Morph The Cat
by Donald Fagen
  • Record Label: Reprise
  • Release Date: Mar 14, 2006
Metascore
83

Universal acclaim - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. Mojo
    60
    The joy of Steely Dan's early albums was that their superior playing, production and craftsmanship was vibrantly energetic, spiced with rollercoaster twists and turns, and deeply sardonic lyrics... Fagen now lacks those vital extra elements, leaving just craftsmanship with no spark. [Apr 2006, p.104]
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  2. E! Online
    58
    Ultimately, it's hard to shake the feeling that something is missing.
  3. Stylus Magazine
    58
    Morph the Cat is too complacent, too enamored with its own lacquered contours.

Awards & Rankings

32
#32 Best Album of 2006
97
#97 Most Discussed Album of 2006
55
#55 Most Shared Album of 2006

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 45 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 37 out of 45
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 45
  3. Negative: 6 out of 45
  1. SteelyDanFan
    May 28, 2017
    0
    As a Steely Dan and Donald **** fan I am extremely disappointed. This album is one of the worst that I've had to sit through, with only 2 goodAs a Steely Dan and Donald **** fan I am extremely disappointed. This album is one of the worst that I've had to sit through, with only 2 good songs and 1 mediocre song out of 9.
    In this album **** has seemed to lose his unique singing voice and taste for instrumentals and good lyrics and sticks to....... lord know what.
    H-Gang and What I do are the highlights of this album, Mary Shut the Garden Door is alright too. The rest are terrible and tasteless. Morph the Cat sounds like the theme to a crummy sitcom from the 90's, and the rest are so forgettable I can't recollect what their names even are!
    And here's the creme de la crap,**** thought Morph the Cat was so good, that he should have a reprise of it on the album. Yes, that's right, they put a reprise of the first song in the album! Who in their right minds thought that was a good idea? Maybe if this was in concert or the soundtrack to a movie it would make sense, but this isn't either of those!    … Full Review »
  2. Vinylmasters
    Jan 2, 2012
    10
    We all should understand that music is a totally subjective experience as is a "good wine" or a great movie. That being said, I am a bitWe all should understand that music is a totally subjective experience as is a "good wine" or a great movie. That being said, I am a bit perplexed that Mack would make such bold statements and references. Steely Dan/Donald **** and Walter Becker have truly evolved. Listen to the sound changes over the years and the past three decades have been more of a polishing of a sound that is proven, secure and dynamic. I may be a huge fan but I also appreciate the depth and soul of what I consider to be one of the most important musical influences since James Brown - "on the one beat - smile! One should comment on what they understand rather than be critical of that which they do not!… Full Review »
  3. JasonK
    Jul 9, 2007
    10
    Unquestionably my favorite album in several years, it combines unparalleled musical craft with some of the most current and vital lyrics Unquestionably my favorite album in several years, it combines unparalleled musical craft with some of the most current and vital lyrics penned post 9-11. If you are lucky enough to own a decent turntable get the vinyl version. It's my "watch their jaw drop" album when I'm proving how much better records sound than CD's. This album grew and grew on me after repeated listens and if you've forgotten what great music and stunning production sounds like with all the lo-fi minimalist garbage floating around this will be the antidote. Well done Donald.… Full Review »
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