Buy Now
- Critic score
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- By date
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Feb 18, 2016The album feels stunningly fresh and cutting edge; expect to see it on some Top Ten lists later this year.
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Apr 4, 2016She wields the survivor's axe of righteousness and you listen up, because she sings with the no-nonsense generosity of one who's telling you how to keep your own darkness at bay.
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Mar 30, 2016Livin’ on a High Note is nothing if not eclectic. While the focus is on an upbeat good time, peppered with a few life (and history) lessons, the quietest, most reflective song closes the album beautifully.
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Feb 19, 2016Mavis Staples takes her comeback higher still with this set, using an A list of songwriters informed, but not bound, by roots music.
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Q MagazineFeb 4, 2016Including songs by Neko Case and Nick Cave, this fine album reaches way beyond the church. [Mar 2016, p.115]
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UncutFeb 4, 2016The M Ward-produced Livin' On A High Note is a wonderfully chiselled Stax forgery. [Mar 2016, p.80]
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Feb 18, 2016Staples’ songs have never been short of heart and warmth, nor has she ever been the type to let much drag her down. But never has she been as deliberate about spreading her positive vibrations to the world as she is here.
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Feb 4, 2016Such a stellar cast would typically take the spotlight, but Ward makes sure everything (and everyone) remains in orbit 'round the 75-year-old artist. [Jan/Feb 2016, p.59]
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Feb 18, 2016High Note complements rather than contradicts those bleaker depictions of 21st century America and casually argues for Staples’ legacy as an agitgospel singer.
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Feb 25, 2016The production is restrained, leaving plenty of space for Staples's rich vocals, although some songs feel a bit too clean and reserved. It's all very pleasant but lacks the fire and passion we want from her.
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Feb 22, 2016At times the music feels less like a tribute to her remarkable legacy than an exercise in smooth, award-ceremony funk.
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Feb 19, 2016Compared to You Are Not Alone and One True Vine, the quality of the material is more variable.
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Feb 18, 2016It doesn’t all come off. The Aloe Blacc-penned Tomorrow has a bit of the self-help manual about it, and Nick Cave’s Jesus, Lay Down Beside Me never quite lives up to the mischievous title. Staples is at her best when there’s a hint of agony amid the ecstasy.
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MojoFeb 4, 2016Mavis tries to stamp authority on songs written by ward's musician pals.... They're not all great though--neither the Charity Rose or Nick Cave contributions hit the spot. [Mar 2016, p.99]
Awards & Rankings
User score distribution:
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Positive: 5 out of 10
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Mixed: 4 out of 10
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Negative: 1 out of 10
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Feb 16, 2017
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Feb 21, 2016