Stand Up
by Dave Matthews Band
  • Record Label: RCA
  • Release Date: May 10, 2005
User Score
6.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 82 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 51 out of 82
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 82
  3. Negative: 19 out of 82

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  1. StuartR
    Jun 1, 2005
    3
    I am a huge DMB fan and i rushed out to buy this album and found it highly mediocre. Where was the energy we saw in before these crowded streets and busted stuff. This album downplayed the the Violin and Saxophone components which make their sound so different. Many of the songs sounded sadly like pop music and less like the alternative band i loved. The lyrics also left a lot to be I am a huge DMB fan and i rushed out to buy this album and found it highly mediocre. Where was the energy we saw in before these crowded streets and busted stuff. This album downplayed the the Violin and Saxophone components which make their sound so different. Many of the songs sounded sadly like pop music and less like the alternative band i loved. The lyrics also left a lot to be desired, mostly because there wasnt much. What happened to the lyrics. They just repeat the choruys a hundred times. Its almost as if they were attempting the space between the soulful aspect of some devil and the the undefinable sound we hear in before these crowded streets. I felt this way about everyday, but DMB put out busted stuff after everyday, so lets hope they bounce back.… Expand
  2. MatthewR
    May 18, 2005
    5
    The Dave Matthews Band seemed to keep growing and getting better from Under the Table to Crash to Before These Crowded Streets. They hit a major roadblock with Everyday and still don't seem to be over it. They had the potential to keep growing and getting better after Before These Crowded Streets, but so far seem to have failed at it. The album boasts a few good tracks yet overall is The Dave Matthews Band seemed to keep growing and getting better from Under the Table to Crash to Before These Crowded Streets. They hit a major roadblock with Everyday and still don't seem to be over it. They had the potential to keep growing and getting better after Before These Crowded Streets, but so far seem to have failed at it. The album boasts a few good tracks yet overall is a disappointment. I hope and pray the next album will be better, but won't hold my breathe.… Expand
  3. BobS
    May 17, 2005
    3
    Although there was a creative process invloved with this CD it almost seems as if the band didn't create it together, but rather worked on a more individual basis and then pieced it together into full compositions. I thought the Live in Central Park recording was a taste of things to come. Here one had a chance to see their developement as mucians both in their virtuostic talents and Although there was a creative process invloved with this CD it almost seems as if the band didn't create it together, but rather worked on a more individual basis and then pieced it together into full compositions. I thought the Live in Central Park recording was a taste of things to come. Here one had a chance to see their developement as mucians both in their virtuostic talents and their ability to mesh these talents from a decade of playing together. One could easily see how they have grown as musicians after listening to Live In Central Park.. The new release dosen't seem to move the band forward from a compositoinal standpoint. There are not many instances where the band capitalizes on there live albums but rather takes a turn that much of pop music has, the use of mimimalistic elements. I couldn't think of any tracks (except Old Dirt Hill) that I would want to blast with the car windows down. Sometimes groups need to do these projects for themselves as part of the evolutionary process. One must commend them for trying new things though. When is their next CD being released?… Expand
  4. PetrE
    May 18, 2005
    9
    Definitely very good but very different album. Many great song that will be even greater when they will play them live. I really appreciate the progress the band is trying to do and I must admit that it was a good move. They easily could make "classic" DMB CD but they refused to do it. Good job!
  5. EricaA
    May 19, 2005
    7
    While this is by far not the best of Dave Mathhews Band's efforts it still outshines the majority of the drivel currently being released by today's "top artists". "Dream Girl", "Stolen Away", and "Steady As We Go" are early favorites for me, while the title track annoys me so that I skip over it with every listen - not a problem I have ever had with a DMB release before While this is by far not the best of Dave Mathhews Band's efforts it still outshines the majority of the drivel currently being released by today's "top artists". "Dream Girl", "Stolen Away", and "Steady As We Go" are early favorites for me, while the title track annoys me so that I skip over it with every listen - not a problem I have ever had with a DMB release before including both studio and live albums. I am sure some of the other tracks will grow on me in time. This album feels very much the way Everday did to me upon it's release (too "studio"), but even it has moved it's way up in my catalog of frequently played discs. I intend to have faith and give patience to Stand Up, and we'll see how it ranks in a few months.… Expand
  6. rjHolman
    May 20, 2005
    10
    After the 2nd time I listened to it it began to grow and most of the album is just awesome. This is a great album by one of the greatest band of this generation.
  7. NathanD
    Jun 1, 2005
    5
    I'm a huge fan of the band and as always appreciate their tallent, but nothing they've ever put out has been as dissappointing as this album. I'm trying to give it more time, but even for diehard fans, i suggest waiting to buy this one. They're always at their best live, so maybe this album will somehow be better after a live performance
  8. JohnE
    Jun 10, 2005
    3
    Wow, what a flop. I rushed to buy this and was completely dissappointed. No life or energy to the music, very little Band too much post production. Where did the Dave Mathews sound go? You know that slight jazzy at times, bluegrass at others, sometimes just all out Band sound. Now it sounds like a studio R&B album...which isn't bad, but if I wanted an R&B album...Dave would not be my Wow, what a flop. I rushed to buy this and was completely dissappointed. No life or energy to the music, very little Band too much post production. Where did the Dave Mathews sound go? You know that slight jazzy at times, bluegrass at others, sometimes just all out Band sound. Now it sounds like a studio R&B album...which isn't bad, but if I wanted an R&B album...Dave would not be my first choice. Come on guys get it together. This album stunk. Almost along the lines of Busted and Everyday, but even worse.… Expand
  9. JimH
    Jun 20, 2005
    2
    This CD is terrible. I dont understand why people continue to buy DMB's stuff. They haven't released a quality effort since Crash came out in '96.
  10. GriffinW
    Jun 30, 2005
    10
    Amazing!!!!! I can't get the songs out of my head. The lyrics are some of the best ever. The band with the new producer is really producing their best work ever. This is truly the bands master piece so far. I think they are back on track.
  11. ReyP
    Nov 4, 2005
    7
    The first sentence in Rolling Stone's review could not have gotten it more wrong. The problem with this album is that it is a democratic method rather than Dave coming in with a bunch of songs already written. Still, it's the Dave Matthews Band, and there's great stuff here. Just not all of it.
  12. TravisS
    May 17, 2005
    5
    I have been a big Dave Matthews fan since Remember 2 Things came out. But Everyday and now Stand Up have definitely turned me away from even being relatively interested in thier new material. I understand that they are trying to progress as a band an everything but this is not the right direction for them.
  13. ForrestB
    May 17, 2005
    5
    DMB has finally sold out. Though recent recordings had hinted at this, this stinker makes it official. Why God? Why?
  14. TomJ
    May 19, 2005
    2
    A bunch of shitty loops with songs that drag on way too long with no hook!
  15. AndyD
    May 26, 2005
    8
    Not as solid beginning to end as Everyday or Crash. But at least half these songs are good songs and a lot of them kick ass.
  16. cosmo
    Jun 1, 2005
    2
    The most important recording since "Adult Education" by Hall and Oats.
  17. marcusn
    Jun 11, 2005
    2
    I was really looking forward to this album, considering i didn't purchase Everyday/Busted Stuff/Some Devil. This was just another producer driven effort. In a band with as much talent and groove they end up putting none of it on the album. Yes some songs will sound good live, but I don't buy albums to listen to songs that sound better live. They really need to stop letting the I was really looking forward to this album, considering i didn't purchase Everyday/Busted Stuff/Some Devil. This was just another producer driven effort. In a band with as much talent and groove they end up putting none of it on the album. Yes some songs will sound good live, but I don't buy albums to listen to songs that sound better live. They really need to stop letting the producers take charge and just need to relax and stop trying to force things. The only time this band sounds like they do live is with Lillywhite or the guy who recorded R2T. This is just a flashy slap happy album with no real content and really makes me sad to think a band with this much ability really can't put together a decent studio album.… Expand
  18. MichaelF
    Jun 3, 2005
    1
    I was deeply disappointed in this album. Id like to call myself a huge dave fan, but am embarrased of this album. The tracks just sound too over-produced. It seems as if it is just another Dave Matthews album, not a BAND. Where did the band go?
  19. BrianC
    Jun 4, 2005
    9
    I just don't think DMB are being given as much credit where credit is due. They sound very much like a band here, one who really connected and worked together as every band should, and I happen to think this is a strong effort. Only "Under The Table And Dreaming" is superior.
  20. MattyB
    Jun 6, 2005
    8
    Let's face it... DMB had to change their sound a little at some point. That is the bottom line here. Does it work as well as Before These Crowded Streets or Crash... maybe not. But those records cannot be topped merely by rehashing what made them so great. DMB had to move on to a new sound, and so do the fans. Ultimately what you have here is very competent record. This album Let's face it... DMB had to change their sound a little at some point. That is the bottom line here. Does it work as well as Before These Crowded Streets or Crash... maybe not. But those records cannot be topped merely by rehashing what made them so great. DMB had to move on to a new sound, and so do the fans. Ultimately what you have here is very competent record. This album features more of Stephan which is welcome in my opinion, and it is more than catchy, its straight up different. So stand up and get the damn record. Just prepare yourself for something new, and not Busted Stuff Part 2.… Expand
  21. AndrewL
    Jul 19, 2005
    8
    There are definitely some catchy numbers on this. It's a light, easy-to-listen-to kind of record- maybe a little too much so. The production could have been slightly better, but it's still a great album, top to bottom, from a great band.
  22. CodyT
    Jul 29, 2005
    8
    Hey Shawn M...Go see them on tour this summer and then come back and tell me how much Dave's voice is fading. Better than ever! As for the album...its hard not to give it a 10. It is their best work in the studio and as a "team". Everyone seems to have equal input, equal expectations, equal output. If you see them live this summer this rings very true. American Baby Intro blows my Hey Shawn M...Go see them on tour this summer and then come back and tell me how much Dave's voice is fading. Better than ever! As for the album...its hard not to give it a 10. It is their best work in the studio and as a "team". Everyone seems to have equal input, equal expectations, equal output. If you see them live this summer this rings very true. American Baby Intro blows my mind...you hear DMB of old and new combined perfectly into this 2 min. masterpiece that has very few lyrics. All of DMB seems to have intensified their performance, creativity and passion. Stand Up translates so well in concert and mixes perfectly with their old tunes. I anticipate some remarkable set lists to come!… Expand
  23. DaveC
    Jul 3, 2005
    0
    Pop garbage. Dave Matthews has been consistantly getting worse since "Under the table..." and now it culminates in this garbage. The only reason this album has this high of a MC rating is because all of the good music publications knew better than to waste their time listening to this.
  24. RyanW
    Aug 7, 2005
    5
    While Dave Matthews Band leaves room for improvisation in most of the songs on the album, the end result is a hollow sound with room for improvement. Let's hope the tour is filled with more energy and spirit than the album portrays.
  25. TonyI
    Jan 12, 2006
    1
    Absolute death. I was the world's biggest DMB fan, and this CD made me feel like I just got in an argument with a girlfriend. Five brilliant musicians compromising thier dignity to try to sound like hip-hop funk, while forgetting thier great grassroots beginning
  26. CurtW
    Mar 6, 2006
    8
    Big fan of dave, but i find that this cd lacks acoustic which is one of the things i look for in dave. still a good cd but is missingsomething
  27. JordanB
    Jan 2, 2007
    9
    This album really shows the flexibility of the band. Could have done without a lot of the special effects, but over all each song has a very unique drive.
  28. BrianS
    Nov 18, 2005
    10
    People who say this album is week are foolish, this albums has some great tracks and shows that band isnt afraid to try new things, Smooth Rider is a short but amazing track and Dirlt Hill will become a clasic im sure of it, I've been a fan for over 10 years now and this album ranks up there with my favs
  29. JuanitaA
    May 17, 2005
    8
    I find this album to be a great mix of what each band member is about..I think it is the kind of album that will grow on you and one that you will go back to time and time again.
  30. DaveH
    May 18, 2005
    10
    A fresh new taste from DMB while still having subtle references to their older material!
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Awards & Rankings

69
#69 Most Discussed Album of 2005

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
63

Generally favorable reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    91
    Grander-sounding and more ambitious than Some Devil... Stand Up is brimming with potential singles. [13 May 2005, p.84]
  2. Rolling Stone
    70
    Stand Up is as democratic a record as you can expect from a band named after the singer. Unfortunately, that organic feel comes at the expense of Matthews' personality, a combination of pervy extroversion and armchair philosophizing that Everyday channeled more purely.
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  3. E! Online
    91
    The official return of the DMB shows them in full force and stretching way Up.
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