This is one of those albums people will remember fondly in ten years, remembering when they first heard it, or list it on a social media quiz about which old albums they still listen to regularly.

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Northern Transmissions

Beginners seems like an introduction to Hutson and his past: fears, anxieties and faults and memories. It's all packaged in a brilliant album that satisfies any cravings for well-written, subtle and resonant folk rock.

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With the help of Phoebe Bridgers, Conor Oberst, and others, this career collaborator steps into the spotlight with a stunningly empathetic study of human frailties.

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kevtho

A slow, minimalist album with beautifully nostalgic songwriting. He struggles with the past in a vulnerable way, understanding that "nothing's going to change it". I'm not surprised to see Phoebe Bridgers pitched in, as her vocal and writing influence is all over this thing. He has a nice delivery, but I could only tell his technical ability near the end on Keep You Down, which may serve to emphasize the emotion of the moment. I also can't forget to mention the great outro; what is it ... read more

jackson

with the help of phoebe bridgers and nathaniel walcott, christian lee hutson’s ‘beginners’ obtains a unique writing style, all the while sounding beautiful

2y*

EdFruscley

You know this aesthetic , the Tom petty sing style, the nostalgic fucking tone of the voice. If we weren't in this fucking year it would be more of the same. But if you let this mothefucker in. Well, you gonna fucking cry. "You ask what I'm up to, more of the same. I'm gonna turn the page" The most fucking relatable verse of the all year. Not complicated, not new. But still, still breaks your humanity, this contemporary years if you felt like a in a cage, but not in body, but not just ... read more

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Edre the Depeche Head

Lately, Hutson has been most known for his work with Phoebe Bridgers (she also produced this album) but has been an active artist for about a decade now. His earlier solo releases totally passed me by and I ignorantly believed this was his debut album. Nonetheless, Beginners displays both Hutson's great writing and his beautiful acoustic work. This album looks, sounds, and feels like a straightforward folk album and for the most part it is but it still remains one of the most beautiful pieces ... read more

petetheman

The moment you know you have been listening to too much Phoebe Bridgers as of late when you were thinking to yourself like, “This would sound great with Phoebe on it.” and then her harmony voice comes up on the next verse.

I didn’t know much about this record other than its all star collaborators but it shows here. Solid production, immaculate songwriting and musical talents all over the record. Needed few more listens to appreciate it fully but as of now I might have to get ... read more

jwb02

Love this as a companion piece with Phoebe Bridgers' equally brilliant "Punisher." Love the songwriting and emotion reminiscent of Elliott Smith. Favorite track: "Atheist."

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