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From the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.

Coles Corner

Richard Hawley

2005

Coles Corner
Album Summary

Coles Corner is the fourth studio album from English pop/rock musician Richard Hawley, released on 5 September 2005 in the UK and on 6 September 2005 in the US. The title immortalises the legendary Sheffield landmark Coles Corner, a popular meeting place of old and new lovers. The album was nominated for the 2006 Mercury Music Prize for best album.

Wikipedia

Rating

3.05

Votes

10308
Genres
Pop
Indie
Singer Songwriter

Reviews

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Tue May 25 2021
2

More like Richard Yawn-ley... am I right???

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Wed Jan 26 2022
1

All I had to do was look at the cover to know it was some British thing I've never heard of. This could be an exciting prospect except that it turned out to be some kind of thoroughly bland nostalgia act. Wait, can you even call it a nostalgia act when the person making the music wasn't alive during the time period they are emulating? He sounds very reverent to his inspirations and all, but he also sounds utterly boring. Not only that, but the clean modern production kind of neuters the aesthetic. And his voice just simply isn't capable of pulling off what he's trying to achieve. I'm five songs in and I really don't want to finish this...

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Mon Jul 19 2021
5

What a beautiful pop record I had no idea the lead singer was the bassist from Pulp. This album just oozes a nighttime listening experience. The orchestral arrangements and guitars bring this cathartic experience dealing with relationships and breakups. I love the lyrics extremely relatable with some great songs as well. Extremely consistent album I love it. Easy 9/10 for me

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Thu May 20 2021
5

Wow, I was not expecting this. Sounds much older than it is, love it

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Fri Jun 11 2021
5

I was very surprised by this album. I’d never heard of Richard Hawley before. He sounds like someone who would perform in the Roadhouse on Twin Peaks. I also get some slight Elvis Costello vibes, especially his album with Burt Bacharach. Loved it.

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Mon Oct 18 2021
4

What a cozy and snug album. I want to curl up with some hot cocoa and watch the rain while this is spinning.

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Sat Sep 25 2021
3

It's...fine I guess? I think if it had been either a little more or a little less twee I'd have liked it a lot more, but it's not played straight enough to be good or broad enough to be fun.

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Wed Oct 06 2021
3

not really familiar with this genre, but sounds like Arctic Monkeys got something from this (I do know they both come from sheffield and have worked together in the past)

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Sun Nov 07 2021
1

The worst type of music. As bland as unsalted cardboard.

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Thu Jun 10 2021
5

I really like the style and vibes from this album. Love the voice and liked all the songs.

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Wed Feb 02 2022
1

Feels like a bland redo of those golden voice type of american singers in 2005. Why is this even on the list? It's not bad, it doesn't hurt my ears, but is boring as hell. Two songs really stand out though: Coles Corner and The Ocean are pretty good.

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Tue Apr 19 2022
1

Corny. Boring. If I could give it 0 stars I would.

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Fri Jan 21 2022
5

I love this album. Richard Hawley is a weird one - a Big Name in British music, who will always garner critical praise and find top-notch collaborators. But as a popular act, he'll never cut through. That's probably because he's ploughing quite a lonely furrow as Britpop's own Roy Orbison / Johnny Cash revanchist. I'm glad somebody's doing it, as this is gorgeous, lovingly crafted and thick with atmosphere. Hawley shepherds the ghosts of the past with grace and charm, yet there's enough of the man himself here to prevent this being a glorified tribute act.

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Sun Jun 27 2021
4

He didn't do himself any favors by placing the title track, which is generic blue-eyed soul, as the opener. I was ready to hate this album after the first couple of songs, but the sound matured as the album went on. A strange experience. Best track: Wading Through (The Waters of My Time)

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Sat Mar 27 2021
2

unexpected. this is like "music to die slowly to".. music for an old folks home. i feel like i'm getting older listening to it. some pat boone 50's thing going on here. pretty boring... born under a bad sign has some morrissey potential in it, but otherwise forgettable.

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Thu Feb 04 2021
1

Hawley kind of effortlessly blends elements of country, 40s-50s rock, and other bits into this album. But it doesn't feel very special or impactful for me. I'm enjoying the songs, but I'm questioning why it was included on the list? It's hard to motivate myself to listen to this one, hence the 1/5

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Fri Dec 10 2021
5

Bruised romanticism and classic songwriting. An absolute delight.

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Wed Feb 17 2021
3

The corner is still remembered by many Sheffielders above 30 years of age as the place to arrange to meet one's date.

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Thu Jun 15 2023
3

twas nice! got a bit too slow on the back end but a lovely album nonetheless! fave: the opener was so gorg! least faces? last few songs so sleepy would I listen again? totally if me shleepies

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Thu Feb 04 2021
2

Pleasant enough to listen to in the background but if you heard one song from it you've heard it all. This Aussie gives it two Caramello Koalas out of five.

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Thu Sep 02 2021
2

English rock artist with a 1940's flair, almost smooth crooner meets rockabilly. Strange to see this type of album from the middle of the 2000's. That being said...needed on this list?

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Sat Dec 04 2021
2

I'm sure somebody thinks this is well-written, well-performed music. To me, it's awfully boring.

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Wed Aug 23 2023
2

hmm, what? Sorry, just fell asleep for a bit there. Yeah, cool record collection, bro.

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Wed Jun 08 2022
1

I swear to god if I have to listen to one more album of a British guy trying to be a 50’s crooner

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Wed Jul 13 2022
1

Not for me, sounds like Michael Bublé mixed with Jarvis Cocker. Easy listening for the 2000's

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Fri Sep 02 2022
1

I just want to know how much of Richard Hawley's own funds went to recording and publishing this album? I've listened to it three times today and the repetition has not helped it any. Though it may have been innovative 40 years earlier in 2005 this music has nothing to offer. Even worse -- though #metoo came many years later -- by the time this album was recorded lines like "you belong to me, you belong to me" should have been a distant and unfortunate memory. Born Under a Bad Sign makes me wonder if Hawley is just trolling the blues-influenced British rockers who came before (waaaay before) him. The album's silver lining is some nice slide guitar on tracks like Darlin' Wait for Me. Unfortunately, the lining gilds a piece of dry toast.

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Fri Mar 10 2023
1

This whole album reminded me of a few different buskers I encountered lifetimes ago at Granville Skytrain station in Vancouver as I came and went from the downtown core - not particularly horrid, but off-kilter in so many ways. The Skytrain station buskers were made more interesting, however, by the perpetual smell of piss and commuters. I have very little interest in ever revisiting this.

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Fri Jan 22 2021
5

Album acilis ve kapanis sarkilari cok guzeldi. Bir de ocean sarkisi favorim.

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Fri Jan 15 2021
5

Beautifully moving and incredibly diverse.

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Wed May 12 2021
5

Me encantó. Tiene como un mood que me gusta mucho, los arreglos, las letras y la voz. No tengo mucho que decir más que lo disfruté bastante. Sobre todo "Coles Corner", "Hotel Room" y "The Ocean", que sí me pareció maravillosa. Me gustó el cierre instrumental y pues bueno, qué bonito cuando un disco te hace sentir así. 9.5/10

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Wed May 12 2021
5

Aunque lo conozco, nunca había escuchado un disco completo. Maravilloso. Mucho rockandroll 50s, onda crooner, Roy Orbinson, Lee Hazlewood, Nancy Sinatra, Harry Nilsson, Dylan. Hermoso, me hizo sentir bien, que se agradece en estos días tan oscuros.

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Wed Mar 17 2021
5

Excellent voice with quite instrumental music. Chill and relax.

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Mon Aug 23 2021
5

Vraiment bon et rafraichissant, j’ai reecoutee dans lammeme journee car j’avais adore.

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Fri Aug 27 2021
5

A very pleasant surprise. Love Just Like the Rain and The Ocean.

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Tue Sep 14 2021
5

Sikke et lækkert album. Har den gamle fede lyd fra Frank Sinatra Robinson et virkelig Hyltebjerg album som jeg skal lytte meget mere til på nogle sene aftner

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Wed Nov 24 2021
5

such as easy listen, i avoided it first day but it is actually very good

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Fri Oct 29 2021
5

Jao što Richard Hawley zna kako do moga srca. Coles corner mi je definitivno na listi najdražih albuma uz Late night final.

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Fri Feb 11 2022
5

Absolutely loved it, very dreamy melancholic and romantic

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Tue Feb 15 2022
5

Un'atmosfera natalizia senza il Natale, da mettersi sotto le coperte con la cioccolata calda mentre fuori nevica. Anche la seconda canzone continua sulla falsariga, anche per via della voce piena e che sembra provenire da 50 anni prima. 'Darlin' wait for me' è struggente al limite della commozione. Anche 'The Ocean' è veramente bella. Stupendo e non lo avevo mai sentito nominare! 5*

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Fri Feb 18 2022
5

Nisan čula za Richarda, a jako mi se sviđa. Zvuči puno starije od 2005-e haha. I baš je smirujuće

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Fri Feb 18 2022
5

Slušala san navečer i baš odgovara toj nekoj noćnoj atmosferi. Dobar đir skroz, ugodno, malo retro, sve u svemu-sviđa mi se :)

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Thu Mar 17 2022
5

A modern, singer-songwriter interpretation of crooner music. Works better than you might expect.

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Wed Apr 27 2022
5

holy shit, beautiful album I am obsessed with the diversity these tracks have It’s like Nick Cave meets Johnny Cash and that last song sounded like Hans Zimmer or something overall beautiful album - 10/10

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Wed May 25 2022
5

Been looking forward to this. 4 at least. And 1 point for the incredible albumcover. (The building is not even fucking Coles Corner)

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Fri May 27 2022
5

What if Mark Lanegan was from Sheffield and not Ellensburg?

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Fri Aug 19 2022
5

Made me believe in love again

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Thu Dec 08 2022
5

One of the best albums by one of my favourite artists. This album means the world to me. I wish I could give it 6 stars. Best song, Coles Corner

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Sun Jan 08 2023
5

Once in a while, you get to listen to an album of an artist you haven't had on your radar, but which, upon listening ticks all the right boxes for you. This is a perfect example and a pleasant surprise. The songs are positively old-fashioned and romantic, and Hawley delivers them with a soothing baritone voice and fitting arrangements. I really liked this and will explore this artist further. 4.5/5

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Fri Apr 28 2023
5

I honestly think Richard Hawley is on par with Elvis. No shit. I rate him that highly. A peerless working class songwriter with a voice of velvet. Coles Corner is his masterpiece. Hawley achieves the rare feat of writing songs that actually suit his voice. There's a rhythm in the vocal delivery that matches the music. Plus he's cool as fuck. Which always helps.

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Wed Aug 23 2023
5

Soothing cinematic opening, warm strains, evoking a dark, softly lit and red carpeted jazz lounge. Not a jarring moment - well produced, after a gentle country moment, it returns to full stylistic form, before a fine exit. On the 2nd listen its like a male analog of Petula Clark, with Karen Carpenter perhaps. I am surpised I didnt find it corny. It is relaxing. I am not sure how this made it onto the list, but it is very listenable. And not at all challenging. If the role of Art is to uplift, provoke, soothe, entertain and educate , this ticks one box nicely. Why havent I heard of Mr Hawley?

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Mon Nov 06 2023
5

Sounds exactly like Johnny Cash

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Thu Nov 16 2023
5

every song was so perfectly my vibe

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Fri Dec 01 2023
5

I like this in the same way I like Neil young, Leonard cohen, and Tom Petty. Not that he’s better than them, but he’s not the same either. I felt like his style and voice were different and unique enough in that context. He has a voice that stands out and he has enjoyable lyrics that make me think about getting older and past decisions in a way that isn’t trite. I enjoyed it but listened again to see if it was a 4 or a 5 for me and I think the whole package being what it is, nothing really smacking me as that bad, I’m going to go with a 5 — I liked all of it!

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Sun Dec 31 2023
5

Fantastic. Deserves so much more acclaim and recognition. He goes deeply and powerfully old-fashioned right out to the gate and closes with something haunting and beautiful to remember by. Goes rich and heavy on the emotion but avoids sentimentality – no easy trick, that. "The Ocean" is one of the best songs of the 21st century. Don't sleep on True Love's Gutter, which nearly blew a hole in the top of one's head first time one heard it and which easily merits inclusion on this list.

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Tue Feb 06 2024
5

So much of this album sounds like what falling in love feels like. Sweeping and moving, gentle comfort. What a pleasant surprise this morning. Such a warm tone to his voice.

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Thu Feb 08 2024
5

Although Coles Corner is perfect, their Knowledges is even better. Since I think his Knowledges won't be on the list, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. In Barcelona, after his concert at the Sala Apolo, on the street behind, he gave me a pick ☺️

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Thu Feb 15 2024
5

Never heard of this guy before, but this was really good. “The Ocean” is utterly fantastic.

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Fri Feb 16 2024
5

I'm loving the chamber pop and transitions into more pared down numbers. A work of beauty.

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Thu Feb 29 2024
5

I loved this at first listen. Not anything I'd usually listen to but so we'll done, amazing album.

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Thu Jun 03 2021
4

Nothing flashy, but sucks you in. Good easy listening with a bit of substance and chill.

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Fri Dec 04 2020
4

12/4 Attempting to rekindle a failing marriage at a countryside hotel. Standout Tracks: Coles Corner, Hotel Room, Darlin’ Wait For Me, The Ocean, I Sleep Alone, Tonight, Last Orders

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Mon Feb 08 2021
4

it sounds like the album was made 60 years before it did

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Wed Nov 11 2020
4

Very chill music. Reminds me of Chris Isaac. Would listen to again.

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Wed Mar 10 2021
4

Liked it quite a bit. Very crooner like with some nick Cave vibes

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Tue May 18 2021
4

I may be biased because I like his song with the Arctic Monkeys, but Richard Hawley is cool. Chill, cool rock.

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Sat Jan 16 2021
4

Not my absolute fav but glad I listened. Big sturgill Simpson energy

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Fri Jan 22 2021
4

Very chill album. Started with a sorta Sinatra/Peter Cat Recording Co. style of jazzy, later transitioned to folk/county. Starting to notice a theme with this site.

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Thu Jan 14 2021
4

At worst it sounds like watching your 75 year-old relative getting remarried, but at its best it is a gorgeously arranged chamber pop album.

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Thu Feb 18 2021
4

Yeah. Wasn't sure at first but it grew on me.

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Wed May 12 2021
4

Pues me sorprendió que me gustara un album de este genero musical. No sé si las letras son buenas o no, pero a mí me gustaron. Creo que las canciones que más me complacieron fueron Just like the rain y The Ocean. Mood: Cñor Sad

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Mon Apr 19 2021
4

Really, really enjoyed this album. I was slightly familiar with Richard Hawley from Rewind the Film, but his own work is new to me. Will definitely be checking out more of it. A high 4.

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Thu Feb 04 2021
4

Very interesting that this came shortly after the Frank Sinatra record. It's very old school, and I could see Sinatra having recorded these songs. Good songs, but a lot of them sound similar. Well-produced. Listened twice.

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Sat Feb 27 2021
4

Production: 13/20 Songwriting: 14/20 Innovation: 11/20 Bangers: 10/20 Emotional response: 14/20 =62 Liked it

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Wed Jun 30 2021
4

Gorgeous, gentle, quite beautiful romantic music. Very impressed. Retro, but does that matter?

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Tue Apr 27 2021
4

Very Scott Walker. I enjoyed it

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Mon May 10 2021
4

A wonderful jazz mix about love and loss

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Thu May 13 2021
4

Love this - can’t believe it was 2005!

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Thu Jun 24 2021
4

- stellar recordings, - warm vibes of home, first crooner I've enjoyed - somewhat samey but some standouts (I sleep alone, last orders

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Thu Jun 24 2021
4

A curious mixture. Made the commute a little better

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Sat Jul 31 2021
4

Buena voz. Cantante melódico moderno. Piano. Bastante bonito el disco. Un 4 le voy a dar.

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Thu Aug 05 2021
4

Mezcla de estilo de Elvis, Sinatra, etc. cantado en la actualidad.

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