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All Years Leaving Image
Metascore
63

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 8 Ratings

  • Summary: This debut LP for the Liverpool band was released in the U.K. in early 2004 and made its way to the States a year later.
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 9
  2. Negative: 1 out of 9
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    Sure, singer Howie Payne's creaky emoting... sounds like flower-child muck, but his lilting melodies will charm your hippie-lovin' pants off anyway. [28 Jan 2005, p.83]
  2. Importantly, while The Stands’ obvious musical loves cannot be faulted, it’s their own inimitable style that makes them more than just another retro outfit.
  3. Mojo
    70
    A classy veneration of the Byrds, Bob and Band, exquisitely seasoned with phlegmy harmonies and subtle instrumentation. [Mar 2004, p.108]
  4. Q Magazine
    60
    There's nothing here that challenges the listener. [Mar 2004, p.112]
  5. Familiarity can be a good thing, but The Stands get plain fresh, crossing the line between feeling safe and feeling violated.
  6. Under The Radar
    50
    The harmonies are tight and the guitar riffs are jangly... but because everything already sounds so familiar, nothing really stands out as an essential track. [#8, p.107]
  7. The lack of distinctiveness is what ultimately makes All Years Leaving utterly forgettable.

See all 9 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. JonD.
    Apr 9, 2008
    10
    What sort of critics are these giving such poor votes on such an awesome album? This is such a top album on all levels and the best debut What sort of critics are these giving such poor votes on such an awesome album? This is such a top album on all levels and the best debut album I have heard from any band since Oasis. Outstanding! Expand
  2. DarrenS
    Mar 24, 2005
    10
    Trust me this album is a gem
  3. wincewink
    Apr 9, 2005
    10
    the album is class i watched these live when they were supporting the zutons and they were brill the best song on the album isall years leaving
  4. Eric
    Feb 20, 2005
    9
    One of my favorite records from 2004, now available in the US. Jangly, twangy Britpop that sounds like a distant relation to the Byrds and a One of my favorite records from 2004, now available in the US. Jangly, twangy Britpop that sounds like a distant relation to the Byrds and a less distant relation to the late, lamented La's. Expand
  5. yorkg
    May 10, 2009
    9
    Dericative pah! sometimes a well made bacon butty beats any haute cuisine with no soul and sometimes simple messages need to be sung simply, Dericative pah! sometimes a well made bacon butty beats any haute cuisine with no soul and sometimes simple messages need to be sung simply, give me life affirming over hand ringing angs any day. The sun snies! Expand
  6. PAULC
    Mar 3, 2005
    9
    not a bad album at all make keane look pants