We'll Never Turn Back
by Mavis Staples
  • Record Label: Anti
  • Release Date: Apr 24, 2007
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. AllMusic
    70
    We'll Never Turn Back is the kind of album we need at the moment, one that doesn't flinch from the tradition but doesn't present it as a museum piece either.
  2. Amazon.com
    60
    If her album is musically uneven at times, her artistry and strength continue to shine as undimmed beacons.
  3. NOW Magazine
    100
    Her great success is making these protest songs personal, and she does it in a most profoundly moving way.
  5. Observer Music Monthly
    60
    The angry funk of 'Down in Mississippi' proves too good to last, but only 'We Shall Not Be Moved' is (predictably) dull.
  6. The Guardian
    80
    Staples is magnificent.
  7. Uncut
    70
    A successful fusion of tradition and modernism.
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  8. Mojo
    80
    An album that can only add to her legend. [May 2007, p.112]
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  9. Hartford Courant
    70
    While the overall arc is inspirational, the album takes an unflinchingly dark view of the civil rights struggle.
  10. Boston Globe
    90
    [It] seems like the album the 66-year-old singer was born to make
  11. Q Magazine
    60
    Who would want another version of We Shall Not Be Moved is, surely, debatable, but elsewhere the results are more persuasive. [May 2007, p.129]
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  12. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    Staples' voice outshines all: rich, weathered, and full of fire, sometimes resolving in a cracked tone or a dark, knowing chuckle, her eyes still on the prize.
  13. PopMatters
    70
    Because this album’s music is so strong, ironically, it risks being tuned out.
  14. No Ripcord
    70
    Cooder’s playing is sometime perfectly suited for the project, but other times seems horribly out of step with Mavis’ intention.
  15. The Boston Phoenix
    75
    Although rooted in history, this album’s themes and passion are timeless.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 15 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 15
  3. Negative: 1 out of 15
  1. StefB.
    May 26, 2007
    9
    A long overdue album, soulful and moving. Mavis Staples is revisiting the songs and give them power, she gives us food for thoughts. Great A long overdue album, soulful and moving. Mavis Staples is revisiting the songs and give them power, she gives us food for thoughts. Great masterpiece.… Full Review »
  2. KenS
    May 9, 2007
    8
    One of the best of the year so far. Cooder's production and playing are perfect, as usual.
  3. HiNumber
    May 8, 2007
    10
    Powerful.
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