Girls Approximately 3/5: Sounds very country when you listen to it. Very different from the others.

15. Thank You Louise 4/5: I think that this song really pulls at your heart strings. Sad lyrics but beautiful song.

16. Hotel Chelsea Nights 4/5-: Good. I could relate to the last part of the song. 'Strung out like some Christmas lights'. I think that anyone can agree.


Ryan Adams proves that love IS hell. Overall the album is very good. I say buy it and listen to it. I think that its not what most people expect. Try it out. Ryan Adams is really good at what he does.