The critics are unanimous in their raves for Rules of Travel. Read selected quotes below.
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"The intelligence and grace of Rosanne Cash has been largely absent of late on the country landscape, and for that reason alone, new material from her is welcome.
Mature and impeccably produced by Cash's husband, John Leventhal, Rules of Travel revels in inspired musicianship and melodic, well-written songs. The gently swaying "Beautiful Pain" (featuring Sheryl Crow) is spare and deceptively gorgeous, and "Forty Four Stories" is insistent and omniscient, while the piercing title cut is propelled by haunting keyboards and slide guitars.
Steve Earle guests on the reverb-drenched, vaguely tropical "I'll Change for You," and Cash's legendary father appears in touching fashion on a classic-sounding "September When It Comes," which, with "Will You Remember Me?" and "Western Wall" own a timeless quality. Subdued guitars feature on a passionate "Hope Against Hope."
The feel of the stylish "Closer Than I Appear" evokes past Cash swagger, and "Last Stop Before Home" is resolute and bittersweet. A complete success."
– Billboard |
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"Rules of Travel is an ensemble work of distinct quality, and, like much of Rosanne's work, is certain to be named one of the best records of the year."
– Women Who Rock |
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"As the just-released Rules of Travel proves, her music was worth the wait. Its 11 tracks re-establish Cash as one of our most literate singer-songwriters. Each tune is crafted with smart, insightful lyrics, buoyed by Beatlesque, folk-pop guitar riffs and sung in a voice that's both warm and wise."
– Performing Songwriter |
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"...Cash's first album in almost seven years ranks with her richest music ever. A redemptive spirit of uplifting renewal pervades this project, which marks her recovery from a mysterious voice ailment that was partly responsible for the extended hiatus."
– Country Music Magazine |
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"Rosanne Cash has one of those familiar voices. The warm, slightly husky tone, the soulful expressiveness and the earthy delivery of intelligent, accessible lyrics. Her pipes are like old friends. It doesn't matter how long it's been since you've seen each other, you reconnect immediately."
– Dallas Morning News |
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"This is a record you play once and then feel compelled to play again and again. There is an emotional pull about the album that isn't maudlin, but it is powerful."
– Dallas Morning News |
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"...this album falls into a stylistic niche that marries country's honesty with rock's hipness, pop's melodic sensibility and folk music's tasteful simplicity."
– Orange County Register |
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"...It's one of the best discs thus far of 2003 -- and one of the best of her stellar career. It's personal and powerful, confessional yet accessible, rich in content and sound -- refined adult pop for baby boomers as well as younger listeners who like Norah Jones and Sarah McLachlan."
– Minneapolis Star Tribune |
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"Overall, a resonant new affirmation from an accomplished source."
– Stereophile |
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'"Aided by able guests (Sheryl Crow, Steve Earle) and catchy hooks, Cash delivers a CD of beautiful and melancholy folk-pop."
– Entertainment Weekly |
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"At every level, Rules of Travel distinguishes itself."
– All Music Guide |
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"...Rules of Travel is among the most confident recording of Cash's career."
–Time Out New York |
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