Scars & Stories
by The Fray
  • Record Label: Epic
  • Release Date: Feb 7, 2012
Metascore
56

Mixed or average reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 10
  3. Negative: 1 out of 10
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  1. Blurt Magazine
    Feb 23, 2012
    80
    What sets the Fray apart is that they use their music to tell other people's stories in literate, compelling ways.
  2. Billboard.com
    Feb 16, 2012
    76
    Many of the dozen songs achieve the kind of meatiness that the group approached tentatively on The Fray.
  3. Absolute Punk (Staff reviews)
    Feb 8, 2012
    75
    While they don't throw any curveballs or stir the pot too much, the band definitely stays true to their core, crafting yet another memorable piano pop-rock record with these stories.
  5. American Songwriter
    Feb 15, 2012
    70
    [Their] biggest, most-produced and boldest album yet.
  6. Sputnikmusic
    Feb 8, 2012
    70
    Scars & Stories may be nothing more than a pleasant retread of The Fray's established style, but it does a commendable job of delivering quality in lieu of novelty.
  7. PopMatters
    Mar 21, 2012
    60
    A 12 song pop rock record aimed at pleasing your overzealous ex-girlfriend from college more than, say, the girl you finally deemed cool enough to settle down with.
  8. AllMusic
    Feb 8, 2012
    60
    O'Brien helps them articulate their ideas, giving them definition and muscle, attributes that are appealing when the songs lack distinct hooks.
  9. Entertainment Weekly
    Feb 8, 2012
    58
    Even producer Brendan O'Brien (Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young) can't save Scars & Stories from generic TV-soundtrack mediocrity.
  10. Rolling Stone
    Feb 8, 2012
    40
    They're still pumping American-Coldplay ballads full of sky-groping choruses and symphonic rushes.
  11. The A.V. Club
    Feb 14, 2012
    25
    Ultimately, these mid-tempo, mid-volume tunes flounder in mediocrity.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 20 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 20
  3. Negative: 1 out of 20
  1. Knicksfan7
    Mar 11, 2012
    10
    I just realized the poor reviews this is getting on here. Scars and Stories is a beautiful album with a deep message in each of the emotional,I just realized the poor reviews this is getting on here. Scars and Stories is a beautiful album with a deep message in each of the emotional, dramatic, and heartfelt tracks. I don't understand what the critics are listening to but Scars and Stories is another smash hit by The Fray. The Fray will always and forever be my favorite band due to their consistently heartwarming albums. They continue to stick their roots with more graceful piano interludes along with a more strong and aggresive sound. Scars and Stories is by far the best album of 2012.… Full Review »
  2. rapha1818
    Feb 18, 2012
    9
    The Fray once again coming to the party with this well done album their evident talent showcased with a great tracklist from the spiritual "beThe Fray once again coming to the party with this well done album their evident talent showcased with a great tracklist from the spiritual "be still' to the dramatic "the fighter'' also the soft tune "rainy Zurich" they show once again why they are a great rock band I don't get all this hate from other critics did they terrorize a city somewhere?.All i know is this is a solid album to say its good would be an inexplicable understatement best album so far in 2012… Full Review »
  3. DreamVillain
    Mar 19, 2012
    10
    An amazing album. The critics alwayd s bash The fray, and I dont know why. They make beautiful music. This album is great. My favorite song isAn amazing album. The critics alwayd s bash The fray, and I dont know why. They make beautiful music. This album is great. My favorite song is heartbeat.… Full Review »
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