50 Song Memoir
by Magnetic Fields
  • Record Label: Nonesuch
  • Release Date: Mar 10, 2017
Metascore
86

Universal acclaim - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
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  1. PopMatters
    Jun 5, 2017
    60
    50 Song Memoir might not lift itself into the same orbit of greatness as its gargantuan twin, but it’s still a strong work from one of the most singular songwriters of the last 30 years.

Awards & Rankings

25
#25 Best Album of 2017
68
#68 Most Shared Album of 2017

User Reviews

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User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 37 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 37
  3. Negative: 5 out of 37
  1. Prosmooth
    Mar 10, 2017
    10
    As a box set--it's on par with the Beatles Stereo Box Set. As a work of art, it's even more of a smack in the head. Not since New Kids on theAs a box set--it's on par with the Beatles Stereo Box Set. As a work of art, it's even more of a smack in the head. Not since New Kids on the Block has band sounded so relevant, so pure, and so in the moment. 50 songs here (8 are covers of one song by Pantera that I wasn't familiar with--a peculiar choice but I liked all of them except the dub step version). The word "Masterpiece" gets thrown around a lot on here, but that's exactly what Magnetic Fields has delivered. A stunner, folks.… Full Review »
  2. ethday
    Mar 16, 2017
    10
    "You need a cold-blooded man to keep you warm"... Filled with a lyrical and musical wit that is as brilliant as it is effortless, 50 Song"You need a cold-blooded man to keep you warm"... Filled with a lyrical and musical wit that is as brilliant as it is effortless, 50 Song Memoir is surprisingly dense with great music. Full of surprises and plenty of fun (Danceteria sounds like a closing credits song from "Bob's Burgers"). But equally tender and insightful. Love it.… Full Review »
  3. rickterp
    Mar 12, 2017
    6
    Because of all the positive buzz about this, I listened to this in its entirety when it streamed on NPR Music First Listen. I can't say I wasBecause of all the positive buzz about this, I listened to this in its entirety when it streamed on NPR Music First Listen. I can't say I was impressed. Sure, there are some decent songs, but many seem like fill to me. And Stephin Merritt's voice just doesn't work for me. To be fair, I never really got into Magnetic Fields before and this might not have been the place to start. I hope all of you keep enjoying this, but I'm one who just doesn't get it.… Full Review »
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