Rolling Stone (p.65) - 4 stars out of 5 -- "On HEAVEN IS WHENEVER, the Hold Steady don't just show us how much they love classic rock -- they make some of their own. It's their most polished record, nearly majestic at points..."

Spin - 3 stars out of 5 -- "Craig Finn's rhymes still resonate..."

Entertainment Weekly (p.69) - "If 2008's STAY POSTIVE was a haunted wastoid cautionary tale, HEAVEN is a survivor's celebration of staying alive." -- Grade: A-

Alternative Press (p.105) - 4 stars out of 5 -- "[T]he band have learned to downshift when they need to, finally giving melodies and words some space to breathe."

CMJ - "[T]he band members have moved behind the bar, dispensing words as wizened bartenders..."

Billboard (p.37) - "[T]he group's Everyman stature remains intact thanks to vocalist/guitarist Craig Finn's straightforward lyricism and lead guitarist Tad Kubler's signature swells."

Kerrang (Magazine) (p.51) - "The Hold Steady makes music that pulsates with real quality and a very sense of trouble....HEAVEN IS WHENEVER is a real treat of an album."

Mojo (Publisher) (p.98) - 3 stars out of 5 -- "[A] rewarding listen....Established fans will find much to adore..."

Paste (magazine) (p.89) - "[O]n its magnificent fifth album, the band has finally grown up a little....Again pulling off with heroic sincerity the idea that heaven is lying on the floor listening to records..."

Uncut (magazine) (p.85) - 4 stars out of 5 -- "[I]t's the natural, assured way in which HEAVEN IS WHENEVER moves between building on past glories and breaking fresh ground that's so impressive."

Uncut (magazine) (p.34) - Ranked #36 in Uncut's "The 50 Best Albums Of 2010" -- "[W]ith a pared-back sound and a cleaned-up Tad Kubler's guitar to the fore..."