Gift Of Screws
by Lindsey Buckingham
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    91
    Buckingham remains the master of type A chamber pop.
  2. The A.V. Club
    83
    It's a delicately crafted album that alternately rages against the dying of the light and sounds resigned to it, even if Buckingham's particular light sounds in no danger of burning out soon.
  3. AllMusic
    80
    Gift of Screws is a standout even in his catalog.
  5. Boston Globe
    80
    Gift of Screws is only his fifth solo record. Perhaps that's why the singer and guitarist (who turns 60 next month) still sounds so vital and passionate, especially on the voluptuous, opening songs 'Great Day' and 'Time Precious Time,' where his luminescent riffs and nimble finger-picking shine.
  6. musicOMH.com
    80
    It is a glorious statement of intent from one of pop's most misunderstood characters.
  7. The Guardian
    80
    With the trusty Mick Fleetwood-John McVie rhythm section giving lots of sonic wallop, this is more than just a Mac album without the female vocalists: Buckingham seems to be rediscovering some sort of idealism.
  8. Uncut
    80
    The most initially striking thing about Gift Of Screws is that, despite its brevity, it’s actually quite varied.
  9. Billboard
    80
    Mac minions will find this electric-flavored, band-sounding album pleasing, but there's also the avant ambience that's Buckingham's stock in trade.
  10. Q Magazine
    80
    'Love Runs Deeper' and the bustling 'Wanna Wait For You' especially confirm him as a master of his craft. [Oct 2008, p.153]
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  11. PopMatters
    80
    If this is what Fleetwood Mac would’ve sounded like as an all-male trio, they should’ve kicked those chicks to the curb a long time ago.
  12. Rolling Stone
    70
    The sound under him is a wild roadhouse blues with the signature groove of old bandmates Mick Fleetwood and John McVie.
  13. Spin
    60
    Gift of Screws boasts a lot of attractive touches, from the lovely acoustic guitar of 'Bel Air Rain' to the crashing chorus of 'Love Runs Deeper,' but less polish would add some soul to the mix.
  14. NOW Magazine
    60
    Gift proves that Lindsey Buckingham’s knack for writing catchy pop-rock chord changes is alive and well.
  15. Mojo
    60
    'Love Runs Deeper' is vintage Buckingham soft rock, while the barmy title track recalls the new wave-inspired weirdness of 'Tusk.' [Nov 2008, p.118]
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  16. Village Voice
    50
    When he flexes his craft, he corrals multi-tracked vocals of himself that coast over static guitar arpeggios, like a priest who prefers to clack his rosary beads in his bedroom rather than pray aloud in a chapel with his peers. If there's a Lord, he's grateful for the devotion, but for eavesdroppers, it does get tedious.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 24 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 24
  3. Negative: 5 out of 24
  1. Maguroyama
    Sep 5, 2011
    9
    A grand return to form after the somewhat disappointing "Under The Skin", which was a bit to stripped-down for my taste. This is Lindsey atA grand return to form after the somewhat disappointing "Under The Skin", which was a bit to stripped-down for my taste. This is Lindsey at his best, with full arrangements, sweet melodies and classic clever lyrics. Besides this being the album of the year, I also rate "Did You Miss Me" single of the year.… Full Review »
  2. DavidG.
    Sep 19, 2008
    10
    Razor sharp, smoking hot lyrics, guitar and vocals. This whole album is a tour de force treasure that gets better every time through. A masterpiece.
  3. KrisStockmyer
    Sep 18, 2008
    10
    Lindsey Buckingham has often been called a
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