Rock'n'Roll
by Ryan Adams
Metascore
66

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 23
  3. Negative: 5 out of 23
  1. AllMusic
    60
    The artifice outweighs the substance throughout Rock n Roll.
  2. PopMatters
    60
    Scattered amongst the rubbish, there are a number or compositions that will clearly end up on a "Best of" in years to come.
  3. The A.V. Club
    60
    Way too much of Rock N Roll falls into the same trap that catches The Strokes: No matter how good a rock 'n' roll song sounds, it usually needs a certain amount of heart or heft.
  5. Dot Music
    60
    Adams can undoubtedly pen this classic rawk stuff with his ears closed and, as a result, the 15 tracks here lack heart.
  6. Q Magazine
    60
    Acceptable but never stellar. [Dec 2003, p.121]
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  7. No Ripcord
    60
    No matter how cliched and predictable this record gets, there are always some undeniable hooks to lure you back in before your patience wears thin.
  8. Playlouder
    60
    There are tunes galore, and ideas that some groups would do someone in for, it’s just a shame he decided to do an approximation of all his favourite bands, and didn’t try something a bit more progressive than 'Rock‘n’Roll'.

Awards & Rankings

45
#45 Most Discussed Album of 2003

User Reviews

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User Score
6.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 51 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 34 out of 51
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 51
  3. Negative: 10 out of 51
  1. bouzyrouge
    Oct 28, 2006
    1
    Ryan has recorded some other brilliant stuff. No one is complaining that "Rcok nr oll" doesn't sound like whiskytown or heartbreaker, or Ryan has recorded some other brilliant stuff. No one is complaining that "Rcok nr oll" doesn't sound like whiskytown or heartbreaker, or that it's derivative of his 80s idols, or that it's not gloomy enough. Reviewers giving this 8,9,10 - you're all daft - it is the worst disposable drivel. I suppose if you are bent on self-deception bad enough, you can learn to love anything. Ryan: 1 star for illustrating that.… Full Review »
  2. ah
    Oct 28, 2006
    2
    This is (the sh)it (R)yan has hinted he has had in him all along. Note to self: head up (own) arse.
  3. JojoS.
    Mar 17, 2006
    8
    "So Alive" or the title song are such emotional (and great!) songs! I really wonder what some of the critics / users consider "emotional" if "So Alive" or the title song are such emotional (and great!) songs! I really wonder what some of the critics / users consider "emotional" if not those songs. Every Ryan Adams album is different and that's a great thing. If you like good music, here's another Ryan Adams album full of it, although it's not the album of the millenium by any means.… Full Review »
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