• Record Label: Militia
  • Release Date: Feb 20, 2007
Metascore
52

Mixed or average reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 13
  2. Negative: 2 out of 13
  1. Cunniff has never sounded more joyful as a singer or writer as she does here.
  2. Where Jackson occasionally seemed as if they were in a rush to jam as many styles into their sound as possible, Cunniff digs deeper into her idiosyncrasies, creating music that feels unhurried and flows easily.
  3. Billboard
    70
    A delightfully breezy and refreshingly hopeful chill-out solo disc. [24 Feb 2007]
  4. Entertainment Weekly
    67
    Sadly, her lyrics slide into threadbare banalities. [23 Feb 2007, p.98]
  5. She’s still plenty capable of bringing the funk when she plays to her strengths. Unfortunately, she only does so for half of City Beach, relegating her solo debut to little more than a curiosity for the Luscious Jackson hardcore.
  6. Spin
    50
    There's charm in its corniness. [Feb 2007, p.82]
  7. Much of City Beach is sort of bland and a little corny.
  8. Alternative Press
    40
    Too many songs rely on sappy love-song cliches, bland arrangements or saccharine lyrics. [Mar 2007, p.135]
  9. If I didn't know better, I'd swear Jill Cunniff had crawled under a rock and refused to listen to any music since her old band, Luscious Jackson, split in 99.
  10. Under The Radar
    40
    A mostly dull record of disco-lite. [#17, p.98]
  11. Even the better tracks fall a little flat.
  12. I admire Cunniff's attempt to create positive, breezy music. I just wish it were better.
  13. The music sounds less and less related to Cunniff’s roots, more and more similar to a slew of interchangeable soft-pop songs, of the type you’re likely to hear in a doctor’s office or a grocery store.
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 7 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 7
  3. Negative: 1 out of 7
  1. Sep 7, 2021
    10
    I love Luscious Jackson and this solo album from one of the founders of LJ is amazing. It makes you feel warm listening to the album on a coldI love Luscious Jackson and this solo album from one of the founders of LJ is amazing. It makes you feel warm listening to the album on a cold winter day. If you are feeling a bit stressed, this album relaxes you. Groovy, summer vibes. Highly recommend this album. Full Review »
  2. May 25, 2013
    1
    Simple music, simple lyrics, indie music? no, i don't think so, maybe pop easy listening, come on... I don't recommend this album. How is itSimple music, simple lyrics, indie music? no, i don't think so, maybe pop easy listening, come on... I don't recommend this album. How is it possible to rank it with a 10???? Full Review »
  3. GinaK
    Sep 5, 2007
    10
    Perfect album. Sweet and lovely.