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Pushin' Against a Stone
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Pushin' Against a Stone Image
Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 14 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 9 Ratings

  • Summary: The fourth full-length release for the Tennessean country singer was produced by Kevin Agunas and Dan Auerbach.
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  • Record Label: Concord
  • Genre(s): Folk, Americana, Pop/Rock, Alternative/Indie Rock, Contemporary Singer/Songwriter
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Top Track

Wanna Be on Your Mind
Wanna be on your mind Stay there all the time You can call my name Wanna be on your mind Stay there all the time You can call my name Watching light... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. The Independent (UK)
    Aug 12, 2013
    100
    It's music that slips between the generic niches favoured by broadcasters; but isn't that exactly where the most interesting music comes from?
  2. Exclaim
    Aug 30, 2013
    90
    Pushin' Against The Stone is a rare case when a young artist's natural instincts are spot-on. As both a singer and songwriter, June is a major talent with unlimited potential.
  3. Austin Chronicle
    Oct 4, 2013
    89
    Pushin' Against a Stone showcases a stunning and unique new voice.
  4. Spin
    Aug 12, 2013
    80
    The album has a studied looseness that's never contrived, and it shows a poise and clarity of vision which her earlier efforts barely suggested
  5. Uncut
    Aug 12, 2013
    80
    Combined with June's remarkably careworn vocals--they suggest that the young Tennessean has been around the block more than once. [Jul 2013, p.77]
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  6. Paste Magazine
    Sep 3, 2013
    76
    Most of the album was recorded at The Black Keys’ studio in Nashville and favors bluesy twangs, folksy fiddles and country slide guitars.
  7. Q Magazine
    Aug 12, 2013
    60
    If there's a fault, the self-consciously retro production doesn't push her far enough. [Jul 2013, p.106]
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User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. theBEAT
    Oct 13, 2014
    10
    A mix of traveling Appalachian folk and vintage blues soul, Valerie June's Pushin' Against a Stone is a stunning debut.
    BEST TRACKS: Somebody    A mix of traveling Appalachian folk and vintage blues soul, Valerie June's Pushin' Against a Stone is a stunning debut.
    BEST TRACKS: Somebody to Love, Twined and Twisted    … Collapse
  2. adhamhany
    Feb 19, 2014
    8
    Good luck trying to fit this album in a specific genre. There's blues, folk, some country, and other things too. And they all sound wonderful.Good luck trying to fit this album in a specific genre. There's blues, folk, some country, and other things too. And they all sound wonderful. But more than the music, her voice is truly enchanting. It feels like out of this world. The lyrics are beautiful as well.

    I wish more people would hear this. The best tracks: Somebody to Love, and the title track (it has a kick-ass guitar solo).    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

98
#98 Best Album of 2013