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Out of Season
by
Out of Season Image
Metascore
83

Universal acclaim - based on 21 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 26 Ratings

  • Summary: The first solo outing for Portishead's Beth Gibbons finds her teaming up with former Talk Talk bassist Paul "Rustin' Man" Webb on a largely acoustic, melodic collection of 10 tracks.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. Mojo
    100
    It's among the best albums ever made. [Nov 2002, p.92]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. Stylus Magazine
    91
    Out Of Season is both a remarkable record of beautiful music, and an outstanding, awe-inspiring performance inducing near-irresistible feelings and sensations. This album is a sublime example of the art of the singer, and of the art of music.
  3. AllMusic
    90
    The icing on the cake is in the little details.
  4. Spin
    83
    It's a set of torch songs to do Nico proud--some folkie, some neo-soul, all darker than your closet at midnight. [Oct 2003, p.113]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. Q Magazine
    80
    Another like this and people will struggle to remember she was ever in another band. [Dec 2002, p.98]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. Almost Cool
    73
    While it indeed works wonders in most places, it stumbles in a few, crossing over into an almost sickenly sweet radio-friendly territory that make me doubly wish for new Portishead material.
  7. Pitchfork
    57
    Replace crackling vinyl and subwoofer bass with somber piano and mournful cello, and all you're left with is... well, a pretty goddamn miserable woman who happens to have a great voice.

See all 21 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. GunnarW
    Feb 20, 2021
    10
    Next year will mark the 20 year anniversary for this album of sheer beauty. Beth Gibbons and Paul Webb found each other in a most fruitfulNext year will mark the 20 year anniversary for this album of sheer beauty. Beth Gibbons and Paul Webb found each other in a most fruitful collaboration. Out of Season will never become irrelevant, it’s still growing.… Expand
  2. RexA
    Jun 27, 2003
    10
    One of the BEST albums to come along in the last 10 years. Moving yet subtle.. in one word Amazing.
  4. Trevor
    Dec 14, 2002
    10
    Absolutely gorgeous. Beth's voice ranges from Bille Holliday's to Janis Joplin's all in one recording. No song sounds like Absolutely gorgeous. Beth's voice ranges from Bille Holliday's to Janis Joplin's all in one recording. No song sounds like another - - yet every track has something incredible to offer your ears. One of the very best records of the year.… Expand
  5. HeikkiH
    Sep 27, 2005
    10
    Truly amazing.
  6. JulieD
    Oct 10, 2004
    9
    Sublime!
  7. TylerG
    Jan 7, 2003
    5
    it's very good, depressing music. get drunk and high alone and let this directionless music steer you into oblivion. she does have a it's very good, depressing music. get drunk and high alone and let this directionless music steer you into oblivion. she does have a great voice though.… Expand
  8. crushc
    Dec 11, 2003
    5
    while undoubtedly more listenable than most things released in the US this fall, out of season is nonetheless dull. stripped of all while undoubtedly more listenable than most things released in the US this fall, out of season is nonetheless dull. stripped of all production, gibbon's songwriting falls flat and the songs lack vitality. she handles her voice well, but the record really just fades into the background. none of the album sticks with me, despite repeated, dedicated listenings.… Expand

See all 8 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

51
#51 Best Album of 2003

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