All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

Stylus Magazine

Beach House’s debut is consistently candlelit, worn at its lacy edges, and at once vertiginous and embracing, somehow residing both at the hearth and on an icy precipice.

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Pitchfork

Bands like Mazzy Star, Galaxie 500, Spiritualized, and Slowdive will come to mind, but this is neither pastiche nor homage.

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Urb

[A] blend of wobbly slide guitar chords and simple, steamy beats. [Nov 2006, p.128]

Uncut

Through the simplicity of their languid melodies, Beach House access a portal into pop's truly uncanny nature. [Jan 2007, p.93]

Lost At Sea

Getting used to the lethargic pace of Beach House takes some doing, but it's well worth the effort.

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Delusions of Adequacy

Beach House is the perfect accompaniment for an introspective day, or night, of watching the globules of a lava lamp slowly float and sink.

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Almost Cool

Over quiet, shuffling drum machine beats, the two spill out woozy guitars, vocals, and organs into slightly off-kilter pop nuggets that sound like they could have been made at any point in the past thirty (or more) years.

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All Music Guide

It's one of the most mystical indie-pop surprises to arrive in 2006.

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Dusted Magazine

A dream of an album.

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Prefix Magazine

Ultimately, Beach House is a mood piece, finding a specific tone and lingering there for its entirety.

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Under The Radar

Think Broadcast with a warmer heart, or Luna with a mechanical one. [#15]

NOW Magazine

A solid debut, but only a hint of what's to come.

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Magnet

The sum of these elements could achieve greatness if not for one simple-yet-major falw: Beach House manages a memorable sound but not memorable songs. [#74, p.91]

Rolling Stone

Finding the best bits in these sleepy songs often feels like hard work.

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What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this album is 8.1 (out of 10) based on 14 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Stoo gave it a9:
Incredibly consistent and beautiful album. Unique sound, immersive atmosphere, and melodies that haunt you for days. there are no bad songs on this album. can't wait for their next.

Jeremy F gave it an8:
Beach House are an interesting musical force. While I don't agree with the rating they gave, MAGNET has a point: The individual songs are not mind blowing, but the overall presentation and sound IS. So, therefore, this album is much better if you hear it in its entirety than one or two songs (unless that song is 'Apple Orchard,' the best one here.) The dreamy, wavy haze here is so mystifying and beautiful, and it's strangely gripping. I turn on 'Saltwater' and it's like I'm stepping into a whole new world of music -- It's so simplistic and seems so effortlessly created, but at the same time it is so effective. Songs like 'Auburn and Ivory' slip a little, but then they're rescued, again, by that overall feel and the vibes it produced. There's beautiful, BEAUTIFUL vocals throughout, and while maybe not completely understandable, you don't even care as you become soothed with whatever she says, and you feel like it's all OK. Listen to this album through headphones for the best experience, because it's meant to be intimately absorbed. This is a great album of true relaxation, simplicity, minimalism, and beauty. Those four things are Beach House.

R G gave it an8:
That moment from eternal sunshine, when the house is disintegrating...if I was Jim Carey I would light a fire on the beach and listen to this record. hauntingly beautiful with strange strong structures complimenting and repeating each other.

Adam L-S gave it a9:
Gorgeous...I don't care who they sound like, they create beautiful songs just the same. First half of the album is absolutely entrancing.

Evan S gave it a9:
It oozes from track to track and it's the most lovely and original album of the year

Max W gave it a10:
This is easily my favorite album of the year. Get it now so you can say that you listened to them when they were just starting.

zipgun zipgun gave it a0:
Boring as hell.Save your money and buy the original bands like Cocteau Twins,Slowdive and others from the High Times of British New Wave.

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Beach House

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