If I Was
by The Staves
  • Record Label: Nonesuch
  • Release Date: Mar 23, 2015
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
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  1. The Line of Best Fit
    Mar 25, 2015
    85
    The complexity in the arrangements of some of the harmonies on this record show them off individually and their obvious synergy as sisters.
  2. The 405
    Mar 27, 2015
    80
    Throughout, the vocals are natural and organic which allowed an artistic endeavour like If I Was to even take shape. Growth is the life force of any artist. If I Was is proof of this.
  3. Drowned In Sound
    Mar 25, 2015
    80
    The Staves have added all sorts of bells and whistles to their sound. They all work.
  5. Clash Music
    Mar 24, 2015
    80
    Overall this is an album to be enjoyed in its entirety and proves a much more rewarding when doing so. Grab a comfy chair, wait for dusk and lose yourself. You won't regret it.
  6. The Guardian
    Mar 19, 2015
    80
    This one is softer in its address, more introspective, yet the sound is so much bolder, the music taking thrilling leaps in character and complexity.
  7. musicOMH.com
    Mar 19, 2015
    80
    A stunningly gorgeous-sounding album which should see the three talented sisters move up to a whole new level.
  8. Uncut
    Mar 19, 2015
    80
    Their sound has nonetheless developed in intensity and sophistication.... Beautiful. [Mar 2015, p.83]
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  9. Consequence
    Apr 1, 2015
    75
    Though these songs are stripped down and subtle, they achieve a heightened emotional state.
  10. Magnet
    Jun 4, 2015
    70
    Their combined voices are just so unfathomably, incorrigibly all-devouring. [No. 120, p.61]
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  11. PopMatters
    Apr 17, 2015
    70
    This is a very English album, its sonic DNA formed from the moors, fields, and woods of the English countryside and evocative of the great English folk revival of the late 1960s and early ‘70s.
  12. AllMusic
    Mar 19, 2015
    70
    If I Was is an album that expands The Staves' musical range without smothering the qualities that make them so memorable, and it's a step forward that brings out the best in the trio.
  13. DIY Magazine
    Mar 23, 2015
    60
    The clear direction and production of the album means that while those who enjoyed The Staves’ debut will not be disappointed, there is arguably less of a initial folk sound that was more apparent on their first record.
  14. Mojo
    Mar 19, 2015
    60
    It's an engaging, sometimes beautiful step forward. [Apr 2015, p.92]
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User Reviews

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User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 5 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. Ricko
    Nov 15, 2021
    7
    I listened to this after coming across 2021's excellent "Good Woman". Between the sound of that album and the additional fact of Bon Iver'sI listened to this after coming across 2021's excellent "Good Woman". Between the sound of that album and the additional fact of Bon Iver's involvement in the production, "If I Was" ended up being far folkier and less contemporary than I expected. The songwriting is pretty solid as is the production. It's a solid album but there isn't that much that stands out or comes across as brave in terms of the decisions and directions taken. The Staves have a nice sound, lovely melodies, good vocals leading to an all round pleasant listening experience. The deluxe version, which is the one I've listened to, is probably overly padded out.… Full Review »
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