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Modern Guilt
by
Modern Guilt Image
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 32 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 98 Ratings

  • Summary: The 10th album for the Los Angeles artist was produced by Brian "Danger Mouse" Burton.

Top Track

Gamma Ray
If I could to hold hold out for now With these ice caps melting down With the transistor sound And my Chevrolet terraplane Going around around... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 32
  3. Negative: 0 out of 32
  1. The Boston Phoenix
    100
    Modern Guilt is a hot thing of indefinite course.
  2. Dot Music
    80
    Modern Guilt takes that album's insecurity in the face of technology running away with us, to a tightly-written 10 songs that in part seem to focus on what, precisely, we have done to the world; and how on earth are we meant to get back in touch with it?
  3. Under The Radar
    80
    Modern Guilt adds Danger Mouse and Cat Power to Beck's roster of collaborators, with spectacular results. [Fall 2008, p.79]
    All this publication's reviews
  4. Observer Music Monthly
    80
    Beck, at last, is back.
  5. Blender
    70
    Produced by hip-hop head case Danger Mouse, who is half of Gnarls Barkley, Modern Guilt mixes ancient rock--mainly the incense-and-peppermints-flavored ’60s psychedelia of Revolver-era Beatles, the Zombies and Pink Floyd--with the woozy, abstract beats Danger Mouse manages to turn into freaked-out fun.
  6. Drowned In Sound
    70
    It sits alone in his cannon as being slightly uncomfortable but in turn is a brilliantly concise work (it runs to a little over 30 minutes).
  7. NOW Magazine
    40
    Everything moves in linear fashion backwards, with only Danger Mouse’s bold battering saving Beck from a horrifying relapse into dreary Sea Change melancholia.

See all 32 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 40 out of 48
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 48
  3. Negative: 1 out of 48
  1. DC
    Jul 10, 2008
    10
    This is the most precise album he has done since sea change. Beck rocks it with danger mouse flare. Perfect pairing.
  2. Tab
    Sep 28, 2008
    10
    The trick is to let this work of brilliance stand on its own. When album this genuine and passionate happens, recognize what went into it. The trick is to let this work of brilliance stand on its own. When album this genuine and passionate happens, recognize what went into it. That's where you'll find what to get out.… Expand
  4. BradleyH.
    Jul 8, 2008
    9
    Beck sails through a sea of modern mediocrity. Standing along side of NIN, Morrissey, Radiohead and Coldplay who have consistently released Beck sails through a sea of modern mediocrity. Standing along side of NIN, Morrissey, Radiohead and Coldplay who have consistently released albums that other artists could only dream of making, always relevant.… Expand
  5. Armington
    Nov 28, 2010
    9
    What I love about Beck is you never know what his next album is going to sound like. And yet one thing you know is, no matter how different itWhat I love about Beck is you never know what his next album is going to sound like. And yet one thing you know is, no matter how different it might be from his previous efforts, it will still be utterly, brilliantly Beck. No modern musician has been able to tinker and tweak their sound quite like him, whilst still maintaining such a high quality output. This album sees a more toned down, relaxed Beck than his last album 'The Information' and the results are, I think, much better. Very smooth production, with much simple yet compelling arrangements, make these short but sweet tracks positively gleam with a confidence that comes from a master of his craft at the top of his game. Love it!… Expand
  6. JamesB.
    Aug 3, 2008
    8
    Good songwriting with great production!
  7. mhmusicnmovies
    Sep 7, 2010
    8
    Not as much fun as Odelay or The Information, but still an expectedly solid effort from Beck. The album is just good music. You may not findNot as much fun as Odelay or The Information, but still an expectedly solid effort from Beck. The album is just good music. You may not find yourself singing along to many songs, but you won't find yourself skipping any either.… Collapse
  8. FranklinFudge
    Aug 19, 2008
    1
    Beck hasn't made a good album since the 1990s, which is unfortunate, since he was one of the 90s' most reliable indie rockers. Even Beck hasn't made a good album since the 1990s, which is unfortunate, since he was one of the 90s' most reliable indie rockers. Even Danger Mouse couldn't turn his career around, and Danger Mouse has been infallible lately. Stay away.… Expand

See all 48 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

36
#36 Most Discussed Album of 2008
38
#38 Most Shared Album of 2008

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