Hyperspace
by Beck
  • Record Label: Capitol
  • Release Date: Nov 22, 2019
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
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  1. Variety
    Nov 22, 2019
    90
    A joyfully introspective, minimalistic but sophisticated, contagiously melodic, straight-ahead, analog synth-pop record with a fleeting few of old school Beck’s signature touches — a few raps here, some dobro and harmonica there. ... Gorgeous.
  2. DIY Magazine
    Nov 21, 2019
    90
    A pristine collection that’s at once the past’s idea of the future as it is the here and now.
  3. Classic Rock Magazine
    Dec 10, 2019
    80
    The sound of the otherworldly sci-fi R&B that's released when psych country singer-songwriter and a future-pop production legend bond at molecular level. [Jan 2019, p.86]
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  5. musicOMH.com
    Dec 3, 2019
    80
    Not all of the 11 tracks here strike gold, but they glitter and glow with positivity.
  6. Rolling Stone
    Nov 26, 2019
    80
    For all of his vigor for partnership, is a solitary classicist, a singer-songwriter wrestling with the dynamics of desire and emotional commitment. Hyperspace is grounded in that realism.
  7. The Observer (UK)
    Nov 25, 2019
    80
    Once the lyrical sorrow and apocalyptic visions hit home, Hyperspace is revealed as a bleak, spacey R&B tour de force.
  8. Clash Music
    Nov 25, 2019
    80
    Overall, it's a glittering, multi-sensory synth-pop record that compels you to let yourself be transported through cosmic dimensions and the rich, textured under-layers of Beck’s creative psyche.
  9. Mojo
    Nov 21, 2019
    80
    The combination of shimmering sonics and dislocated characters is what makes Hyperspace so holistic, and compelling. [Jan 2020, p.83]
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  10. New Musical Express (NME)
    Nov 21, 2019
    80
    There are a few early misfires here, but they are rescued by a stunning second half on which Beck’s trademark sound is stripped back and drenched in a glistening synth-filled air that takes him into a daring new era.
  11. Q Magazine
    Nov 19, 2019
    80
    For such a heavenly record, an all-star cast makes perfect sense. [Jan 2020, p.108]
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  12. Uncut
    Nov 19, 2019
    80
    Hyperspace never feels over calculated or overdressed. Instead, it's the work of an artist who sounds fully re-engaged. [Jan 2020, p.20]
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  13. The A.V. Club
    Nov 25, 2019
    75
    Overall, in spite of its goofy throwback artwork and the presence of Pharrell Williams, Hyperspace belongs on the shelf closest to Sea Change. There are more clunkers here than on that classic, but it feels similarly honest and world-weary.
  14. The Line of Best Fit
    Nov 25, 2019
    75
    While there’s no memorable poppy chorus here, or lush, full-band arrangements, or zany quirkiness, Hyperspace is nevertheless totally Beck: an experiment in broadening his own horizons, trying something new, which yet again just so happens to sound quite refreshing. It’s a worthy addition to this musical chameleon’s catalogue.
  15. AllMusic
    Nov 21, 2019
    70
    Beck never lingers upon either his melancholy or his celestial flights of fantasy: they exist simultaneously, resulting in a tremulous and pretty soundtrack for moments of fleeting introspection.
  16. Exclaim
    Nov 19, 2019
    70
    It's a beautifully understated album with subtleties that reveal themselves on repeat listens. Hyperspace isn't quite what fans would expect from a team-up between Beck and the guy who wrote "Happy," and it's better for it.
  17. Paste Magazine
    Nov 22, 2019
    67
    When he strips everything else away and zeroes in on penning a purely gorgeous song, you can hear the spark that has made him one of the most consistent and creative mainstream artists of the past 25 years. It’s still in there, sometimes you just have to travel through Hyperspace to find it.
  18. Consequence
    Nov 19, 2019
    67
    Although Hyperspace can be dull at certain moments, Beck has discovered a new songwriting style that’s conducive to his adventurous tendencies.
  19. Pitchfork
    Dec 3, 2019
    65
    Sometimes he hits pure signal, and sometimes it’s just background noise as he gets to wherever he’s going next.
  20. Under The Radar
    Nov 22, 2019
    65
    Co-produced with Pharrell Williams, Hyperspace leans into Beck's hip-hop fascinations, this time trading the soul samples of his past for mellow SoundCloud rap trends of the 2010s.
  21. The Guardian
    Nov 22, 2019
    60
    It’s just about enough to keep you browsing, but never enough to inspire.
  22. The Independent (UK)
    Nov 19, 2019
    60
    While these are enjoyable enough tracks to soundtrack your day, there’s little of the lasting emotion or progression for which we know Beck.
  23. Slant Magazine
    Nov 21, 2019
    50
    Beck’s 2006 album The Information is a better example of his unrivaled funhouse approach to style and tone: By blending techno, folk, punk, hip-hop, Krautrock, blues, ambient, and groove-oriented rock, that album is by turns strange, aggressive, hilarious, disturbing, eerie, and fun, all while expressing wry dismay over our current cyber-Armageddon. In comparison, and for all its apparent now-ness, Hyperspace feels inconsequential and incomplete.

Awards & Rankings

79
#79 Most Discussed Album of 2019

User Reviews

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User Score
6.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 51 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 51
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 51
  3. Negative: 7 out of 51
  1. kodyk
    Mar 22, 2021
    10
    This is something new. I didn’t expect to get so much energy from space. With every song you plunge into this atmosphere.
    There are no songs    This is something new. I didn’t expect to get so much energy from space. With every song you plunge into this atmosphere.
    There are no songs that stand out, which speaks of the real integrity of the album. Well, the sound effects are just wow.    … Full Review »
  2. frankrog29
    Dec 7, 2019
    8
    I would give Hyperspace an 8.5/10. On his new album, Beck takes the R&B, trap-influenced pop, and 80s pop genres, all of which he has dabbledI would give Hyperspace an 8.5/10. On his new album, Beck takes the R&B, trap-influenced pop, and 80s pop genres, all of which he has dabbled in before, and turns them up to 10. He does cover some new ground, such as chillwave. As always, Beck’s songwriting is magnificent; the album contains some of his best songs since Morning Phase (see “See Through,” “Hyperspace,” and “Star”). The sounds are ethereal and beautiful, yet melancholy. The lyrics are often quite bleak, examining the dark sides of interpersonal relationships, society, and existence. Fans will recognize this grim tone from some of the singer/songwriter’s previous albums, such as The Information and Modern Guilt. The retro, otherworldly, 80s/chillwave synthesizers create the impression of being in a dream which might turn out to be a nightmare or watching a dystopian science fiction movie. My main criticism of the album is that the first half, though good, is not as strong as the second half, which is amazing. If Beck had placed more robust songs on the first half of Hyperspace or made the album more consistent and cohesive front-to-back, then perhaps it would have been a classic, rather than just another great album from the artist.… Full Review »
  3. Gammaradiator
    Nov 24, 2019
    9
    Excellent album. Picks up where Colors left off. Nice mix of electronic and genres/themes Beck has been working in for his entire career.Excellent album. Picks up where Colors left off. Nice mix of electronic and genres/themes Beck has been working in for his entire career. Lyrics are reflective, mature and emotionally resonant… Full Review »
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