Lovely Creatures: The Best of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, 1984-2014 [Box Set]
by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
  • Record Label: Mute
  • Release Date: May 5, 2017
Metascore
95

Universal acclaim - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
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  1. The Telegraph (UK)
    May 11, 2017
    100
    If you were enchanted by Skeleton Tree’s other-worldly sadness, Lovely Creatures offers an extraordinary illustration of Cave’s restless creativity. It leaves you relishing the possibility that the best is still to come.
  2. Mojo
    May 10, 2017
    100
    A grand sweep of material that shows their evolutionary flights and remarkable consistency. [Jun 2017, p.98]
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  3. The Independent (UK)
    May 10, 2017
    100
    So although Cave’s adept grasp of vocal expression, from aching melancholy to erupting hysteria, guides the narratives of these songs, this is not simply a singer backed by a band, it’s a unit striving for collective expression, by whatever means possible.
  5. Magnet
    May 18, 2017
    90
    This collection wraps its three decades' worth of maudlin magic in one neat black bow. [No.142, p.51]
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  6. Uncut
    May 10, 2017
    90
    This collection makes clear that there are still many more stories to tell, more beauty and evil left to uncover. [Jun 2017, p.40]
  7. AllMusic
    May 10, 2017
    90
    While the lack of unreleased material might make it superfluous for serious fans, this remains a splendid summation of the work of a major artist who continues to create deeply personal, profoundly moving music.
  8. Clash Music
    May 10, 2017
    90
    Compiled by Nick Cave and founding member Mick Harvey, the three-disc editions offer 45 tracks to explore the thrilling journey of one of the planet’s most uncompromising and enigmatic groups. All your standards are here.
  9. Classic Rock Magazine
    May 10, 2017
    90
    These 45 songs on 3CDs comprise the best overview yet of NC&TBS’s unique and evocative voodoo.
  10. Austin Chronicle
    Dec 7, 2017
    89
    It's a sharp look at how a major artist sees his own work, set to a soundtrack that's held up incredibly well.
  11. Austin Chronicle
    Dec 7, 2017
    89
    It's a sharp look at how a major artist sees his own work, set to a soundtrack that's held up incredibly well.
  12. Under The Radar
    May 18, 2017
    85
    This Best Of retrospective only scratches the surface of a storied career but can serve as both a jumping off point for newbies or for hardcore fans to relive the glory days.
  13. Pitchfork
    May 15, 2017
    81
    Lovely Creatures presents the definitive display of these anguished labors and sweet fruits they bore over twenty years--an unmovable feast, immortalized.
  14. Record Collector
    May 10, 2017
    80
    As you’d expect, plucking the most successful songs from their respective albums and reconfiguring them has both an impressive cumulative effect and sets them in a new context. But fans will have all of this music already. The real interest comes with what else is in the package.
  15. Exclaim
    May 10, 2017
    80
    The 45 songs, presented chronologically, exhibit a somewhat expected musical maturing--from the raw piano attack of 1984's "From Her to Eternity" through to 2013's contemplative mantra "Push the Sky Away." ... It's the DVD, which jumps around in time, and includes both professionally shot official concert footage and fuzzy bootleg gems, that's the prize here.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 19 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 19
  3. Negative: 2 out of 19
  1. Ricko
    Aug 6, 2018
    9
    A comprehensive collection from one of the all time greats. The full version of "Beautiful Creatures" is meaty and may be a bit much to takeA comprehensive collection from one of the all time greats. The full version of "Beautiful Creatures" is meaty and may be a bit much to take on in one go for a newcomer. The single disc version is an ideal introduction. Cave has written so many great songs and is such a craftsman that any music lover really ought to own something by him. I would agree to an extent with the school of thought that Cave's work doesn't do itself justice on compilations and the songs should be heard on the album from which they come however some of these songs are so good it doesn't matter what context you hear them its just important that you hear them.… Full Review »
  2. Suttree
    Jun 27, 2017
    10
    An essential collection for both the uninitiated and longtime fans. The music is consistently high caliber with no complacency. Risks areAn essential collection for both the uninitiated and longtime fans. The music is consistently high caliber with no complacency. Risks are taken. The envelope is pushed. For a change of pace from NC&tBS, check out the soundtrack work of Cave and Warren Ellis: The Assassination of Jesse James, The Proposition and The Road are good starting points.… Full Review »
  3. Vahid_91
    May 14, 2017
    10
    Although there aren't some of my favorite songs, this is still a powerful compilation.
    It is the least what you'd expect from a musical    Although there aren't some of my favorite songs, this is still a powerful compilation.
    It is the least what you'd expect from a musical genius.
    Thanks a lot guys!!!    … Full Review »
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