Hydrograd
by Stone Sour
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 5 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
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  1. AllMusic
    Jun 30, 2017
    70
    Recorded live in the studio with Jay Ruston (Steel Panther, Anthrax, the Donnas), the sprawling 15-track set, which clocks in at just over an hour, can feel a little unruly, but there's more than enough meat here to make a proper sandwich.
  2. Alternative Press
    Jun 30, 2017
    70
    Reflection supplants rage on “The Witness Trees,” while “Song #3” is a heartfelt, hook-heavy paean to love’s salvation that’s among Stone Sour’s most pop-savvy moments. ... [frontman Corey Taylor] still spits out words heated enough to melt earbuds on ragers including the near-thrash kiss-off “Somebody Stole My Eyes” and the aptly, awesomely titled “Whiplash Pants.”
  3. Classic Rock Magazine
    Jun 30, 2017
    60
    Sure, there are standout, radio-ready moments, with Song #3 and Fabuless, while the bounce-along Friday Knights propels your arms into the air, but the grit has been sandblasted away and the edges polished. And with 15 tracks, it’s a bit of a slog. Still, when it hits, they know how to hit hard.
  5. Kerrang!
    Jul 5, 2017
    80
    Hydrograd is an altogether looser, more accessible creation. [24 Jun 24, 2017, p.50]
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  6. Rock Sound
    Jun 30, 2017
    60
    The frontman sounds great as ever, as on the powerful ‘Fabuless’ and ‘The Witness Trees’, but his usual conviction isn’t as present and the album feels largely colourless.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 32 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 32
  3. Negative: 2 out of 32
  1. Kiely
    Jun 30, 2017
    7
    Hydrograd is a very good album, I'm hesitant to call it great as some track leave a lot to be desired. The singles they released before theHydrograd is a very good album, I'm hesitant to call it great as some track leave a lot to be desired. The singles they released before the album are by far the tracks that stand out the most but others like Rose Red Violent Blue and St. Marie really showcase Taylor's vocals and solidifies him as one of the best at he does. Although the new lead guitarist does a great job, he is no Jim Root, he doesn't have any really memorable riffs in the album where Root has had multiple in each of their previous with songs like Absolute Zero and 30/30-150. The rhythm guitar and Drums are used to great effect but the bass feels lacking as well. The Album also feels a little long and towards the end it felt a little repetitive with some tracks that sound recycled. All in all, I liked Hydrograd a lot but I wouldn't hold it as high as Come What[ever] May or HOGAB Part 1 but more at the standards of their self titled and Audio Secrecy.… Full Review »
  2. Thunder7ga
    Jul 3, 2017
    7
    Solid Stone Sour album, with some really good songs. Song #3 will be a hit while The Witness Trees, Hydrograd, Mercy, Thank God It's Over,Solid Stone Sour album, with some really good songs. Song #3 will be a hit while The Witness Trees, Hydrograd, Mercy, Thank God It's Over, and St. Marie should get some airplay as well eventually. My least favorite song was the first single Fabuless.… Full Review »
  3. DuckManDrake
    Jul 4, 2017
    8
    An album you might not fall in love with after one listen through, however it will definitely grow on you. There is undoubtedly lots of newAn album you might not fall in love with after one listen through, however it will definitely grow on you. There is undoubtedly lots of new sounding songs on this album like the border-line country song St.Marie, but overall it still feels very much like a Stone Sour album, which is a good thing. The new things they try rarely don't work and the things we expect to be good rock! One complaint I have seen is the feeling they might be leaning to a more radio friendly sound, which could be true, but besides Song #3 I don't think there is anything that feels like a real effort to be modern radio rock. Somebody Stole My Eyes doesn't only stand out as the most kick @ss song on the album it might be one of their most kick @ss songs ever. Friday Knights is reminiscent of Cardiff in my mind, it sounds like Cardiff on acid. The absence of Root is noticed and his style will be missed, however that's not to say there has been a downgrade, I mean there is tons of excellent guitar on this album! Picking each song apart there are a couple that stand out, but like I usually find the strength once again lies in listening to the album as a whole. Once you dive into listening to Stone Sour it rarely feels like you are listening to a collection of songs, but rather a real journey of music.... one big epic song. Their last album ended with a rocking song that leaves you feeling pumped up at the end, while this one raps of with a slow eerie song that feels like a real dark sequel to Zzyzx Rd. After listening from start to finish a couple times this album pleases the ears across the board, yes it may be long and yes not everything works, but it's certainly a well crafted c.d that shows a ton of creativity, passion and talent. New Stone Sour is always a treat!… Full Review »
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