Stainless Style
by Neon Neon
  • Record Label: Lex
  • Release Date: Mar 18, 2008
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. AllMusic
    90
    Neon Neon has created an album that isn't so much a straight-up replica of '80s excess as one that puts all of that indulgence into perspective, both emotionally and musically.
  2. Uncut
    80
    Throughout the album, it's a thrill to hear Rhys' mellifluous voice juxtaposed with the music's synthetic thrust.
  3. Mojo
    80
    Surface and feeling, Neon Neon dream the life with boundless imagination. [May 2008, p.108]
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  5. Q Magazine
    80
    [A] terrific collaboration on DeLorean's life story. [Mar 2008, p.108]
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  6. musicOMH.com
    80
    As a document of its time, then, Stainless Style is remarkably successful. Taken on the base level of being an enjoyable pop album, it also triumphs handsomely.
  7. Under The Radar
    80
    Neon Neon's unique take on the concept record may have just re-invented the genre. [Spring 2008, p.84]
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  8. The Guardian
    80
    Detours into hip-hop and rap slow down the fast-paced action, but Neon Neon have poured as much love and attention to detail in this prototype as their hero put into his.
  9. Drowned In Sound
    70
    All fascinating stuff, and the resultant album is a fitting testament: exciting, yet flawed like the man (John DeLorean) himself.
  10. Prefix Magazine
    65
    Seems that no matter what project Rhys is involved in, his love of bright, Brian Wilson-inspired melodies is going to shine through.
  11. Filter
    64
    Stainless Style is a head-scratcher that should heat up the club just fine. [Winter 2008, p.94]
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  12. cokemachineglow
    76
    Together they make the fat sound lean, make the mean brighten up and the past (i.e. Fatlip) feel a bit more relevant than it should.
  13. Urb
    80
    Stainless Style is impressive for so many reasons--'Raquel,' dedicated to Miss Welch; hearing crunk meld with Italo Disco; a Yo Majesty cameo--but it's the utter lack of irony that steals the show.
  14. Observer Music Monthly
    80
    With this unexpectedly moving concept album about disgraced Back to the Future car designer John DeLorean, US producer Boom Bip and moonlighting Super Furry Gruff Rhys have come up with a new twist on hip hop's unholy trinity of cars, money and coke.
  15. Hot Press
    90
    US production whiz hires SFA mainman, perfect pastiche synth-pop ensues.

Awards & Rankings

98
#98 Best Album of 2008

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 20 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 20
  3. Negative: 1 out of 20
  1. IainM.
    Apr 4, 2008
    10
    Album of the year already?
  2. PaulC.
    Apr 2, 2008
    10
    One of the best albums of the year so far. This one should be ranked way higher.
  3. WilliamS.
    Apr 1, 2008
    10
    This is an amazing album. retro-futuristic - the best influences I could imagine, great guest spots keep things banging and crossing genres This is an amazing album. retro-futuristic - the best influences I could imagine, great guest spots keep things banging and crossing genres without getting messy. If only more people would be this adventurous. Can't waiit to hear what the band do next :-)… Full Review »
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