Stiff
by White Denim
  • Record Label: Downtown
  • Release Date: Mar 25, 2016
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
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  1. Slant Magazine
    Apr 5, 2016
    60
    This is the problem with the album's more ambitious tracks: They confuse rather than clarify the band's identity, and sound more like demos than full-fledged songs. ... Still, White Denim manages to slow the pace and discover its soul more than a few times here, most notably on the winking Al Green sendup “Take It Easy (Ever After Lasting Love).”
  2. The Observer (UK)
    Mar 28, 2016
    60
    Variety comes in the form of a gently funky soul interlude midway through that highlights the versatility of James Petralli’s voice. But rather than complementing the rest of the album it betrays Stiff’s lack of cohesion.
  3. DIY Magazine
    Mar 24, 2016
    60
    Placing air guitar and hairbrush karaoke moments alongside twirling, hands-on-heart emotion, with Stiff, White Denim place all their capabilities on show.
  5. Drowned In Sound
    Mar 23, 2016
    60
    Stiff is a hard record to dislike--sometimes all you need for a good time is some well produced, straightforward rawk n’ roll, a good throwback album to channel your inner guitar purist to. If that’s what you’re looking for, Stiff more than fits the bill.
  6. New Musical Express (NME)
    Mar 23, 2016
    60
    This is certainly the kind of music punk had to be invented for. It probably won’t make it onto the Radio 1 playlist, but don’t be surprised if something from Stiff pops up on Mid Morning Matters.
  7. Q Magazine
    Mar 16, 2016
    60
    Ultimately, this is a fun record by a fun band. Not a bad thing by any means, but a little more salt in the soup would have been welcome. [May 2016, p.117]
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  8. Consequence
    Mar 22, 2016
    58
    There’s only so much traction that can be extracted from adhering too closely to styles this familiar, and White Denim don’t provide quite enough edge to differentiate themselves.
  9. The Skinny
    Mar 16, 2016
    40
    Stiff is better when it's slower, but it still feels like riding a rollercoaster that's all climb and no twist.

Awards & Rankings

6
#6 Most Shared Album of 2016

User Reviews

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User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 7 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. buzzlight
    May 3, 2016
    7
    Another solid album by White Denim, although I feel that the guitar-driven tracks are getting a bit monotonous in their catalog. To me, theAnother solid album by White Denim, although I feel that the guitar-driven tracks are getting a bit monotonous in their catalog. To me, the stand-out song is Take It Easy where James Petralli's vocals are as silky soulful as some of the masters of Motown. If I had a wish for this band, it would be that they would make a throwback soul album, or at least one that puts the vocals front and center (see also song Street Joy).… Full Review »
  2. jollasapph
    Mar 29, 2016
    8
    Genuinely impressed with how White Denim balances a quality sound at the same time having a lot of fun throughout. Lead vocals from JamesGenuinely impressed with how White Denim balances a quality sound at the same time having a lot of fun throughout. Lead vocals from James Petralli are impressive and fun; they're pretty harmonious too. It's a bluesy rock album that's easily accessible, but also contains the right amount of stylistic risks. I love the sweet sounding instrumentation, from the booming guitars throughout to the plinky, bluesy organ to the beginning of Real Deal Momma. It's also funny how the lyrics (especially on the closing tracks) sound so much like Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys. Anyway, this should be your soundtrack whether you're fixing the fence to driving across the country.

    Best Tracks: 1-8

    Worst Tracks; Thank You    … Full Review »
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