Metascore
63

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 9
  2. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. The new set-Lady A's follow-up to its self-titled debut in 2008-showcases the group's ability to combine its own contemporary country sound and folk-rock flair with a familiar formula, making it a refreshing addition to the ever-expanding country genre.
  2. On their sophomore effort, they stick very close to the formula of their debut: a slew of mid- and uptempo love songs, a sad ballad, and a couple of rocked-up good-time tunes--all self-written with some help from some of Nashville’s most respected writers.
  3. Lady Antebellum have potential, but they're mostly dull--by design.
  4. Shaw's production and songwriting credits have long been highlighted by an intuitive approach to pop-country, but Worley pushes the group's sound in a soulless, lite-rock direction that lacks any semblance of character or distinction.
  5. On Need You Now, they try to define themselves outside the hive, and though the disc contains no shortage of uptempo charmers--''Perfect Day,'' ''Stars Tonight''--they're most successful when they keep to the moody minor-key stuff.
  6. The band is playing on the safe side on its less vibrant and surprising sophomore release.
  7. Its attempts at gravitas--"Hello World," on which Mr. Kelley sets a promising scene ("Traffic crawls, cellphone calls, talk radio screams at me") that doesn’t resolve-- land awkwardly, and its optimistic songs, like "Our Kind of Love," teem with empty metaphor.
  8. The melancholy adds a little extra depth to even the most by-the-book of their songs.
  9. Kelley is far less subtle, and his meaty gestures often threaten to overwhelm the fine material. But Lady A is making progress in its effort to balance comforting clichés with new realities.
User Score
6.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 24 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 24
  2. Negative: 6 out of 24
  1. Sep 10, 2015
    1
    Need You Now is a dull album. All the songs, with the exception of Need You Now and Perfect Day, all sound monotonous and similar after a fewNeed You Now is a dull album. All the songs, with the exception of Need You Now and Perfect Day, all sound monotonous and similar after a few listens. It feels most of the album is composed of filler songs, with no remarkable talent evident in lyrics, vocals, and even composition. This album is purely made with the intention to capitalize on the success of the lead single Need You Now, making this album musically bland. If their reputation is based on this sole album, they would be a one-hit wonder. Overall, Need You Know is a heavily commercialized album consisting of filler songs intermixed with a few great country hits. Full Review »
  2. Apr 22, 2015
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click full review link to view. OMG , he so perfect , and i love so much , this music is an inspiration for my life , and i know are you **** ****gg perfecttt i love uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu Full Review »
  3. Jun 8, 2011
    6
    It couldn't have been a better name than "Need You Now" for the second album by country trio Lady A. The lead single "Need You Now" is a aIt couldn't have been a better name than "Need You Now" for the second album by country trio Lady A. The lead single "Need You Now" is a a beautiful country pop ballad and the best song of the album so far when Scott's voice really makes the song. Even she could sing it alone without needing of Kelley's voice. A simply stunning overture. Lyrics are varied as we can see in "Perfect Day", a really happy song when Scott's voice returns to show its good complement with country melodies. There's no so many differences in the rhythm of songs. Except for "Need You Now", all the songs seem similar, which make the album a little monotonous, considering this spot. Full Review »