Morning Phase
by Beck
  • Record Label: Capitol
  • Release Date: Feb 25, 2014
Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 46 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 42 out of 46
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 46
  3. Negative: 1 out of 46
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  1. PopMatters
    Feb 24, 2014
    60
    Morning Phase very much burns low, differing from Sea Change in notable ways while at the exact same time robbing that album of so many textures, ideas, and poses that Beck’s own claims of this disc not being a sequel to Sea Change prove to be downright laughable.
  2. The Observer (UK)
    Feb 24, 2014
    60
    So: slow going. It is emphatically not a record for people in a hurry. And all this dawning can feel a little like groundhog day if you're not in the mood to receive this rich album's central idea: that your load will probably become easier to bear when there is some light on the path ahead.
  3. Sputnikmusic
    Feb 20, 2014
    60
    At the end of things, Morning Phase remains exceedingly lovely but disappointedly insubstantial; not a sea change at all, but just another passing phase in a career that’s made a specialty of them.

Awards & Rankings

89
#89 Best Album of 2014
35
#35 Most Discussed Album of 2014
34
#34 Most Shared Album of 2014

User Reviews

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User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 212 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 180 out of 212
  2. Mixed: 22 out of 212
  3. Negative: 10 out of 212
  1. alpineinc
    Feb 26, 2014
    9
    Derivative, but so what? Beck's already told us this is a "companion piece" to Sea Change, and hipster outposts like Pitchfork are wonderingDerivative, but so what? Beck's already told us this is a "companion piece" to Sea Change, and hipster outposts like Pitchfork are wondering why this isn't genre-bending or outside-of-the-box (read: okay to name-drop yet barely listenable). A lush, timeless album devoid of wise-ass humor and pretense, and a welcome respite from the aural assault of modern life. An album that will start many of my days and wind down my nights this year.… Full Review »
  2. dwindleman
    Feb 26, 2014
    10
    This album really grew on me over the course of a few listens. So much so, that I find that it has become my favorite beck album since seaThis album really grew on me over the course of a few listens. So much so, that I find that it has become my favorite beck album since sea change. I found it more interesting than sea change as well.… Full Review »
  3. normankant
    Jun 9, 2015
    6
    Let's make clear one thing: this album didn't deserved the Grammy for Best Album (neither any of the other records nominated). It is anyway aLet's make clear one thing: this album didn't deserved the Grammy for Best Album (neither any of the other records nominated). It is anyway a good album, full of nice melodies and with some great moments. Nothing special anyway, it deserves just a sufficiency and its main problem is that it's overproduced and still meant to be an intimate and folk record.… Full Review »
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