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. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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
  4. DaveH
    May 18, 2005
    10
    A fresh new taste from DMB while still having subtle references to their older material!
  5. LynnB
    May 21, 2005
    10
    This album is still true form of DMB. I can't wait to hear the new tracks in concert where all of DMB songs always sound better. I do like the new twist in the tunes. Old Dirt Hill is becoming one of my new favorites.
  6. RandyM
    Jun 4, 2005
    10
    Dave Matthews Band are back, my friends. Their best since "Before These Crowded Streets"
  7. JuliaG
    Jun 4, 2005
    10
    The spirit of the band is still alive. They're still a stand-out, fun-loving group!
  8. LoriB
    Jun 21, 2005
    10
    The best DMB Album since Busted Stuff!!! Their musical talent has grown so much! I can't wait to see them in concert this year!! They are truly one of the most unique sounding bands that come together and naturally produce the greatest music!
  9. MilesG
    Feb 23, 2006
    10
    Who on Earth can call themselves a DMB fan, and hate this album? DMB is, and always will be about pushing the limit, and this is just another example of it. They want to open up to an African American audience, and this is the first step. After all, three of the members are African Americans... This album is definitely one of my favorites... It's not Before These Crowded Streets, but Who on Earth can call themselves a DMB fan, and hate this album? DMB is, and always will be about pushing the limit, and this is just another example of it. They want to open up to an African American audience, and this is the first step. After all, three of the members are African Americans... This album is definitely one of my favorites... It's not Before These Crowded Streets, but it's still damn good!… Expand
  10. JackD
    Dec 11, 2006
    10
    Badass
  11. 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!
  12. 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.
  13. 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.
  14. MattD
    May 27, 2005
    9
    While the past couple of Dave CDs will not top the genious of the first CDs they ever put out, Stand Up is a strong CD. We can't expect the the band to not evolve through the years. I think they are evolving gracefully, and although some songs aren't consistent of old Dave recordings, most of them do a great job of providing enough of the that Dave Matthews Band sound to keep While the past couple of Dave CDs will not top the genious of the first CDs they ever put out, Stand Up is a strong CD. We can't expect the the band to not evolve through the years. I think they are evolving gracefully, and although some songs aren't consistent of old Dave recordings, most of them do a great job of providing enough of the that Dave Matthews Band sound to keep the nostalgia flowing. It hasn't left my CD player yet, and won't for a while!… Expand
  15. TabithaK
    Feb 8, 2006
    9
    I really Like This CD And I Like The Dave Matthews Band
  16. MatC
    May 16, 2005
    9
    It's an excellent album. It is a testament to the band's musicality, and a stark contrast to most popular music. Much more piano, a lot of depth, and further proof of the versatility of DMB. It's not a 10 because some of the tracks don't really blend, and frankly I'll routinely skip. They're good songs, but lose a little in repeat value. It's not as It's an excellent album. It is a testament to the band's musicality, and a stark contrast to most popular music. Much more piano, a lot of depth, and further proof of the versatility of DMB. It's not a 10 because some of the tracks don't really blend, and frankly I'll routinely skip. They're good songs, but lose a little in repeat value. It's not as different from Some Devil as some of the critics elude to. It's more of a continuation of that evolution into exploring emotions. Each set of lyrics is so varying, it demands a different sound. Early in any bands' career, they stick with what they know (see: Nickelback) and adjust within their own comfort zone. Not here, and that may be the most exciting part. Yes, there will be singles, but with most DMB material, much of the good stuff will never make the airwaves. That's fine anyhow - it's on my ipod. You're a long way from Rockabilly now, DMB. Keep it up!… Expand
  17. JustinE
    Jul 28, 2005
    9
    I didn't like it (a lot of that was also because I couldn't rip it and bring it with my on my yepp mp3 player), but then saw them at alpine, and it put it all together for me. They are way better live, but that's why I now have the news songs in flac that someone kindly recorded for the world and put up on btetree.com (bit torrent) of the concert I went to. The whole I didn't like it (a lot of that was also because I couldn't rip it and bring it with my on my yepp mp3 player), but then saw them at alpine, and it put it all together for me. They are way better live, but that's why I now have the news songs in flac that someone kindly recorded for the world and put up on btetree.com (bit torrent) of the concert I went to. The whole concert was up 3 days later! Dave allowing taping is the best thing ever.… Expand
  18. 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.
  19. 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
  20. 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.
  21. 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
  22. 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
  23. 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.
  24. kristend
    May 23, 2005
    8
    At first I was unsure but, being the avid DMB fan, I listened to it in its entirety. In my opinion, it grows on you by the 3rd time around. I think it would be a better live album though.
  25. JustinM
    Jul 23, 2005
    8
    Finally their production skills are improving! Listening to DMB used to be like listening to a group of musicians all intent on being heard simultaneously - a mess. Now though, things are cleaner; the result pure. Most tracks are very good. Only the title track bothers me.
  26. duncs
    Jan 23, 2006
    8
    a sleeper album. first time i heard i thought hmmm, average but a bit of a waste. but it grows and grows on you. then to hear songs like smooth rider and louisana bayou live you understand how good they actually are.
  27. 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
  28. 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.
  29. ShawnM
    Jul 15, 2005
    7
    Much better than the overproduced Everyday. Dave's voice seems to be aging, hindering the overall performance in many songs. Yet the talent and creativity demonstrated by the band on this album leave the listener with a sense that they are evolving from the Clear Channel-muck they delved into with the last studio album.
  30. NoahE
    May 18, 2005
    7
    It comes to no suprise why this sort of release would create a schism, or at least a faultline, through their fanbase, where this album will determine who will leave or stay for the ride. Being a great Dave Matthews Band fan myself from the very beginning when "Remember Two Things" quietly came out, I admit myself I yearn for them to return back to those lengthy, soulful jam session sort It comes to no suprise why this sort of release would create a schism, or at least a faultline, through their fanbase, where this album will determine who will leave or stay for the ride. Being a great Dave Matthews Band fan myself from the very beginning when "Remember Two Things" quietly came out, I admit myself I yearn for them to return back to those lengthy, soulful jam session sort of tracks again. ("Dancing Nancies", "Warehouse", "#41", "Tripping Billies", "Recently", "Don't Drink The Water", "Seek Up"). However, I also just want to take a moment and try and see it from the band's point of view themselves. They obviously had a lot of fun writing and producing this record, and this sort of cooperative behavior and sense of community often produces the more intriguing and complete material. Moreover, there's a sense of spirit to this record, a spirit "Everyday" virtually completely lacked. And so "Stand Up", while still a little out of tune with their roots of "Before These Crowded Streets" and "Under The Table And Dreaming", is still innovative and fresh. Some tracks indeed stand out while others are less enticing, but the sense of spirit of a band endures. "Louisiana Bayou" is the closest track to a jam session on the record, with Matthews' drawl roll-offs and country-fried diatribe, while tracks like "Hunger For The Great Light" and "Dreamgirl" take us back to the familiar songwriting themes and capers of Dave Matthews; sex and romance. Matthews also revisits some of the darker themes of life like from "Before These Crowded Streets", genuflecting on a post-911 climate dominated by fear and anger ("American Baby", "Out Of My hands", "Everybody Wake Up"). "Stand Up" may not be their most memorable release, but the band's bravery and effort in being adventurous with their sound and musical personality will be enough to win much of their fanbase for future helpings.… Expand
  31. JasonS
    May 25, 2005
    7
    It was a good album, but they tried too many different types of things in this album.
  32. Matt
    Jun 9, 2005
    6
    There's a noticeable lack of focus in this album, but there is some energy - especially in the second half of the album.
  33. 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
  34. 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
  35. 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.
  36. 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?
  37. 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.
  38. petef
    May 17, 2005
    5
    What happened to the jam band that once was? What is this overproduced lyrically shallow nonsense?
  39. loh
    May 25, 2005
    4
    I am a huge DMB fan and it is painful to hear this album. It represents very little of what I feel DMB is about. They need to go back to the studio and do this album "unplugged". This producer is hurting them as well.
  40. 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
  41. 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
  42. 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
  43. allens
    May 23, 2005
    3
    Owning any and all of dave's stuff, I guess I have high standards of what is coming out next. Very disappointed. Sounds like they threw the album together in one week.
  44. DMBFAN
    Jan 23, 2006
    3
    Borefest.
  45. 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.
  46. TomJ
    May 19, 2005
    2
    A bunch of shitty loops with songs that drag on way too long with no hook!
  47. cosmo
    Jun 1, 2005
    2
    The most important recording since "Adult Education" by Hall and Oats.
  48. 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
  49. David
    May 19, 2005
    2
    This is the best album the DMB have ever released. Which is why it manages to score a 2.
  50. jackj
    Jun 2, 2005
    2
    I give this album a 2 b/c there are only two songs thats sound like DMB's abilities allow them to. The only two songs that were written by dave (for the most part) make tha album worth it. Other than that...they need to get back to their roots and figure things out with a better producer.
  51. Ryan
    Feb 4, 2006
    2
    Absolutely Dreadful. The best song on the album is the American Baby Intro. That's just sad. Here's to another 4 years of listening to Crash and Before These Crowded Streets.
  52. 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?
  53. 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
  54. 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.

Awards & Rankings

69
#69 Most Discussed Album of 2005

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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.
    Read full review
  3. E! Online
    91
    The official return of the DMB shows them in full force and stretching way Up.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »