The Center Won't Hold
by Sleater-Kinney
User Score
7.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 42 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 31 out of 42
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 42
  3. Negative: 3 out of 42
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  1. marcmyworks
    Aug 20, 2019
    7
    I find at times Sleater-Kinney to sound repetitive but overall they have always been a good band. On 'The Centre Won't Hold' I applaud them for trying a more radio friendly direction. The tracks feel more the left over b-sides of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and St. Vincent, which makes sense as it was produced by the latter. Overall a decent effort, I'm just not feeling the usual oomph theyI find at times Sleater-Kinney to sound repetitive but overall they have always been a good band. On 'The Centre Won't Hold' I applaud them for trying a more radio friendly direction. The tracks feel more the left over b-sides of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and St. Vincent, which makes sense as it was produced by the latter. Overall a decent effort, I'm just not feeling the usual oomph they deliver.
    Listen to: Hurry On Home, Reach Out, Ruins.    … Expand
  2. sammyanthony
    Aug 17, 2019
    6
    Seductive but a little bit lethargic. St. Vincent's production really took effect. At some point, it felt like Janet Weiss' strikes got ultra lifeless contrasted to Sleater-Kinney's past projects, noting that her departure might has something to do with it.
  3. indiewillll
    Jul 6, 2020
    2
    I love(d) Sleater-Kinney and love St. Vincent. Yet, this album was a disaster for the band with the departure of best-female-drummer-ever Janet Weiss happening during its production, and its overall blandness after the triumphant No Cities to Love (and the rest of SK's back catalog.) I am very sad to say that I am most unimpressed with everyone involved with this uninteresting mess.
  4. Agrondelx
    Aug 16, 2019
    9
    With production by St. Vincent, Sleater-Kinney have crafted an album that's strong in its center.
  5. Deckardpdx
    Aug 25, 2019
    9
    Fantastic evolution for one of music’s best bands. More technical than previous releases, the album is still undeniably Sleater-Kinney and one of their finest outings.
  6. britneystan07
    Aug 31, 2019
    10
    I absolutely love this album! I think it's great how they are always evolving and changing sound. St. Vincent is a genius. So many powerful and talented women on this record! This album truly speaks to today's political climate. They did a great job addressing issues. Broken gets to me every time.

Awards & Rankings

48
#48 Most Shared Album of 2019

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 30
  3. Negative: 0 out of 30
  1. Tiny Mix Tapes
    Sep 12, 2019
    60
    The Center Won’t Hold is what most respected musicologists would term a “good album with some great songs.”
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  2. PopMatters
    Sep 10, 2019
    70
    It doesn't matter whether that future looks good or bad. Either way, The Center Won't Hold is a surprising path for taking an honest look at things, holding it together, and moving on.
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  3. NOW Magazine
    Aug 30, 2019
    80
    It’s more polished than most S-K albums, but it’s still a flurry of frenetic chords, caustic drum beats and yelps and hisses from Carrie Brownstein and Tucker. Clark gave The Center Won’t Hold a very modern filter and sheen, but Sleater-Kinney still set the tone.
    Read full review
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