• Record Label: Orchard
  • Release Date: Feb 19, 2021
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 21
  2. Negative: 0 out of 21
Buy Now
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  1. Feb 22, 2021
    60
    The quieter songs don’t always burn so brightly. Here, there can be a fine line between balladry and pedestrianism, but the listener is never far away from a killer lyric.
  2. Feb 19, 2021
    60
    On the band’s newest release, Open Door Policy, The Hold Steady moves to fully incorporate Finn’s more muted solo offerings, and the result is a disjointed transitional work.
  3. Feb 18, 2021
    60
    "Family Farm" and "Heavy Covenant" are fun sing-a-longs that wouldn't have been out of place on the band's most popular records. As an album, though, Open Door Policy isn't very inspired.
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 8 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 8
  2. Negative: 1 out of 8
  1. Feb 19, 2021
    9
    Better than "Thrashing", my favorite of theirs since "Stay Positive". Looking forward to digging into the lyrics more, haven't had much timeBetter than "Thrashing", my favorite of theirs since "Stay Positive". Looking forward to digging into the lyrics more, haven't had much time with it yet. But THS are always an 8-10 band and this is one of their best. Full Review »
  2. Mar 24, 2021
    8
    Simultaneously a return to form and the oddest album they’ve ever released. Gets better and better on every listen!
  3. Feb 21, 2021
    1
    Would it kill them to give us a guitar solo? It's almost killing me to listen to this anticlimatic mix for a second time. Lots of missedWould it kill them to give us a guitar solo? It's almost killing me to listen to this anticlimatic mix for a second time. Lots of missed opportunities in the name of trying some new or growing? Too many brains in the mix, less horns more guitars if I wanted this melodic crap I'd listen to local natives or some **** Let bobby drake and galen out of their cages and have tad crank up the damn amp. Full Review »