Out of Season
by Beth Gibbons & Rustin Man
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 26 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 26
  3. Negative: 2 out of 26

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  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 fruitful collaboration. Out of Season will never become irrelevant, it’s still growing.
  2. HeikkiH
    Sep 27, 2005
    10
    Truly amazing.
  3. JulieD
    Oct 10, 2004
    9
    Sublime!
  4. 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 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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 great voice though.
  7. ChicoM
    Jan 4, 2003
    10
    In Out of Season, Beth Gibbons doesn't forget her Portishead-roots with the stirring ambient sounds of the album's closer, "Rustin' Man." But she definitely proves she can carry an album all on her own with the voice of a siren. Tracks like "Romance," "Drake," and "Mysteries" reaffirm how effectively she undergoes vocal transformations to give each song its distinct voice. In Out of Season, Beth Gibbons doesn't forget her Portishead-roots with the stirring ambient sounds of the album's closer, "Rustin' Man." But she definitely proves she can carry an album all on her own with the voice of a siren. Tracks like "Romance," "Drake," and "Mysteries" reaffirm how effectively she undergoes vocal transformations to give each song its distinct voice. Definitely one of the best albums released in 2002, and a perfect album to dig while Portishead fans await their soon-to-be released album.… Expand
  8. 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 another - - yet every track has something incredible to offer your ears. One of the very best records of the year.

Awards & Rankings

51
#51 Best Album of 2003

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
83

Universal acclaim - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. The Wire
    70
    Some of Out Of Season's lyrics are almost too impossibly idealistic and airy fairy to carry off. [#226, p.54]
  2. Neumu.net
    80
    On Out of Season, Gibbons' voice takes the spotlight. There's a quivery sound, similar to Billie Holiday's, which gets lost amid Portishead's stops and starts.
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  3. Amazon.com
    90
    Out of Season creates a dreamily sinister otherworld that's both vintage and timeless. [Amazon UK review]
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