Depression Cherry
by Beach House
  • Record Label: Sub Pop
  • Release Date: Aug 28, 2015
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 34 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 34
  3. Negative: 0 out of 34
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  1. DIY Magazine
    Aug 28, 2015
    60
    They’ve taken the strengths of ‘Teen Dream’ and ‘Bloom’--reaching pop highs with ease--before being deceptive like it’s some kind of game. It’s not unfamiliar in the good sense, and it’s an odd outlier in an otherwise brilliant back-catalogue.
  2. PopMatters
    Aug 24, 2015
    60
    Some minor, targeted deviation from the formula would have pushed Depression Cherry to an unprecedented level of novelty for the band, but as it stands, the record falls into a creeping, achromatic daze far more ambitious than it is visionary.
  3. The Observer (UK)
    Aug 24, 2015
    60
    If you are not in the mood, it can all turn into non-specific pastels. If you’re in need of succour, Beach House do a convincing line in sunshine during rain.
  5. Slant Magazine
    Aug 11, 2015
    60
    Depression Cherry's flabby midsection finds Beach House similarly situated: treading repeatedly over the same ground, yielding diminishing returns.
  6. Q Magazine
    Aug 6, 2015
    60
    It takes time to reveal its charms and does sag towards the end, but Depression Cherry is a great example of a band hanging on to their trademark sound and managing to create something fresh with it. [Sep 2015, p.111]
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  7. Mojo
    Aug 6, 2015
    60
    They can't always resist their old ways, as autumn processional PPP shows, but Legrand's vocals feel sweeter and closer. [Sep 2015, p.87]
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  8. Consequence
    Aug 19, 2015
    58
    Maybe the best thing about dreams are the surprises we find there, that there is risk involved for it all to turn bad without much notice. Depression Cherry lacks these stakes, and the result is a dream that’s hard to remember once you’re outside of it.
  9. Chicago Tribune
    Aug 24, 2015
    50
    Many of the songs address the notion of transition and change, of leaving one part of life behind and moving into another, and Depression Cherry sounds like the work of a tentative band working through its own transition, unsure of its next move.
  10. New Musical Express (NME)
    Aug 19, 2015
    50
    It’s difficult to share the singer's awe when the musical backdrop sounds so tired.

Awards & Rankings

51
#51 Most Discussed Album of 2015
69
#69 Most Shared Album of 2015

User Reviews

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User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 179 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 163 out of 179
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 179
  3. Negative: 4 out of 179
  1. yesiamindeedjef
    Aug 28, 2015
    9
    This album is the cool, velvety pillow into which you thrust into your tear-stained face after a breakup, a divorce, or the death of a lovedThis album is the cool, velvety pillow into which you thrust into your tear-stained face after a breakup, a divorce, or the death of a loved one. It is safety, it is warmth, it is comfort, it is reassurance. You can tell by the way Victoria Legrand sighs her simple, poetic lyrics, and by the way the soft synths envelop you like warm water, easing your muscles and your conscience into a state of relaxation. Critics of this album can't seem to come to a consensus: some say it's too similar to their earlier work, others say it's too different. I say it doesn't matter. Take the album on its own terms and it is both a worthy piece of art and a comforting, safe little nook for those who need it.… Full Review »
  2. svohljott
    Aug 28, 2015
    10
    stunning album, their best to date. every song takes its right place on track list, every triad of songs forms a statement: build up is aboutstunning album, their best to date. every song takes its right place on track list, every triad of songs forms a statement: build up is about mysterious, mythological place - haunting, you'd about to return to; core is emotional climax, songs about progression of time and about time itself; and coda - songs that soothe your mind and make you feel. totally, album creates around your mind an aura of that strange feeling the band called "depression cherry" - almost sadness, almost bloody - but just a time of your life, that you'll easil break through. if you listen it, than you'd understand.… Full Review »
  3. ndwelp
    Aug 29, 2015
    9
    Though it may not be as anthemic and polished as their two previous efforts, Depression Cherry instead presents an even more intimate andThough it may not be as anthemic and polished as their two previous efforts, Depression Cherry instead presents an even more intimate and personal Beach House that takes hold of your soul from start to finish. With such stunning tracks like "Space Song" and "PPP", Scally and Legrand once again demonstrate their mystical yet seemingly effortless ability to sweep listeners off their feet and into the clouds.… Full Review »
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