Under the guidance of
Clive Langer and
Alan Winstanley -- the kings of early-'80s British pop --
Bush turn in an album that follows all the rules and sounds of American hard rock, specifically
Nirvana and
Pearl Jam. The group’s two major hits, "Everything Zen" and "Little Things,” are slick, assured professional replications of
Nirvana's trademarks, but
Bush also have a flair for big hooks and in
Gavin Rossdale a frontman who has movie star charisma, all elements that turn
Sixteen Stone into successful pop-grunge.
–
Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Rovi