User ratings in Music are temporarily disabled. More info

Stiff
by
  • Record Label:
  • Release Date:
Stiff Image
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 7 Ratings

  • Summary: The seventh full-length release for the Austin rock band was recorded live and produced by Ethan Johns.
Buy Now
Buy on

Top Track

Take It Easy (Ever After Lasting Love)
You don't have to say a single world I know just what you're thinking, girl You don't have to tell me you love me Take it easy You don't have to be a... See the rest of the song lyrics
See Full Track List »
Powered by

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. Austin Chronicle
    Mar 31, 2016
    89
    White Denim realizes a sound truly its own on Stiff, shaking off whatever nerves that may have lingered after significant lineup change.
  2. Clash Music
    Mar 21, 2016
    80
    The group stated they wanted to get back to basics and make a ‘good time record’, they’ve easily succeed, but Stiff also offers a band who continue to push their influences and have gigantic amount of energy left in the tank.
  3. AllMusic
    Mar 25, 2016
    80
    White Denim sound as strong as ever on Stiff, even when the itchy undertone of the songs begins to rise to the surface.
  4. Classic Rock Magazine
    Mar 24, 2016
    70
    Wild, erratic and out for adventure, your mother warned you not to hang out with albums like this.
  5. The Observer (UK)
    Mar 28, 2016
    60
    Variety comes in the form of a gently funky soul interlude midway through that highlights the versatility of James Petralli’s voice. But rather than complementing the rest of the album it betrays Stiff’s lack of cohesion.
  6. Drowned In Sound
    Mar 23, 2016
    60
    Stiff is a hard record to dislike--sometimes all you need for a good time is some well produced, straightforward rawk n’ roll, a good throwback album to channel your inner guitar purist to. If that’s what you’re looking for, Stiff more than fits the bill.
  7. The Skinny
    Mar 16, 2016
    40
    Stiff is better when it's slower, but it still feels like riding a rollercoaster that's all climb and no twist.

See all 17 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. jollasapph
    Mar 29, 2016
    8
    Genuinely impressed with how White Denim balances a quality sound at the same time having a lot of fun throughout. Lead vocals from JamesGenuinely impressed with how White Denim balances a quality sound at the same time having a lot of fun throughout. Lead vocals from James Petralli are impressive and fun; they're pretty harmonious too. It's a bluesy rock album that's easily accessible, but also contains the right amount of stylistic risks. I love the sweet sounding instrumentation, from the booming guitars throughout to the plinky, bluesy organ to the beginning of Real Deal Momma. It's also funny how the lyrics (especially on the closing tracks) sound so much like Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys. Anyway, this should be your soundtrack whether you're fixing the fence to driving across the country.

    Best Tracks: 1-8

    Worst Tracks; Thank You    … Expand
  2. buzzlight
    May 3, 2016
    7
    Another solid album by White Denim, although I feel that the guitar-driven tracks are getting a bit monotonous in their catalog. To me, theAnother solid album by White Denim, although I feel that the guitar-driven tracks are getting a bit monotonous in their catalog. To me, the stand-out song is Take It Easy where James Petralli's vocals are as silky soulful as some of the masters of Motown. If I had a wish for this band, it would be that they would make a throwback soul album, or at least one that puts the vocals front and center (see also song Street Joy).… Expand

Awards & Rankings

6
#6 Most Shared Album of 2016

Current Music Releases

Full List »
99 Band on the Run [50th Anniversary Edition] - Paul McCartney & Wings
95 If I don't make it, I love u - Still House Plants
95 The Sky Will Still Be There Tomorrow - Charles Lloyd
92 You Won't Go Before You're Supposed To - Knocked Loose
92 Ten Fold - Yaya Bey
91 COWBOY CARTER - Beyoncé
91 The Carnegie Hall Concert - Alice Coltrane
91 Funeral for Justice - Mdou Moctar
90 Spell Blanket: Collected Demos 2006-2009 - Broadcast
90 Here in the Pitch - Jessica Pratt
90 Iechyd Da - Bill Ryder-Jones
90 This Could Be Texas - English Teacher
89 I Got Heaven - Mannequin Pussy
89 Tigers Blood - Waxahatchee
89 All Born Screaming - St. Vincent
88 What Now - Brittany Howard
88 Only God Was Above Us - Vampire Weekend
88 Orquídeas - Kali Uchis
88 The Past Is Still Alive - Hurray for the Riff Raff
87 Filthy Underneath - Nadine Shah
All Current Music »