Starting Over
by
Starting Over Image
Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 10 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 24 Ratings

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  • Summary: The fourth full-length release for the country singer-songwriter was produced by Dave Cobb.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. The Independent (UK)
    Nov 12, 2020
    100
    Even among the country music gems already released this year, Stapleton’s feels like a small miracle.
  2. Variety
    Nov 13, 2020
    82
    At Stapleton’s best, sometimes you imagine you’re listening to a mythical “Gregg Allman Sings the Willie Nelson Songbook” album. There are plenty of these moments in his fourth release, “Starting Over.” He has Nelson’s tender touch, but his bluesy side is much louder; his is a part-acoustic, part-stinging approach in which Nelson’s Trigger meets B.B. King’s Lucille.
  3. Glide Magazine
    Nov 10, 2020
    80
    Unlike the 2017 pair of albums which were rather short, Stapleton delivers a generous heaping of 14 songs here. He has nothing left to prove, but somehow, he just gets incrementally better as he takes more control and confidence in his own songwriting.
  4. American Songwriter
    Nov 19, 2020
    80
    Starting Over finds Stapleton not only maintaining his momentum, but also opting for diversity as well. While his influences are as obvious as always, he breaks out of the Southern rock mold he established early on.
  5. No Ripcord
    Nov 23, 2020
    70
    Stapleton’s writing is solid, but his vocals, arrangements, and instrumentation imbue most of these songs with something remarkable.
  6. PopMatters
    Nov 24, 2020
    70
    Stapleton, the artist, isn't beginning, and he does not need to. With Starting Over, he furrows broad terrain with confidence, leading to plenty.
  7. Slant Magazine
    Nov 10, 2020
    60
    The album balances these syrupy moments with a batch of harder-edged tracks that showcase Stapleton’s biting electric guitar riffing but don’t do much to elevate his lyrics. Predictably, he just shifts his focus from love and tenderness to mild hedonism.

See all 10 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 7
  3. Negative: 1 out of 7
  1. ersildsherja
    Nov 26, 2020
    10
    There aren’t a lot of country artists with the integrity of Chris Stapleton nowadays. From the first to the last song this album is filledThere aren’t a lot of country artists with the integrity of Chris Stapleton nowadays. From the first to the last song this album is filled with emotions. These emotions are raw and brought through such fine songwriting and through Chris’ smooth and powerful voice.… Expand
  2. Elpanduh
    Nov 14, 2020
    10
    Just giving this album a 10 to even out a 0 that was left on here by some liberal **** head that thinks all country music is forJust giving this album a 10 to even out a 0 that was left on here by some liberal **** head that thinks all country music is for conservatives. There is an anti gun song on this album. Stapleton really is a different breed of musician.… Expand
  4. Renan_Lima
    Dec 1, 2020
    10
    A great album. I guess it's my second favorite from Chris the first spot is Traveller. This album has a mix of feelings among the tracks weA great album. I guess it's my second favorite from Chris the first spot is Traveller. This album has a mix of feelings among the tracks we listen to some kind of rage in Watch You Burn, we listen to love pain in Cold, we listen about his beloved dog in Maggie's Song.… Expand
  5. LISOCHIKOTOSA
    Mar 6, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Chris Stapleton is an amazing writer and vocalist and he demonstrates it on this album to the fullest extent. The album is just so heartfelt, emotional, honest , sincere and beautiful. Truly one of the best country albums i have heard. Starting Over is one of the most beautiful love songs i have ever heard with lines that may seem cliche and simple but are actually really deep and romantic. Devil always made me think twice is a good song which seems to be about being torn when you are about to make a bad situation you know you will regret later. Stapleton's vocal performance on Cold is terrific and the lyrics are gut-wrenching. Its a must hear. When I'm with you is another beautiful song with lyrics that address growing old, gratitude and feeling fulfilled because of love. Arkansas is an epic banger about adventure in Arkansas. Its the shortest song on the album and i wish it was the longest because it just leaves you wanting more and more. Joy of My life is another beautiful love song- its so heartwarming and the production is so beautiful. Hillbilly Blood is a well written and produced song about his background, its very dark and filled with so much imagery. Maggie's Song is a beautiful song about his family's dog that died; its so beautiful, heartbreaking and emotional, so wonderful. Whiskey Sunrise has some evocative lyrics about deep sadness and alcoholism and the production is so rich and compliments the lyrics as well. Old Friends is a great song with some spoken word verses and sung choruses about great friends and i wish to sing it to my friends in the future. Watch You Burn is an instant classic, with some great guitars, a choir and great vocals from Stapleton and it denounces gun violence and mass shootings, it was so dramatic and unexpected but amazing nevertheless. Nashville, TN is a bittersweet end to the album as it details his love and appreciation for the city where he built a name for himself as a country star and how its time for him to move on and leave the city. All in all, i loved this album. Its great, every song is great and there is so much to unpack. He has such a powerful voice and i am definitely looking forward to hearing more from him.… Expand
  6. bkjpjaugan
    Apr 4, 2021
    10
    Great album. Very great. So great. Ilove this album. Great album. So great. No other opinion.
  7. Hi_How_RYah
    Nov 20, 2021
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Hitched a new greatness apart from any other male country artists. I probably feel it is much longer than its total playing time.… Expand
  8. DankulusMemus
    Nov 21, 2020
    0
    This album is garbage and that's on periodt 0/10 its boring it could be useful to fall asleep to....

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