Loose Screw
by The Pretenders
  • Record Label: Artemis
  • Release Date: Nov 12, 2002
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. Rolling Stone
    80
    Everything here is all programmed refinement, stylish melodies and vocal fireworks.
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    67
    Even if you haven't matured with the band, it's hard not to be enchanted by Chrissie Hynde's silky-smooth voice.
  3. The A.V. Club
    80
    Loose Screw captures the group's classic mix of grit and sentiment, illustrating how to make a good album that neither ignores the past nor shamelessly apes the present.
  5. Splendid
    70
    There are no sweeping creative revelations -- are there ever, on eighth albums? -- but nothing here sullies the group's legacy either.
  6. Stylus Magazine
    70
    The songs are immediately accessible, with a classic rock/modern pop delivery that’s every bit as lively and exciting as the very first disc this band released.
  7. Uncut
    80
    An album that, on first listen, glides by doing nothing wrong. Second time around, you realise that, more accurately, it's doing everything right, and you're spellbound. [Jun 2003, p.92]
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  8. Blender
    80
    This is slick, snarky pop with flashes of brilliance. [#12, p.151]
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  9. PopMatters
    70
    The mix of fast paced rockers with more reflective reggae and dub-inspired tracks make this eighth offering one of the group's better albums.
  10. Spin
    70
    The best Pretenders record since 1994's Last of the Independents. [Dec 2002, p.141]
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  11. Amazon.com
    70
    Seldom do you get to see an artist exorcise her pain in public with such poise and fearlessness.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 4 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. dougs
    Oct 18, 2003
    9
    Another pop perfect release. Chrissie has never sounded in better voice. This CD gets stronger with every listen.
  2. HerrJakethaj
    May 5, 2003
    7
    Loose Screw is a genuine return to form. Far better then the two weak albums. And as for K Park's comment, Chrissie Hynde can hardly be Loose Screw is a genuine return to form. Far better then the two weak albums. And as for K Park's comment, Chrissie Hynde can hardly be expected to stay out of the country. She is a U.S. citizen, protected by the same freedom of speech as you are.… Full Review »
  3. MikeF
    Dec 27, 2002
    9
    A real return to form. Most consistent effort since "Learning to Crawl".
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