User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 8 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 8
  2. Negative: 0 out of 8
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  1. Sep 5, 2016
    9
    Bad Self Portraits by Lake Street Dive and Alabama Shakes Boys & Girls wear the same rock critic generated mantle of being "revivalists" subjected to approximation and facile comparisons that condense the spectrum of music history to a conspicuous name dropping form of obscurantist elitism. But, Lake Street Dive has an infectious energy that the hype machine silences when the industry ofBad Self Portraits by Lake Street Dive and Alabama Shakes Boys & Girls wear the same rock critic generated mantle of being "revivalists" subjected to approximation and facile comparisons that condense the spectrum of music history to a conspicuous name dropping form of obscurantist elitism. But, Lake Street Dive has an infectious energy that the hype machine silences when the industry of insidious marketing called rock criticism neglects the band to laud the terminally hook-less Alabama Shakes. Rachael Price has a remarkably engaging and sultry voice that merges soul and rockabilly, there is an emotional intensity absent from the Old school Soul posturing of the breathy and limited vocals of Brittany Howard. Although Bad Self Portraits has songs whose melodies get trapped in the spaces between ears and my tuneless humming and some instantly forgettable songs. The good on this album outweighs the lackluster and even those songs that could use some polishing exceed everything on the critically acclaimed albums by the Alabama Shakes. My favorite songs are: Stop Your Crying, Bad Self Portraits, Rabid Animal, You Go Down Smooth, What About Me, and a couple of others...and if I can list almost the entire album without hesitation you should probably investigate it. Expand
  2. Feb 24, 2014
    8
    It's the kind of album that is more appreciated the more it's listened to. However, i enjoyed Rachael Price's voice the first time. Very beautiful. The music is even more enjoyable, but more subtle.

    This album is best heard while winding down, in some peace and quiet.
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. Apr 10, 2014
    78
    Portraits polishes, buffs, and ups the oomph factor on 11 tracks that find guitars and organ keys emerging as the most prominent instruments on "Just Ask," "Better Than," and "Rabid Animal."
  2. Apr 1, 2014
    70
    There is a buoyant creativity to many of Lake Street Dive's arrangements, and cuts like "Bobby Tanqueray" and "Seventeen" reveal such time-tested influences as late-'60s Muscle Shoals-influenced soul and Dusty Springfield-esque pop.
  3. 70
    The album has one major issue--it’s got too much going on in places.... But despite that flaw on this effort, it has a lot going for it.