Livin' on a High Note
by Mavis Staples
  • Record Label: Epitaph
  • Release Date: Feb 19, 2016
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
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  1. Boston Globe
    Feb 18, 2016
    90
    The album feels stunningly fresh and cutting edge; expect to see it on some Top Ten lists later this year.
  2. The Telegraph (UK)
    Apr 4, 2016
    80
    She wields the survivor's axe of righteousness and you listen up, because she sings with the no-nonsense generosity of one who's telling you how to keep your own darkness at bay.
  3. PopMatters
    Mar 30, 2016
    80
    Livin’ on a High Note is nothing if not eclectic. While the focus is on an upbeat good time, peppered with a few life (and history) lessons, the quietest, most reflective song closes the album beautifully.
  5. Rolling Stone
    Feb 19, 2016
    80
    Mavis Staples takes her comeback higher still with this set, using an A list of songwriters informed, but not bound, by roots music.
  6. Q Magazine
    Feb 4, 2016
    80
    Including songs by Neko Case and Nick Cave, this fine album reaches way beyond the church. [Mar 2016, p.115]
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  7. Uncut
    Feb 4, 2016
    80
    The M Ward-produced Livin' On A High Note is a wonderfully chiselled Stax forgery. [Mar 2016, p.80]
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  8. Consequence
    Feb 18, 2016
    75
    Staples’ songs have never been short of heart and warmth, nor has she ever been the type to let much drag her down. But never has she been as deliberate about spreading her positive vibrations to the world as she is here.
  9. Under The Radar
    Feb 4, 2016
    75
    Such a stellar cast would typically take the spotlight, but Ward makes sure everything (and everyone) remains in orbit 'round the 75-year-old artist. [Jan/Feb 2016, p.59]
  10. Pitchfork
    Feb 18, 2016
    74
    High Note complements rather than contradicts those bleaker depictions of 21st century America and casually argues for Staples’ legacy as an agitgospel singer.

Awards & Rankings

55
#55 Most Shared Album of 2016

User Reviews

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User Score
6.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 10 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 10
  3. Negative: 1 out of 10
  1. arascic
    Feb 16, 2017
    0
    Very boring, bland and generic. Vocals aren't impressive, the composition isn't impressive, to be honest, nothing is impressive with thisVery boring, bland and generic. Vocals aren't impressive, the composition isn't impressive, to be honest, nothing is impressive with this record. Only the track "Action" provides some groove.… Full Review »
  2. TrentBizub
    Feb 21, 2016
    7
    Admittedly R&B is not my genre, so maybe that's why some songs dragged for me. But overall, Staples' new album has plenty of soulfullyAdmittedly R&B is not my genre, so maybe that's why some songs dragged for me. But overall, Staples' new album has plenty of soulfully uplifting tracks that warrant multiple listens.

    Favorite Tracks: Take Us Back, Love And Trust, High Note, Don't Cry, Tomorrow, History, Now; MLK Song.    … Full Review »
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