Black is Beautiful
by Hype Williams
  • Record Label: Hyperdub
  • Release Date: Apr 17, 2012
User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 5 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5

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  1. shinycrapyboy
    Jun 11, 2012
    8
    the album is a weird collection of great lo-fi tracks. Maybe more interesting than their predecesor hyped "One nation" or other artists of the hypnagogic pop scene who have been praised like gods on very influencial music web sites. It begins with a cacophonic free jazz introduction. Then the too short untitled tracks. Sometimes it sounds funky, sometimes like very short & cheap interludesthe album is a weird collection of great lo-fi tracks. Maybe more interesting than their predecesor hyped "One nation" or other artists of the hypnagogic pop scene who have been praised like gods on very influencial music web sites. It begins with a cacophonic free jazz introduction. Then the too short untitled tracks. Sometimes it sounds funky, sometimes like very short & cheap interludes of ambient with a soft world music/new age influence. There is a lot of dub & dark vibes. It is a good LP because unique, although the dirty production can be an obstacle, it is not accidental but rather something deliberate . No one is able to create something so experimental without being boring for someone who is not familiar with this gender. A sort of futuristic music for elevators!!! Not the best of 2012 but a must for those who like to discover paralell universes… Expand
  2. analogbrat
    Jul 7, 2013
    10
    The past few years have seen no shortage of inherently weird, out-of-reach music in the electronic sphere, and the group formerly known as Hype Williams make their LP debut on Hyperdub with a doozy of a labyrinth. The sounds of detuned radios in adjacent rooms, woozy female vocals, rough edits, rudely interrupting radio transmissions, whispered nothings and endless Krautrock loops. ItThe past few years have seen no shortage of inherently weird, out-of-reach music in the electronic sphere, and the group formerly known as Hype Williams make their LP debut on Hyperdub with a doozy of a labyrinth. The sounds of detuned radios in adjacent rooms, woozy female vocals, rough edits, rudely interrupting radio transmissions, whispered nothings and endless Krautrock loops. It keeps you at a distance but lets you fully admire the view.… Expand

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
68

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. Q Magazine
    Jun 20, 2012
    60
    Strange, but strangely compelling, too. [Jun 2012, p.97]
  2. Mixmag
    Jun 12, 2012
    80
    Black Is Beautiful is nigh-on indescribable--in a very good way.
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  3. Fact Magazine (UK)
    May 16, 2012
    80
    The result is a collection of intriguing, often beautiful miniatures--gems to be cherished and enjoyed, sonic curiosities that reward repeated listening.
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