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Boys & Girls
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76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 34 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 62 Ratings

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Top Track

Hold On
Bless my heart Bless my soul Didn't think I'd make it to 22 years old There must be someone up above sayin' "Come on Brittany You got to come on... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 34
  3. Negative: 0 out of 34
  1. The Independent (UK)
    Apr 5, 2012
    100
    Just a series of great, swampy soul grooves, fronted by the most arresting new voice you'll hear this year, and the kind of natural songwriting that seems to contain the entire history of Southern music within its staves.
  2. The Independent on Sunday (UK)
    Apr 9, 2012
    80
    Unrefined, unresigned, occasionally clunky, frequently obtuse but always, always fit to bust.
  3. Prefix Magazine
    Apr 16, 2012
    80
    The album encapsulates summers of falling asleep on porches, cicadas chirping periodically among the trees, shaking slightly from a passing breeze.
  4. Chicago Tribune
    Apr 6, 2012
    75
    The rough-hewn production wouldn't pass muster on a major-label budget: amplifiers audibly hum, voices crack with emotion, a few bum notes crop up here and there. But this band is terrific all the same.
  5. Consequence
    Apr 10, 2012
    70
    Boys & Girls, is a profound submission, one which injects fresh life into the genre while maintaining its blazing spirit.
  6. The A.V. Club
    Apr 10, 2012
    67
    Exciting as it can be, Boys & Girls could use just a little more shakin' going on.
  7. Mojo
    Apr 20, 2012
    40
    [Boy & Girls] casts Brittany as a soulful singer, but the album is more Xerox copy than feel and spirit based. [May 2012, p.86]
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User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. eli_fjr
    Jun 4, 2020
    10
    Alabama Shakes debut album and its the best. Love their energy and sound. Hope they have a long long career!!!!
  2. Blue_Jay
    Jul 2, 2014
    10
    Alabama Shakes has crafted and incredibly rich and soulful album. The Blues and Classic Rock vibe gives the album a core. The vocal talents byAlabama Shakes has crafted and incredibly rich and soulful album. The Blues and Classic Rock vibe gives the album a core. The vocal talents by Brittney Howard are to be commended, since the Janis Joplin like growls and undertones gives the loudest and softest lyrics unparalleled character. Highlights include the soft and rising "You Ain't Alone" that offers not only simple and hard hitting lyrics, but a good insight on the vocalist. As well as "I A'int the Same" that is a pulse pounding rock thriller.

    All in all this is an incredibly well crafted and lively introduction into the rising rock stars that are Alabama Shakes.    … Expand
  4. beingryanjude
    Dec 29, 2014
    10
    A long awaited return to rock 'n roll. Truly meaningful rock with raspy, heart-wrenching vocals. 'Boys & Girls' is as impressively originalA long awaited return to rock 'n roll. Truly meaningful rock with raspy, heart-wrenching vocals. 'Boys & Girls' is as impressively original as it is retrospective. You'll be craving more and more with each track. 'You Ain't Alone' is one of the best tracks since the heyday of rock 'n roll.… Expand
  5. Ricko
    Apr 25, 2012
    8
    What we get here is a bluesey rock record with a big swig of deep American south attitude. When I first heard the track "Hold On" I thought itWhat we get here is a bluesey rock record with a big swig of deep American south attitude. When I first heard the track "Hold On" I thought it might have been something from the new Jack White record. I have to say, I do like most of the tracks on this record but the lead single Hold On is the best track on it for me. The songs stick to the basics, simple but effective, and the vocals are excellent. They've already broken through to the mainstream with this record in the UK but I reckon bigger things are to come for this band.… Expand
  6. mistaashraf
    Nov 29, 2012
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The Alabama Shakes are this year's band to check out. They're a small town band out of Alabama (as the name suggests) who really exploded at SXSW. Brittany Williams has a really strong voice and an even stronger stage presence. Each song on their record is engaging and she really pours her emotions onto the record. My favorite track is "Be Mine" but most people are familiar with "Hold On' or "Hang Loose". All in all, a great album for 2012.… Expand
  7. AlexxTrusc
    May 26, 2012
    8
    Alabama Shakes on their debut album contained eleven great songs reffering to the holiday atmosphere - drawing from the blues or classic rock.Alabama Shakes on their debut album contained eleven great songs reffering to the holiday atmosphere - drawing from the blues or classic rock. Each composition enchants the listener - from the single "Hold On", through a more subdued "Rise To The Sun" to immersing to sources of real rock - "I Ain't The Same". Album can genuinely curious not only by its melody, but also the message. As the most worth reading.… Expand
  8. ShepRock
    May 3, 2012
    7
    Find the right producer, and the soulful punk rock blues of Alabama Shakes will probably sound as good on record as I'm guessing they soundFind the right producer, and the soulful punk rock blues of Alabama Shakes will probably sound as good on record as I'm guessing they sound live. A rollicking tide backed by a bluesy backbeat hits with a heavy message on the opening "Hold On" as Brittany Howard screeches like Janis Joplin: "Yeah! You got to wait! But, I don't want to wait!" To these ears, there are moments that Howard's voice needs some coaxing, and as time goes by she'll soulfully grow her vocal chops to even more rousing heights. Don't get me wrong, her voice is meant to be heard. Witness her phrasing against the angst-ridden soulful downbeat of "You Ain't Alone". All in all Boys & Girls is a fine debut that suffers only in its rough-hewn production.… Expand

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