Metascore
56

Mixed or average reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 17
  2. Negative: 4 out of 17
  1. While Morello's and Riley's styles suit each other well, their acclaimed resumes are ultimately just a reminder that both men have done more memorable work elsewhere.
  2. It's Street Sweeper Social Club, pairing guitarist Tom Morello with rapper Boots Riley on a self-titled collection of striking, strident songs that take aim at the status quo with devastating riffs and searing lyrics.
  3. 60
    Their debut suffers from Morello's uneven arrangements, which vacillate between rousing hardcore funk and predictable hard-rock crunch.
  4. Morello’s furious fretwork doesn’t complement Boots’ dumbed-down lyrics so much as it drowns them out: It’s oppressive and overwhelming.
  5. Marrying firebrand lyrics with massive, pedal-pushing guitar riffs, SSSC (it sounds like a union acronym, doesn't it?) revels in the kinds of big, earnest gestures that emblematized 1990s alternative rock.
  6. Several spins of Street Sweeper Social Club reveals the weaknesses inherit in this duo’s style. While Boots is mostly on point with his critical lyricism, he lacks a punchy energy that is required to match Morello’s heavier riffs.
  7. 90
    The true brilliance here is what is not done rather than what is. Instead of getting repetitive, drawn out, and maybe even boring, the album concludes itself at a measly yet perfect 11 tracks, clocking in at just under 40 minutes.
  8. The problem isn't overheated rhetoric, it's half-baked songs.
  9. When an emcee sounds interrupted or unbalanced by the guitar and most of the music appears to be ripped from a bedroom jam session, it’s painfully obvious; Street Sweeper Social Club would better benefit society by performing said namesake operation.
  10. The blithe, lyrical approach is misplaced in the context of Morello’s domineering, effects-laden guitar sound.
  11. On the whole it works more often than not though, as Morello and Riley have a genuine and unforced chemistry.
  12. Though a floundering economy, bombed-out GOP and a season or two of corporate bailouts have provided them with a fat barrel of fish to shoot, this rap-rock hybrid simmers instead of seethes, never quite mustering the blood-boiling rage of its principals' previous material.
  13. Even as a record of adequate, vaguely politicized mook-rock, it mostly falls flat, whether by lazy lyrics or some uninspired drumming from Galactic's Stanton Moore, who adds plenty of percussive touches like the judicious cowbell of 'Clap For the Killers' but sinks more straightforward tracks such as 'The Oath' like a stone.
  14. An attempt to relive the RATM era that falls far, far short of the bar. Save your money and go and listen to the real deal instead.
  15. If Morello and Riley hadn't been involved in such great projects before, this would be acceptable, but in hindsight, it doesn't really live up to their past accomplishments.
  16. RATM guitarist and hardcore troubadour participates in dodgy agit rap/rock experiment.
  17. Uncut
    60
    Morello's guitars tend to dominate, Riley's best lines get lost, and none of the songs here have the tunes to convert floating voters. [Nov 2009, p.106]
User Score
7.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 17 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 17
  2. Negative: 3 out of 17
  1. bankrobber
    Aug 3, 2009
    10
    The metacritic average does not include the rave reviews from The Boston Herald, The Associated Press, or Revolver Magazine. They are all The metacritic average does not include the rave reviews from The Boston Herald, The Associated Press, or Revolver Magazine. They are all major publications and would easily be rating the album at a 90 or above. This would change the album's score dramatically. You should include those. Full Review »
  2. resistorDJ
    Jul 15, 2009
    5
    When i first heard about this album, i was quite excited as its been ages since weve been graced with Toms harder edged funk/rock guitar When i first heard about this album, i was quite excited as its been ages since weve been graced with Toms harder edged funk/rock guitar style. Unfortunately, this album sounds like a rehearsal/demo tape, lacking punch and energy. i think whoever produced & engineered it need a slap alongside the head. The backing vocals are also a weak point, coming across half *ssed adding to an already average production. disappointing to say the least. Full Review »
  3. PrestonJ
    Jul 7, 2009
    8
    Perfect cruising music. The tempo never really changes over the cd's course, but is plenty of fun while it lasts. Ideal for long drives Perfect cruising music. The tempo never really changes over the cd's course, but is plenty of fun while it lasts. Ideal for long drives and riotous nights with your friends. Full Review »