• Record Label: Nonesuch
  • Release Date: Dec 1, 2017
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 6 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 6
  2. Negative: 0 out of 6
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  1. Uncut
    Dec 21, 2017
    80
    Watford's Stavely-Taylor sisters and New York's chamber music sextet effortlessly bridge the divide between their chosen genres. [Feb 2018, p.35]
  2. Dec 8, 2017
    80
    The Way Is Read's sequencing, which mixes songs and connective tissue, sometimes within and across tracks, has the effect of an album-length work, if one with distinct tunes. Perhaps its biggest achievement is that it so often seems the work of a single group of nine.
  3. Dec 8, 2017
    70
    Throughout the album, a more mature sound can be heard, which reflects their break from recording music, allowing them to evolve as musicians and songwriters on this more mature, risk-taking production.
  4. Q Magazine
    Dec 21, 2017
    60
    Some of it is a bit too frenetic. But with Trouble On My Mind and All The Times You Prayed, The Staves' gorgeous harmonies shine out in a new setting. [Feb 2018, p.116]
  5. 60
    The Way Is Read gets better the further in you get, the thrilling closing title track highlighting the talents of both parties.
  6. Dec 8, 2017
    60
    If this record had been 50% weirder or 50% folkier, it would have been 100% better. It's not a bad album, and some of the pieces are stately and beautiful, but once the smell of lost potential reaches your nostrils, it's hard to focus on anything else.
User Score
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No user score yet- Awaiting 3 more ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 1
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 1
  3. Negative: 0 out of 1
  1. Jul 21, 2022
    7
    At first this was a little jarring but this really is a record that gets so much better on repeated listening. The beauty of the StavesAt first this was a little jarring but this really is a record that gets so much better on repeated listening. The beauty of the Staves harmonies connected perfectly with the more classical/folk style of yMusic with minimal production interfering with the sounds being created. Sounds a world apart from the albums the Staves released either side of this one. Pity it's so hard to get physically. Full Review »