Libertad
by Velvet Revolver
  • Record Label: RCA
  • Release Date: Jul 3, 2007
Metascore
68

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 15
  3. Negative: 1 out of 15
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    91
    Velvet Revolver's second CD is so chock-full of the tight 'n' crunchy pedigreed hard rock that's in short supply these days, it feels both comfortingly familiar and vaguely exotic
  2. Dot Music
    90
    With filth, loose morals, anger, frustration, big guitars and even bigger choruses at every turn, it's got all the DNA of a pure-bred rock classic.
  3. The A.V. Club
    83
    Velvet Revolver still mines sleaze-rock formula on songs like "She Builds Quick Machines," the band has also expanded its sound considerably, taking turns at rambling country and gauzy psychedelic pop before returning to the boozy classic rock.
  5. Amazon.com
    80
    This album blows the doors off its predecessor. Save a pair of disinfected ballads ("The Last Fight," "Gravedancer"), Libertad is all about hand-grenade chords, drag-racing riffs, and circus-tent choruses.
  6. Billboard
    80
    Libertad is one of those sophomore albums that builds on the strengths of the first and offers enough fresh stuff to establish a new standard for the band.
  7. Blender
    70
    [A] tightly coiled second album. [Jul 2007, p.119]
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  8. AllMusic
    70
    This record is more cohesive than the debut, partially due to the presence of Weiland's old STP producer, Brendan O'Brien, who lends the recording color and texture that enhances the melodies while still giving the guitars considerable muscle.
  9. Hartford Courant
    70
    Libertad, is another riff-happy collection of big, juiced-up rock songs perfect for summertime thrashing.
  10. Sputnikmusic
    70
    A handful of jukebox-friendly hard rock tracks and a thoroughly replayable album is almost as good an outcome as could be expected from this group of aging rockers.
  11. Hot Press
    70
    Velvet Revolver are a formidable collection of important figures from 80’s and 90’s hard rock, and this strong mixture of personalities lends their music a certain charisma, even when it isn’t particularly accomplished.
  12. Rolling Stone
    70
    There is plenty of thrill in the fuzz-lined hard-rubber bends of Slash's guitar breaks and the way bassist Duff McKagan keeps time, like a cop swinging a billy club. There is honest depth here too.
  13. PopMatters
    50
    Libertad is much more like Audioslave’s second record, "Out of Exile": it shows the unbelievably low flair a supergroup can have, and how bland they can play, but finds them playing together anyway.
  14. Spin
    50
    Libertad does improve slightly on the mostly hookless choogling of the band's 2004 debut, "Contraband," with songs that are punchier and a bit more memorable.
  15. Austin Chronicle
    40
    Libertad flips the end-run finish of the group's 2004 debut, "Contraband," front-loaded and overall smoother, tighter, louder thanks to veteran producer Brendan O'Brien.
  16. The New York Times
    30
    Libertad sounds old, heavy, wrapped in a tough skin. At the same time, by virtue of sheer outdated flamboyance, it seems almost willfully naive.

Awards & Rankings

41
#41 Most Discussed Album of 2007

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 107 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 77 out of 107
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 107
  3. Negative: 18 out of 107
  1. Palp
    May 26, 2012
    6
    While still an entertaining listen, I feel this is a few steps below Contraband. The lyrics on some songs feel very cliche and uninspired, andWhile still an entertaining listen, I feel this is a few steps below Contraband. The lyrics on some songs feel very cliche and uninspired, and there are far fewer guitar solos on this album than on Contraband, which is strange considering Slash is in the band. This album just ends up being average, which is disappointing because of all the talent behind the music.… Full Review »
  2. DavidK.
    Oct 25, 2007
    9
    Spay was disappointing, but the rest were brilliant. The bonus track, Don't Drop That Dime, was good but could have lost the Spay was disappointing, but the rest were brilliant. The bonus track, Don't Drop That Dime, was good but could have lost the 'yahhos' at the end. This was an excellent album, but one point away from perfection.… Full Review »
  3. RobS.
    Oct 23, 2007
    0
    This is an embarrassment compared to Contraband. It is obvious all of the magazines are in some kind of deal with velver revolver because This is an embarrassment compared to Contraband. It is obvious all of the magazines are in some kind of deal with velver revolver because this cd totally sucks. I brought it back after 4 listens 4 days after purchasing and they would only give me 3 dollars. They already had two used ones turned in at the local cd exchange. I wish this brainwashing people into believing garbage music like this is good. This is a boring, uninspired joke of a cd and the members should be ashamed.… Full Review »
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