Boys & Girls
by Alabama Shakes
  • Record Label: ATO
  • Release Date: Apr 10, 2012
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 34 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 34
  3. Negative: 0 out of 34
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  1. Mojo
    Apr 20, 2012
    40
    [Boy & Girls] casts Brittany as a soulful singer, but the album is more Xerox copy than feel and spirit based. [May 2012, p.86]
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  2. No Ripcord
    Apr 16, 2012
    50
    Perhaps ... the best way to describe Boys & Girls: unwilling to innovate or add anything new to its genre, preferring to remind us of the roots of rock instead of showing us what made the pioneers so great, a reminder of a past love instead of a new love for us to discover.
  3. The Quietus
    Apr 10, 2012
    50
    Boys And Girls is a somewhat predictable trawl through the back catalogues of Creedence Clearwater Revival, Stax Records, Janis Joplin and the recorded output of Muscle Shoals Sound Studios amongst others, but with none of the grit, passion or emotion.
  5. Slant Magazine
    Apr 9, 2012
    60
    Boys & Girls is a fine album, full of sturdy Southern-fried blues performed with swagger and verve. As the proper debut for a band that's built its reputation on the fearless pandemonium of its live shows, however, Boys & Girls is curiously and deliberately subdued.
  6. musicOMH.com
    Apr 6, 2012
    60
    This is an album packed with promise but which tails off somewhat at the close.
  7. Drowned In Sound
    Apr 5, 2012
    50
    In the cold light of day the album feels flat and utterly predictable.
  8. The Guardian
    Apr 5, 2012
    60
    Boys & Girls feels slightly polite and artfully constructed, as if the rest of the band are too respectful of their influences to truly let rip.
  9. The Fly (UK)
    Apr 5, 2012
    60
    It's enough to hold the interest, although we'd prefer Alabama Shakes to capitalise on their more esoteric elements and cut out the cliches.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 62 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 49 out of 62
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 62
  3. Negative: 8 out of 62
  1. eli_fjr
    Jun 4, 2020
    10
    Alabama Shakes debut album and its the best. Love their energy and sound. Hope they have a long long career!!!!
  2. Jamison12
    Feb 24, 2016
    7
    This album shouldn't work. An album created by one of the most shy, sweet, genuine bands we've had in a long time playing strictly blues andThis album shouldn't work. An album created by one of the most shy, sweet, genuine bands we've had in a long time playing strictly blues and southern rock shouldn't work in an age dominated electronically produced music. Yet, Boys & Girls does. It works so wonderfully well. The soul is prevalent on every track. Brittany Howard might be the strongest voice in rock music. Whether it's Howard's determination to succeed on the smash hit 'Hold On' or her bubbly love on 'I Found You' Alabama Shakes will have you shaking, and leave you wanting more.… Full Review »
  3. beingryanjude
    Dec 29, 2014
    10
    A long awaited return to rock 'n roll. Truly meaningful rock with raspy, heart-wrenching vocals. 'Boys & Girls' is as impressively originalA long awaited return to rock 'n roll. Truly meaningful rock with raspy, heart-wrenching vocals. 'Boys & Girls' is as impressively original as it is retrospective. You'll be craving more and more with each track. 'You Ain't Alone' is one of the best tracks since the heyday of rock 'n roll.… Full Review »
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