Beyond the Pale
by Jarv Is...
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 21 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 21
  3. Negative: 1 out of 21
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  1. NormanAlee
    Jul 23, 2020
    10
    Cant understand so low ratings from users. Melodies distinctly differs from 98% mainstream albums, reminds me a lot of 80s songwriting and east European folk
  2. Ricko
    Jan 7, 2021
    9
    I have to say I loved Jarvis Cocker's first 2 solo albums. For me they confirmed him as one of the great British songwriters of the last 30 years or so and I still think they are underrated albums. The Pulp reunion interrupted his run of solo material and I didn't listen to the "Room 29" collaboration (yet). Here we are in 2020 and here comes the Jarv with cracking new material and moreI have to say I loved Jarvis Cocker's first 2 solo albums. For me they confirmed him as one of the great British songwriters of the last 30 years or so and I still think they are underrated albums. The Pulp reunion interrupted his run of solo material and I didn't listen to the "Room 29" collaboration (yet). Here we are in 2020 and here comes the Jarv with cracking new material and more importantly, a new band of collaborators. As much as I liked "The Jarvis Cocker Record" and "Further Complications", "Beyond the Pale" is the closest he has come to his halycon Pulp days. As a lyricist Jarvis Cocker is out on his own in terms of style, humour and intelligence. He's always had good melodies backing his humourous social commentaries but this album is a glorious 40 minute art pop romp. It has twists and turns throughout, has the experimental feel of an art house jamming session and has all the quirks of Pulp at their finest. In "House Music All Night Long", the album contains an unintentional anthem for the year 2020. Different Class, as always.… Expand
  3. JLuis_001
    Jul 25, 2020
    7
    Although I have always considered Jarvis Cocker to be overrated, this album is slow but solid.
    Nothing exceptional but I reiterate; solid.
  4. IgorSiberia
    Jul 26, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. First, and this is without a doubt, a first-class album with amazing melodic patterns.
    Secondly, it was reminiscent of the best examples of Gavin Friday art. For example, his album "Shag Tobacco". An incredible pleasure.    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

35
#35 Best Album of 2020

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
86

Universal acclaim - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. AllMusic
    Nov 13, 2020
    80
    The result is something of a quiet renaissance for him, proof that he can still weave a compelling, daring blend of trash and high art.
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  2. American Songwriter
    Aug 31, 2020
    70
    None of this breaks musical barriers. Still, Cocker’s assimilation of some obvious influences noted above hits a sweet spot that makes Beyond the Pale, some of which was apparently recorded live then enhanced with overdubs, impressive, often moving and hypnotic. Hopefully he can follow it up faster than the time it took to get here.
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  3. No Ripcord
    Aug 10, 2020
    70
    Despite its slightly misfiring concept, Beyond The Pale remains an enjoyable hour spent inside the world of one of Britain’s most revered songwriters—even if you're never quite sure what your host was meant to be showing you.
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