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Morning Phase Image
Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 46 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 212 Ratings

  • Summary: The 12th studio release for the singer-songwriter includes contributions from Jason Falkner, Smokey Hormel, Roger Joseph Manning Jr., Justin Meldal-Johnsen, and Joey Waronker.
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  • Record Label: Capitol
  • Genre(s): Pop/Rock, Adult Alternative Pop/Rock, Alternative/Indie Rock, Alternative Pop/Rock, Indie Rock, Lo-Fi
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Top Track

Morning
Woke up this morning, found a love light in the storm Looked up this morning, saw the roses full of thorns Guns are falling, they don't have nowhere... See the rest of the song lyrics
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 42 out of 46
  2. Negative: 1 out of 46
  1. Mojo
    Feb 12, 2014
    100
    It's reassuring that Beck Hansen can still pull an original record as substantive and absorbing as this one out of the hat. [Mar 2014, p.86]
  2. Feb 18, 2014
    90
    Beck proves once again here that he’s a tremendously versatile artist, capable of excelling throughout the musical spectrum.
  3. Feb 12, 2014
    80
    Morning Phase is a terrific mood piece and a worthy follow-up, even if in spirit only, to Sea Change; it lacks the gripping unease of that album, but replaces it capably with genuine warmth and a sunnier outlook.
  4. Feb 19, 2014
    80
    It might share some sonic similarities [to Sea Change], but it's an altogether brighter beast, built by an older, wiser soul who seems to have been taking a few years to work out exactly where he wants to be as an artist.
  5. Mar 6, 2014
    80
    There’s an eerie blandness to the mood that is initially off-putting but turns into a surprisingly compelling, subtly evocative combination of sadness and contentedness.
  6. Feb 25, 2014
    75
    True to his transformer's nature, the sequel is better than the original.
  7. Feb 24, 2014
    30
    So, largely unimaginative arrangements, flat delivery, a surfeit of vague ecological metaphors that wash like spray on the rocks (you can have that one for free, Mr. Hansen), and a lack of any sense of connection, of need, of reality.

See all 46 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 37
  2. Negative: 3 out of 37
  1. 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. Expand
  2. Feb 21, 2015
    10
    Though the gestation of this album has taken some time, I have emerged beyond my distaste for what might or might not be his Scientology, toThough the gestation of this album has taken some time, I have emerged beyond my distaste for what might or might not be his Scientology, to realize that Beck Hansen has recorded an album of most to almost all of perfection. I have been so thoroughly pleased with Sea Change that any challenger from Beck has had some difficulty for me, mostly with Modern Guilt, which I completely did not get (understand), until I bought another copy having thrown out the first. Though Modern Guilt and Morning Phase may require some study of the lyrics to acquaint oneself with their genius. both are submissions of the highest order, with Morning Phase besting the other by just a hair or two. Expand
  3. Apr 24, 2014
    9
    Some reviewers have criticized this album for being too one-note. All of the songs are similar in terms of tempo. However, on his albums BeckSome reviewers have criticized this album for being too one-note. All of the songs are similar in terms of tempo. However, on his albums Beck more often than not draws from a variety of different genres / sub-genres and influences, and Morning Phase is no different. Each song differentiates itself in terms of sub-genre and influence from a musical predecessor (notably Nick Drake and Simon & Garfunkel). I find this album to be a more satisfying listening experience than Sea Change because of this variety. In addition, Beck's songwriting is incredibly ingenious (as always). The album's songs are emotionally compelling, lush, poignant, and breathtaking. Even if you didn't completely enjoy Sea Change, give Morning Phase a chance; it's quiet, brooding, emotional psychedelic folk, country, and rock will enthrall and enrapture you. Expand
  4. Mar 2, 2015
    8
    A Collection of music that in the right moment could take you out of this world. The sound of the music and the voice of the singer areA Collection of music that in the right moment could take you out of this world. The sound of the music and the voice of the singer are somehow liberating. It's a wonderful journey through some kind of dream where beck is the pilot. Expand
  5. Jun 12, 2020
    7
    He is so underrated OMG. I feel like more people should listen to this man. This album sounds very fresh and it made me very chill and dreamy.He is so underrated OMG. I feel like more people should listen to this man. This album sounds very fresh and it made me very chill and dreamy. And I can'[t believe that Beck really wrote and produced this album all by himself. Beck is a very talented musician. Expand
  6. 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. Expand
  7. Jul 29, 2014
    1
    Ho-Hum. Rock and Roll it isn't. The darling of professional music critics and fans of wimpy music. LOSER was the only song he ever did thatHo-Hum. Rock and Roll it isn't. The darling of professional music critics and fans of wimpy music. LOSER was the only song he ever did that I enjoyed. When I listened to his later stuff, it was like taking a sleeping pill. I'm a fan of rock and roll. I don't know what Beck is, but he's definitely not a rocker. If he puts out a good metal album, I'll be impressed. Until then, he's just such a bore. A likable little artsy guy, but for people who love to lie around looking at clouds and falling asleep. I would be willing to bet that heroin addicts love his music. Because they love being put to sleep. But I'll give him credit. He made the sales to allow him to indulge himself in whatever he wants. Which will probably be making boring music for the rest of his life. Collapse

See all 37 User Reviews

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