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Stainless Style Image
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 20 Ratings

  • Summary: Boom Bip and Super Furry Animals' Gruff Rhys come together to release a concept album about the life of John DeLorean.
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 17
  2. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. US production whiz hires SFA mainman, perfect pastiche synth-pop ensues.
  2. 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.
  3. Under The Radar
    80
    Neon Neon's unique take on the concept record may have just re-invented the genre. [Spring 2008, p.84]
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Seems that no matter what project Rhys is involved in, his love of bright, Brian Wilson-inspired melodies is going to shine through.
  7. Stainless Style's problem isn't the music so much as it is the ambivalent authenticity; it's impossible to determine if it's supposed to pay tribute to, make fun of, or be fully situated in the time and place of John DeLorean's rise and fall.

See all 17 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. 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 :-) Expand
  2. PaulC.
    Apr 2, 2008
    10
    One of the best albums of the year so far. This one should be ranked way higher.
  3. IainM.
    Apr 4, 2008
    10
    Album of the year already?
  4. NormanG.
    Mar 29, 2008
    9
    This album is an absolute treat, I havent listened to an album this much in a long time. I thoroughly recommend it.
  5. NeilA.M.
    Mar 30, 2008
    8
    An excellent electro-pop concept album. Gruff Rhys is a genius. In the past 12 months or so he's released his 2nd solo album, Candylion, An excellent electro-pop concept album. Gruff Rhys is a genius. In the past 12 months or so he's released his 2nd solo album, Candylion, Super Furry Animals' Hey Venus! and now this collaboration with Boom Bip, and they have all been top notch. Highly recommended. Expand
  6. MarkD.
    Mar 31, 2008
    8
    Overall very enjoyable. Interesting beats and harmony. SFA fans will enjoy, but there is nothing spectacular here.
  7. MusicMaven
    Mar 31, 2008
    8
    A concept album about the life of John DeLorean that showcases a variety of 1980s musical styles, from synth-pop to hip-hop. The danceable A concept album about the life of John DeLorean that showcases a variety of 1980s musical styles, from synth-pop to hip-hop. The danceable rhythms and simple, yet catchy, melodies ensure the songs work individually, too. It can all seem sterile and a little too carefully planned at times, but I love it when a plan comes together! Expand

See all 8 User Reviews

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