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Separation Sunday - The Hold Steady
Separation Sunday Image
Metascore
86 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 22 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.9 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 35 Ratings

Your Score
10 out of 10
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  • Summary: This is the second album from the New York City band led by Craig Finn.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
  1. Splendid
    100
    Separation Sunday stands a chance of being one of 2005's true classics.
  2. Billboard
    100
    "Separation Sunday" is not only these Brooklyn transplants' best work to date (far surpassing the critically mis-hyped debut from last year), it is one of the grittiest, realest New York rock albums to come out since the Trouser Press folded.
  3. The Guardian
    100
    It's a triumph of non-judgmental storytelling, delivered within purgative rock'n'roll.

See all 22 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 21
  3. Negative: 2 out of 21
  1. ThomasD
    10
    When approaching the Hold Stead (and any band for that matter), thinking in genres won't help you at all. This album is like nothing I have ever heard. Finn's sincerity is refreshing and sharp. His unironic but unpreaching approach to spirituality is very refreshing. Musically, the band is amazing. Personally, this album has had more impact on me than any before it, and I hope other people see the same amazing piece of magic in it that I do.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  2. ChaseH
    10
    A fantastically unique epic.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  3. MilesW
    3
    I don't get it. What is it supposed to be? They are like a Pop hardcore (whatever!) band, but with cheesy metal guitars. As for the lyrics; are they a god squad band? Straight edge? or are they a party band? Is he being ironic? I can't tell. It's just bad pub-rock, and that can never be good. I can't imagine anyone who likes punk or hardcore, or even metal for that matter, liking this band. Perhaps it's for pop fans who think they are getting into hardcore.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes

See all 21 User Reviews

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