Gift Of Screws - Lindsey Buckingham
Metascore
77 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 15
  2. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. Buckingham remains the master of type A chamber pop.
  2. It's a delicately crafted album that alternately rages against the dying of the light and sounds resigned to it, even if Buckingham's particular light sounds in no danger of burning out soon.
  3. 80
    The most initially striking thing about Gift Of Screws is that, despite its brevity, it's actually quite varied.
  4. Gift of Screws is a standout even in his catalog.
  5. 'Love Runs Deeper' and the bustling 'Wanna Wait For You' especially confirm him as a master of his craft. [Oct 2008, p.153]
  6. With the trusty Mick Fleetwood-John McVie rhythm section giving lots of sonic wallop, this is more than just a Mac album without the female vocalists: Buckingham seems to be rediscovering some sort of idealism.
  7. It is a glorious statement of intent from one of pop's most misunderstood characters.
  8. Mac minions will find this electric-flavored, band-sounding album pleasing, but there's also the avant ambience that's Buckingham's stock in trade.
  9. Gift of Screws is only his fifth solo record. Perhaps that's why the singer and guitarist (who turns 60 next month) still sounds so vital and passionate, especially on the voluptuous, opening songs 'Great Day' and 'Time Precious Time,' where his luminescent riffs and nimble finger-picking shine.
  10. If this is what Fleetwood Mac would've sounded like as an all-male trio, they should've kicked those chicks to the curb a long time ago.
  11. The sound under him is a wild roadhouse blues with the signature groove of old bandmates Mick Fleetwood and John McVie.
  12. 60
    'Love Runs Deeper' is vintage Buckingham soft rock, while the barmy title track recalls the new wave-inspired weirdness of 'Tusk.' [Nov 2008, p.118]
  13. 60
    Gift of Screws boasts a lot of attractive touches, from the lovely acoustic guitar of 'Bel Air Rain' to the crashing chorus of 'Love Runs Deeper,' but less polish would add some soul to the mix.
  14. Gift proves that Lindsey Buckingham's knack for writing catchy pop-rock chord changes is alive and well.
  15. When he flexes his craft, he corrals multi-tracked vocals of himself that coast over static guitar arpeggios, like a priest who prefers to clack his rosary beads in his bedroom rather than pray aloud in a chapel with his peers. If there's a Lord, he's grateful for the devotion, but for eavesdroppers, it does get tedious.
User Score

Universal acclaim- based on 16 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. A grand return to form after the somewhat disappointing "Under The Skin", which was a bit to stripped-down for my taste. This is Lindsey at his best, with full arrangements, sweet melodies and classic clever lyrics. Besides this being the album of the year, I also rate "Did You Miss Me" single of the year. Full Review »
  2. DavidG.
    10
    Razor sharp, smoking hot lyrics, guitar and vocals. This whole album is a tour de force treasure that gets better every time through. A masterpiece.
  3. KrisStockmyer
    10
    Lindsey Buckingham has often been called a “mad genius.” Never before has Buckingham’s brilliance, creativity, intensity, and outright weirdness been more on display than on Gift of Screws. I highly recommend it! Full Review »