Stay Positive
by The Hold Steady
  • Record Label: Vagrant
  • Release Date: Jul 15, 2008
Metascore
85

Universal acclaim - based on 34 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 34
  3. Negative: 0 out of 34
  1. Spin
    60
    The Hold Steady are mellowing, and it doesn't really suit them.
  2. AllMusic
    60
    Stay Positive is the most sophisticated and erudite THS have ever sounded, and that's a mixed blessing.

Awards & Rankings

18
#18 Best Album of 2008
30
#30 Most Discussed Album of 2008

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 95 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 76 out of 95
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 95
  3. Negative: 12 out of 95
  1. j30
    Oct 28, 2011
    9
    Just some awesome American Rock music with guitars galore. Classic Rock bands like Bruce Springsteen come to mind while listening to thisJust some awesome American Rock music with guitars galore. Classic Rock bands like Bruce Springsteen come to mind while listening to this record. I can't recommend this enough.… Full Review »
  2. Vampire25
    Mar 28, 2011
    8
    This is rock and roll. The Hold Steady remind me a lot of Bruce Springsteen and The Rolling Stones and you can really understand thoseThis is rock and roll. The Hold Steady remind me a lot of Bruce Springsteen and The Rolling Stones and you can really understand those comparisons once you listen to this album. Starts off with a bang with "Constructive Summer" and then goes to "Sequestered In Memphis" which is easily the stand out track. Craig Finn doesn't really sing, but talks rhythmically and sometimes yells but he tells a story in each track. He, nevertheless, has a great voice and the back up vocals come perfectly at times. The guitar solos in this album feel like Led Zeppelin guitar solos. All In All, Stay Positive mixes old rock and roll with modern garage punk rock and it sounds really great. B+… Full Review »
  3. jessespalding
    Sep 3, 2010
    8
    A bit of a change for the Hold Steady. Putting their feet in Brooklyn, they are adapting to a little New York sound but remain steadilyA bit of a change for the Hold Steady. Putting their feet in Brooklyn, they are adapting to a little New York sound but remain steadily themselves. Not as exciting, however, than some previous albums.… Full Review »
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