• Record Label: Vagrant
  • Release Date: Oct 3, 2006
Metascore
85

Universal acclaim - based on 36 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 34 out of 36
  2. Negative: 1 out of 36
  1. At most, half the songs on this album are capable of successfully fusing Finn’s compelling narratives with rather less than impressive instrumentation for an effect that’s worth some merit. Unfortunately, it just doesn’t ‘hold’ for the remainder.
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 109 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 95 out of 109
  2. Negative: 6 out of 109
  1. Oct 9, 2022
    10
    Boys and Girls in America encapsulates the feeling of emptiness that comes from a life of only drugs and partying; yet, ironically, their mostBoys and Girls in America encapsulates the feeling of emptiness that comes from a life of only drugs and partying; yet, ironically, their most fun album to play at a party. By far the best album from The Hold Steady. Full Review »
  2. TomA
    Jan 20, 2010
    9
    Musically, there are parallels here with Springsteen, but lyrically they are worlds apart. I do like Springsteen but Finn here goes way Musically, there are parallels here with Springsteen, but lyrically they are worlds apart. I do like Springsteen but Finn here goes way beyond his level of artistry, his lyrics are intelligent, colourful and very original, and his tales of tearaway youth portray a narrative not disimilar from that adopted by the Arctic Monkeys. This goes beyond classic Americana, as it blends wit, excuberance and artistry in an almost nonchalant manner - a modern classic in the most unlikely of guises. Just listen to the previous album 'Almost Killed Me' and you'll wonder where on earth this came from. Full Review »
  3. Ryanr
    Sep 14, 2008
    9
    Better when it was called "Born To Run", but a great album nonetheless.