Straight No Chaser
by Mr. Hudson
Metascore
63

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 8
  3. Negative: 1 out of 8
  1. Drowned In Sound
    80
    It’s a talent for smallness in spite of showy surroundings, an Englishness that’s as convincing as anything Jamie T, Mike Skinner or Lily Allen has produced, infiltrating the upper echelons of the American music establishment.
  2. Hot Press
    80
    Pretty much every song on Straight No Chaser is a future pop anthem of powerhouse proportions.
  3. musicOMH.com
    40
    Plenty of time is wasted on auto tune, to the detriment of almost all the album's vocals.
  5. New Musical Express (NME)
    20
    It’s not Hudson’s foghorn bellowings that are the real enemy on this record, it’s that motherfucking computer program [Auto-Tune].
  6. Q Magazine
    60
    It's the very real emotional core that save Straight No Chaser from being just a slickly anonymous pop confection. [Nov 2009, p.100]
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  7. The Guardian
    60
    The No 2 hit 'Supernova' and new single 'White Lies' bode well, showing what he can do with a tune and a computer, but West is forever adding clunky raps where they're not wanted and diverting the spotlight from Hudson.
  8. Uncut
    60
    Accept the general aura of legwarmers and it's fun. [Nov 2009, p.90]
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  9. Urb
    90
    Matching catchy pop songs and good production to hip-hop's most wanted, it all comes full circle in Straight No Chaser.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 6 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 1 out of 6
  1. GrahamSturdy
    Feb 1, 2013
    8
    This album is excellent. The risky combination of acoustic guitar riffs, synthesised overtures, deep bassy beats, and Hudson's emotional voiceThis album is excellent. The risky combination of acoustic guitar riffs, synthesised overtures, deep bassy beats, and Hudson's emotional voice pays off greatly, resulting in some amazing songs. The album is filled with deep, meaningful lows and roaring, climatic highs. A hidden gem.… Full Review »
  2. MatthewA.
    Dec 6, 2009
    7
    The bad reviews only cite that fact that Hudson "sold out" and give zero deference to the actual songs. Yea, there are some questionable The bad reviews only cite that fact that Hudson "sold out" and give zero deference to the actual songs. Yea, there are some questionable production choices (as NME, the nadir of music journalism, notes, the main problem is the autotone), but Hudson is still a fantastic composer and lyricist. That still shines through on most of these songs. Not even close to as good as his last album, and would have been a homerun if West were not involved, but still a fine album.… Full Review »
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