User ratings in Music are temporarily disabled. More info
  • Record Label:
  • Release Date:
Devotion Image
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 29 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 91 Ratings

  • Summary: The sophomore album for the Baltimore-based indie-rock duo.

Top Track

Heart of Chambers
In your heart of chambers Where you sit With your picture books And your ancient wit In that nook I found you So old and tired Would you be the one... See the rest of the song lyrics
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 29
  2. Negative: 1 out of 29
  1. Beach House have created as profound an invocation of the sacred and the sentimental as you’re ever likely to hear.
  2. 84
    Slide guitars and steel drums seduce the listener into a world of gentle pain, making for a sophomore album that is, like its predecessor, a beautiful collection of songs and images seemingly constructed upon repulsion and ennui.
  3. This tandem of dream pop has crafted a beautiful, spectral and memorable album with Devotion.
  4. Beach House’s revamped sound may disappoint shoegazers upon first listen, but the band’s newfound command of melody, fuller instrumentation, and excellent pacing make Devotion a better record altogether.
  5. Devotion has that same opiated warmth that left me lying in a bed of rose petals for long stretches last year, and though I would have preferred a bigger growth spurt from the Baltimore duo, they shot up at least enough to warrant a new pencil mark a half-inch/inch above where I placed them in ‘06.
  6. Devotion is a delicate, often gorgeous listen that flows remarkably well, though I can’t help but attribute its coherence to the utter lack of variation among its eleven songs.
  7. Rather than fading into you, they're content to simply fade away.

See all 29 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 16
  2. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. PeterL.
    Mar 9, 2008
    10
    Let me clear this up: there WILL be people who hate this album. It's not for everyone- impatient listeners on the first listen might Let me clear this up: there WILL be people who hate this album. It's not for everyone- impatient listeners on the first listen might find it boring or think that the songs all blend together. Still, though, I strongly recommend listening to any samples or MP3s you can find and judging for yourself. Even if you don't love it the first time, if the first listen makes you just a little curious, you should pick it up because in time it will be worth your while. These songs, like with their first album, grow on you and slip into your subconscious. An amazingly beautiful album. Expand
  2. BrendanD
    Aug 11, 2008
    10
    This is just a gorgeous album to listen to on the beach on a cloudy day. Really. That sounds like it should be to its detriment, but This is just a gorgeous album to listen to on the beach on a cloudy day. Really. That sounds like it should be to its detriment, but it's not at all. This is one long mood piece, and it's for a very specific setting (don't, for instance, listen to this on a sunny day if you're looking to feel all Beach-Boys-y happy). But the harmonies are glorious, and the music is as beautiful as anything you're likely to hear this year. Expand
  3. Aug 10, 2015
    10
    Without a doubt the best album Beach House has produced to date, and probably one of the best albums I've ever heard. There's somethingWithout a doubt the best album Beach House has produced to date, and probably one of the best albums I've ever heard. There's something personal and beautiful about this album that, though catchy and charming, Teen Dream and Bloom can't compare to. Expand
  4. JeremyF.
    Mar 16, 2008
    9
    Beach House's debut was a nice little offering, but it failed to sound utterly complete. And now we have the follow up, Devotion, which Beach House's debut was a nice little offering, but it failed to sound utterly complete. And now we have the follow up, Devotion, which does a good job of outdoing their debut in all ways. Lyrically, musically, and even the production is crisper. Whether it's soaring through the brilliant opener "Wedding Bell" or shining in the mist on the delicately beautiful "Turtle Island," Beach House are officially a force to be reckoned with. "Gila" stands out as the best track here, with brilliant "oh oh oh" refrains and hooky guitar lines. "You Came to Me" wallows in a dark cubicle, while "Heart Of Chambers" (one of the other highlights) bursts through with the best vocal line of the record. "All the Years" has a perfect melody and "Astronaut" is an airy, tender lullaby. The only misstep is "Holy Dances," which fails to impress me much, especially when wedged between two fantastic songs. Their version of "Some Things Last a Long Time" is brilliant in its smallness, making a short 6 lines feel so full and complete. And the ending note "Home Again" is a masterwork of a closer, leaving us with a soft bang. Devotion is a brilliant record, and it only makes me await the next advances in this wonderful dream pop duo's career. Expand
  5. AdamB.
    Feb 29, 2008
    8
    I can see why some music critics would be hung up on the fact that the songs on Devotion can be lumped in with the 2006 self titled release. I can see why some music critics would be hung up on the fact that the songs on Devotion can be lumped in with the 2006 self titled release. I've found the more you listen to this record the more you realize the growth of both members. Victoria Legrand's vocals appear to have gained range and confidence while Alex Scally's instrumentation adds so many key elements to the heart of the album. Plus, the cover of Daniel Johnston "Some Things Last a Long Time" is incredibly sincere and gives the song a new voice. Expand
  6. Jason
    May 4, 2008
    7
    Nice follow-up.......however their debut is much better.
  7. Jan 28, 2013
    5
    Their sophomore record is just as odd as their self-titled debut. While songs like Turtle Island or All The Years are very chilling andTheir sophomore record is just as odd as their self-titled debut. While songs like Turtle Island or All The Years are very chilling and beautiful, they ruin it (at least in my eyes) with queer ballads like D.A.R.L.I.N.G. or Gila. The lyrics are full with metaphors which takes a nice effect on the listener, yet can't change the fact that Devotion is a extremely strange album. Expand

See all 16 User Reviews