Melodies on Hiatus
by Albert Hammond, Jr.
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
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  1. Classic Rock Magazine
    Jun 28, 2023
    80
    Compulsive melodic momentum is the band's blood, but Hammond's experimental leanings keep it rich, surprising and deeply rewarding. [Summer 2023, p.74]
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  2. musicOMH.com
    Jun 28, 2023
    80
    He remains an important figure in the rock scene, even if his albums play second fiddle to The Strokes’ material – and albums like this make it still more of a shame that that’s the case, for this is a winner.
  3. AllMusic
    Jun 23, 2023
    80
    Though Melodies on Hiatus' experiments sacrifice some of the single-minded purpose of Hammond's previous albums, it delivers a bumper crop of songs that embrace the complexities of life and music with a sense of adventure.
  5. New Musical Express (NME)
    Jun 23, 2023
    80
    ‘Melodies On Hiatus’, adopts the same spaciousness of the territory it was created in, allowing Hammond Jr to spiral and sprawl out sonically. ‘Melodies On Hiatus’ may seem meandering at times, but eventually it lands where it needs to be.
  6. Uncut
    Jun 23, 2023
    70
    The set offers power-pop gems like "Darlin'", a prospective Strokes classic in "818", and the closing surprise "Alright Tomorrow" a disco burner sung by actress/vocalist Rainsford. [Jul 2023, p.27]
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  7. Pitchfork
    Jun 26, 2023
    66
    Some tracks are more compelling than others, but that’s to be expected when an artist writes by throwing ideas at the wall to see what sticks. The melodies on Hammond’s album are in ample supply; it’s the urge to self-edit that’s taken a breather.
  8. American Songwriter
    Jul 17, 2023
    60
    The percolating pop of “Home Again,” “Caught By Night,” “818,” “One Chance,” and “Libertude” are but a few of the examples of the catchy and quirky nature of Hammond Jr’s individual offerings.
  9. DIY Magazine
    Jun 23, 2023
    60
    Where the distinctly Strokes-y melancholy of ‘Dead Air’, or the darker stalk of the Matt Helders-featuring ‘Thoughtful Distress’ succeed, others (‘Home Again’, ‘Old Man’) are throwaway jangles that feel like AHJ-by-numbers.

Awards & Rankings

83
#83 Most Discussed Album of 2023

User Reviews

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User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 4 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. Lajaleaa
    Jul 19, 2023
    7
    Mediocre good, nothing new, nothing exiting, but with good vibes enough to be a pleasant intermission in your daily indie rock playlist,Mediocre good, nothing new, nothing exiting, but with good vibes enough to be a pleasant intermission in your daily indie rock playlist, specially for those who are searching a modern sound for what the strokes could've been and are trying to move on from "The New Abnormal" (2020). Other than that, this is a collection of cute clichés that won't harm or heal.… Full Review »
  2. BCNick22
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    Albert Hammond Jr's debut album "yours to keep" is one of my favorites, and a completely forgotten masterpiece. I'm happy to say this ranksAlbert Hammond Jr's debut album "yours to keep" is one of my favorites, and a completely forgotten masterpiece. I'm happy to say this ranks #2 on his solo catalogue for me. It also includes one of his best songs and VERY true to the Strokes: memo of hate. The entire album, a total of 19 songs, maybe has two fillers which is an unbelievable accomplishment. I only hope he keeps up with his solo career as strokes albums are few and far between. Easily a 10/10 for me.… Full Review »
  3. yslzus
    Jun 23, 2023
    7
    fun and lovely album that fits summer nights well.....will have it on loop.
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