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Snapshot
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Snapshot Image
Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
6.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 10 Ratings

  • Summary: The debut full-length release for the Irish blues-rock band was produced by Chris Thomas.
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Top Track

What a Shame
They dug the shade of his mop, They liked the way that he spoke, They flew him out of the sticks, And out him up in the smoke, They gave him... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 12
  3. Negative: 2 out of 12
  1. Mojo
    Sep 19, 2013
    80
    It's nigh impossible not to succumb to their hurtling energy and panache. [Oct 2013, p.94]
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  2. The Independent (UK)
    Sep 9, 2013
    80
    It’s one dizzying burst of energy after another.
  3. AllMusic
    Sep 16, 2013
    70
    Snapshot might be more successful at reassuring rock fans of a certain age that some young people find sounds three or four times older than them exciting than it is at getting kids excited about bluesy rock. Taken on its own terms, though, it's a solid debut from a band that can only benefit from more experience.
  4. musicOMH.com
    Sep 4, 2013
    60
    It’s hard to believe that The Strypes can make such an old-fashioned style of music cool for a younger generation but they give it their best shot in this fully committed album.
  5. Q Magazine
    Jan 27, 2014
    60
    The result is an exciting, albeit one-paced, record, but one that arrives with a significant question mark over its purpose. [Oct 2013, p.98]
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  6. Classic Rock Magazine
    Oct 31, 2013
    40
    Snapshot consists largely of new material written to ape the 50s and 60s standards they've been covering live since puberty. And that's it's downfall. [Nov 2013, p.95]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. Drowned In Sound
    Sep 4, 2013
    30
    Their debut is just minute after minute of hollow pandering.

See all 12 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. Rasmuth
    Apr 21, 2014
    10
    The guys are terrifically talented. Each musician plays their instruments with reckless precision and result is some seriously infectiousThe guys are terrifically talented. Each musician plays their instruments with reckless precision and result is some seriously infectious music, loaded with groove and guts. Are they inventing anything new? No....they don't need too...it's rock in it's purest form, heavy hitting, honest and done so damn well. That's what I love about these guys...they get so much right! They have the chops, the look and now they have the cd to back it up. Buy it...crank it up and enjoy. It rocks so damn well.… Expand
  2. Mab_987
    Apr 21, 2014
    6
    The Strypes show an impressive ability to recreate the garage rock/rhythm & blues sound of the 60's & 70's. And they do manage to comeThe Strypes show an impressive ability to recreate the garage rock/rhythm & blues sound of the 60's & 70's. And they do manage to come through with some great tracks in that vein with a lot of energy & infectious hooks/riffs. The problem (in my opinion) is that the songs themselves don't make much effort to go past the basics, and as a result some are less remarkable than others.

    (To see my full review where I go more in-depth, look up "Spin It Reviews" on YouTube.)    … Expand
  4. olibbb
    Mar 2, 2014
    4
    The Strypes are a curious band, dressing like confused Mods of the 1960's while playing music that their Grandparents may have listened to,The Strypes are a curious band, dressing like confused Mods of the 1960's while playing music that their Grandparents may have listened to, all at breakneck speed. An interesting cocktail that is only partially successful and maybe this is due to the genuine immaturity of the band. "Snapshot" is indeed a snapshot and nothing more or less. It is a snapshot of an era long gone, it is a snapshot of musicians stuck in the past, it is a snapshot of four teenagers with genuine talent, but it is also a snapshot of how that talent is sadly wasted on poorly written songs, and an elongated genre exercise.
    "Mystery Man" being the obvious place to start, the song is great fun, fast and infectious. It is a fun start to an album and should get everyone up on their feet. It is only when Blue Collar Jane starts that it is suddenly evident from the first thirty seconds that it is pretty much the same as the first track. Verse, Chorus, Verse, Chorus, Instrumental, Verse (stripped down without lead guitars) etc. It's all perfectly executed and very impressive but it remains soulless songwriting. The lyrics are downright awful, "she just wants some milk and sugar, but all I want is her."? I mean, really? The melodies are tired and revolve around the same three chords over and over. Yes guys, the 1960's happened, get over it. The covers meanwhile add nothing to the originals and are as boring and badly executed as the new compositions.
    Overall, the band should be applauded for their attempts at reviving guitar music and having the backbone to stick to their convictions as well as the talent they all obviously hold. But there is no need to make a record if you have nothing new to say. Stick to the live shows lads.    … Expand

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