Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 26
  2. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. The album contains a lot of strong material, made even better by Hammond's tendency to add a little extra guitar filigree every few minutes, just to make the songs even grander and more generous.
  2. Filter
    82
    Just think of it as Diet Strokes. [#24, p.100]
  3. An intimate, frequently beautiful and consistently surprising record that gets better with every listen.
  4. Uncut
    80
    The album has a hazy, deeply romantic quality. [Nov 2006, p.112]
  5. Spin
    80
    Like most of these top-shelf indie-pop tunes, ["101"] is cause for hoping Julian Casablancas loosens his songwriting grip on the next Strokes album. [Mar 2007, p.94]
  6. The best record the Strokes should have released after "Is This It."
  7. Magnet
    80
    A delightful surprise. [#75, p.99]
  8. Seven great tunes... and... three dull ones.
  9. None of the songs on "Yours to Keep" lack a naggingly memorable chorus; none is remotely inaccessible; and none is less than excellently crafted.
  10. At some points, you listen and think 'my God, this is actually better than The Strokes'.
  11. Hammond doesn't out-write his band -- several songs here get vague -- but Yours to Keep is more expansive than the Strokes, and sweeter.
  12. Blender
    70
    What Hammond... lacks in attitude, he makes up for in old-school pop charm. [Apr 2007, p.111]
  13. Under The Radar
    70
    A solid Beach Boys-inspired pop rock album. [#17, p.91]
  14. Alternative Press
    70
    Even when he's sticking closest to the sound that made him famous, it's a kinder, gentler variation. [May 2007, p.150]
  15. Hammond's solo outing is a spry if unexceptional pop charmer, less supercilious than Is This It or Room on Fire but almost as cool.
  16. [Yours to Keep] doesn't have the stylish and sexy six-string swagger one would expect from the 'froed Strokes guitarist, but it does yield enough Top 40 radio gems to spark a small feud with Liam Gallagher.
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 37 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 34 out of 37
  2. Negative: 1 out of 37
  1. Jun 17, 2018
    8
    When it comes down to it this album is really a hidden classic. In Transit, Everybody Gets A Star, Bright Young Thing, Blue Skies, 101, HardWhen it comes down to it this album is really a hidden classic. In Transit, Everybody Gets A Star, Bright Young Thing, Blue Skies, 101, Hard to Live in The City. These are amazing, instant classic. Super catchy, songs, and although some songs for example Postal Blowfish, Well...Alright, are not that great. Albert Hammond Jr. proves he can go solo in this great debut album. Full Review »
  2. Nov 3, 2010
    7
    Reminds me of the days when the strokes were still relevant and it might just be nostalgia but I really like this album a lot. It's a niceReminds me of the days when the strokes were still relevant and it might just be nostalgia but I really like this album a lot. It's a nice surprise to see Albert is a good singer/songwriter and made a great solo album with this. Full Review »
  3. Jahar
    Mar 28, 2007
    10
    I am very impressed with Hammond's vocals and knack for catchy tunes. I never even knew he could speak, let alone make an album this good.